Album review: LEAH WAYBRIGHT – Dreamed

Invasion Merch [Release date 17.07.23]

One of the great things about GRTR! as we reflect on our twenty year lifespan is the eclectic nature of our brief. We don’t ever feel compelled to review the latest Jethro Tull or Yes album. Far more interesting might be those albums that appear from lesser known professionals who demand a wider audience. Admittedly some of this is very niche but, I have to say, very satisfying nevertheless.

‘Dreamed’ by piano player Leah Waybright is a case in point. It’s hardly rock, but an instrumental journey that is a melange of good taste, appealing themes and super playing. It’s her first album since 1999′s ‘Beauty Gone Wild’. In her defence she seems to be a very busy lady who also works as a floral artist/lecturer and wildflower conservationist.

Whilst Waybright’s compositional talents and classical training are evident, the journey is pastoral in feel. This is jazz pop chamber music if you will.

Gary Blu’s woodwinds (including sax, flute and clarinet) feature prominently underpinned by Waybright’s piano. At times it invokes a melodious early Van Der Graaf Generator (yes they can be) or Dutch progsters Focus but the music is always engaging.

In addition to Blu (who has worked with Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs), Waybright is joined by Happy The Man’s Stanley Whitaker (guitar) and Rick Kennell (bass, drums) and Trans-Siberian Orchestra violinist Mark Wood on ‘Sunwise’.

The album reminds me of when I raved about Rachel Flowers, another of those talented artists outside the mainstream but happily falling under the GRTR! gaze. ****

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.