Leighton Jones is a pianist, composer, singer/ songwriter and recent graduate from Leeds College of Music (MMus), studying composition and performance under the mentorship of British composer Errollyn Wallen. Encouraged to explore his passion for MT and storytelling, he composed a series of song cycles and short musical vignettes, culminating in his most recent songwriting project as one half of chamber pop duo ‘Beware of Trains’ ‘A combination of opera, The Divine Comedy and John Shuttleworth‘ – Heptonstall Vfest 2020). His previous work highlights include:

In 2009 Leighton formed folk-noir quartet ‘The Dead Man’s Waltz‘ for his fourth collaborative studio album release. The haunting and darkly romantic tales of the DMW ‘fuse Weimar Cabaret, the accordion of Yann Tiersen and theatriality of Beirut and Bellowhead‘ (The Herald) combining experimental music, spoken word and film performances, showcasing at Glasgow’s Short Film Festival, The Edinburgh Fringe and The Festival of Death at London’s Southbank Centre.

In 2015 he released his conceptual debut solo EP ‘All The Way Home’ – ‘Showcasing a palette that spans melancholic piano balladry and traditional folk with a meticulous approach to sound design‘ (The Herald) the record was aired on BBC Radio 3’s Global Gathering, Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk Show and performed at St.Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh for the 2016 Hogmanay celebrations.

He is currently recording material for Beware of Trains forthcoming debut album with Scottish soprano Marie Claire Breen (‘a soprano of rare fluency‘ – The Daily Mail). Their youtube song ’Six Feet Away’ explores the challenges of dating and bedroom etiquette during lockdown and was inspired by Sondheim’s ‘The Boy From’.

Leighton joined Mercury Musicals in 2021 to meet other MT enthusiasts and seek a collaborative writing partner. He is currently crossing his fingers very tightly, and looking forward to seeing ‘Heathers – The Musical’ at Leeds Grand Theatre in July.