Transforming Communities

Joyology

Piano, Saxophone, Vocals

John Leighton, Meilana Gillard
Northern Ireland

Bio

Joyology is a a feel-good melody-focused Jazz duo that features Derry-based musicians Meilana Gillard on Vocals and John Leighton on Piano.

Formed in 2022, Joyology began when these two decade-long collaborators decided to join the organisation ‘Live Music Now’ where they would go on to perform and work with particiapnts at both special schools, regular schools and care homes in Northern Ireland bringing a taste of Jazz and their own unique brand of fun with them. Their repertoire includes Jazz Standards and Soul/R&B classics as well as some Latin rhythms and some original songs.

Meilana Gillard is a saxophonist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer who is part of the critically-acclaimed RBG Trio, The Funktects, Meilana Vocal Quartet and The House of Jade Quintet-the last three of which John is also a member.

John Leighton is pianist and composer and runs one of the most beloved small music venues for Jazz, Rock, Alternative, Folk, and Comedy on the aisle; Bennigan’s Jazz Club in Derry. 2024 marks 10 years that Bennigan has hosted some of the best Jazz artists in the world from UK, EU, and USA.

Jazz Duo (Piano, Saxophone, Vocals)