Houston, Texas-based Leron Thomas is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, vocalist, and producer who swings between straight-ahead jazz and a whimsical, left-of-center form of R&B. Early in his career, as a trumpeter, his many activities included playing with the likes of Billy Harper and Charles Tolliver and recording and touring with Bilal. Many listeners first heard him on "Home," a highlight off 1st Born Second. In 2005, Thomas began releasing his own material, specifically the first volume in his Dirty Draws series. As he recorded on his own -- through sprawling works such as Improvsensation (2009) and Juxtaposed, as well as jazz dates like Around You (2010) and Whatever (2013), he continued to collaborate with other artists, ranging from 88-Keys to Zara McFarlane. The Role Play 12" and Cliquish album (both 2015) were issued on the Heavenly Sweetness label and featured another collaboration with Bilal. ~ Andy Kellman