gb leighton Set to Drop New Album & Video “Tangerine” With Minneapolis Release Party
The Evolution of a Working-Class Voice
After a long hiatus from new studio recordings, Midwest musical powerhouse gb leighton is back with his most ambitious project to date. The new album, “Tangerine,” officially hits shelves and streaming platforms today, Friday, May 29, followed by an exclusive album release celebration at The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis.
Marking a significant milestone in a career spanning nearly three decades, “Tangerine” reinforces gb leighton’s status as a beloved songwriter and electric performer. Produced and mixed by the legendary Kevin Bowe—whose credits include Jonny Lang, The Replacements, and Etta James—the album is already being hailed as leighton’s “best album yet”.
The record continues the gb leighton tradition of heartfelt songwriting and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, drawing comparisons to icons. Recognized by Billboard.com as a “Top 10 Country Artist to Watch,” Leighton remains a powerful voice for the working class.
Musicians on Tangerine include Brian Leighton – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitars; Ryan Inselman – Drums, Except “You Better Not Run,” By Mike Chaput; Smokey D – Bass Except “Something Good,” By Kevin Bowe; Tommy Barbarella – Piano And Organ Except “Something Good,”
B3 Organ By Adam Daniel.
From Addiction to Redemption: Navigating the Introspective Journey of “Tangerine”
While the title track “tangerine” uses playful metaphors to explore the perspective of someone seeking authenticity and companionship, the album dives deep into the complexities of growth and recovery.
- “the one you find”: explores the hope of future redemption. It speaks to the journey of getting one’s life together and the hope that, after “shearing what I cannot shed,” they might finally be the person their partner once searched for. We hope so, that’s where forgiveness (and AL-ANON) help.
- “never have to worry about me again”: A dancable standout track for its raw honesty, this song navigates the wreckage of relationships strained by addiction. It captures the heartbreaking reality that even when someone finally “figures it out” and grows, it may be too late to save the partnership. As the lyrics admit, “now you’ll never get to see all the greatest parts of me,” acknowledging that while forgiveness is possible, the memory of past pain often means the partner is finally “free” to move on alone. Perhaps they both are…
- “we could run”: is an anthem for escaping the “matrix” of modern life. It encourages listeners to “find that kid you buried in your head” and reclaim a sense of nostalgic freedom. We can dance to that!
A Twin Cities Celebration
Fans can experience these new songs live this Friday night at The Parkway Theater followed by several shows around Minnesota. The evening kicks off with an opening performance by Billy Johnson, a beloved Minneapolis-based tunesmith described by the Star Tribune as one of the “best feel-good, blue-collar, barroom-rousing tunesmiths” in the Twin Cities.
Find information about the release party and upcoming shows HERE.
Brian Leighton – Image by Michelle Tanner
About gb leighton
A staple of the Midwest music scene, gb leighton has performed over 200 shows a year and sold more than 100,000 albums. Recognized by Billboard.com as a “Top 10 Country Artist to Watch,” the music of gb leighton continues to push artistic boundaries while staying true to a loyal fanbase.
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