Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest (2026)

31 March 2026

Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Spotlight: Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest (2026)

By Gary “Uncle G” Brown (Blue-Collar Journalist)
GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com

Last month saw the release of a new album by Leon Alvarado, titled Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest. Including this, on Leon’s official Bandcamp page, there are a dozen or so other selections of LPs/EPs. I can make a case, being somewhat familiar with Leon’s music, that if you don’t already possess it, you should not only buy this release, but while at it, purchase the entire catalog. Really (wide-eyed)? Yes, and worth every dollar. No worries. There are deals to be found on Bandcamp! More on that later on. For those unaware, I ask: Who is Leon Alvarado?

Before the tunes, Leon saw success designing album covers and promo posters for several acts, including Jethro Tull, Brand X, and Jeff Beck (RIP), among others.

The year 2008 saw Mr. Alvarado’s first musical release. Entitled, Leon Alvarado – Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff. Seven tracks, with my favorite being Behind The Lines/Cinemania.

It’s obvious just listening to any one of his songs that Leon is a skilled drummer and a proficient keyboardist. He also composes and writes lyrics. The man performs mostly instrumental music. Not entirely. Those with lyrics are just as cool as those without.

The actual song catalog contains enough different styles that you won’t get bored. No real straying from what he enjoys. Sadly, there is no Leon Alvarado Does Disco. I imagine his version of Walter Murphy’s A Fifth Of Beethoven would totally kick-ass! With Leon, it’s straight-up rock songs, with a twist. Sometimes really progressive, and then, out of the blue, a tad of ambient thrown in. Infectious melodies. Beautiful harmonies. Drumbeats from someone who knows his shit.

Leon’s capable of creating kick-ass cover songs. Makes them his own. What he doesn’t do himself, he surrounds himself with people who are more than capable of doing whatever the job is. Professional musicians who have already made a name for themselves are now displaying the skills that made them famous.

“Uncle G” DISCUSSES…Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest (2026)

Leon calls Houston, Texas, his home. A decade ago, I lived there myself. One of the largest cities in the United States. Has a lot to offer. I previously lived in or around Space City for nearly 3 decades. The last time I was in the woods there, I was attacked by chiggers. Ate my ankles up. I had to go to an emergency room. I have scars. Wicked Forest? Be it in Houston, it sure sounds right to me. And the damn fire ants. That’s another story for another day. Leon’s album might not have anything to do with bugs. Words produce images. Politically, it could mean something bad. My mind wanders. A side-effect of what happens when letting go and listening to what it is that I am hearing.

I like to submerge myself before I write, in what it is that I am about to give my opinion about. Time-consuming. I’ve been doing this for a while. The artist(s), after all their hard work, in my mind, deserve more than a listen. I’m getting older. For me, in 2026, to do a write-up on music, after doing so many reviews already, it’s not only got to be good, but SPECIAL as well. Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest qualifies.

Seven tracks make up Leon’s latest endeavor. More progressive-rock/fusion, I would recommend listening to ‘The Wicked Forest’ from start to finish. Also, it can enhance the listening experience by listening to music with a good set of earbuds or external speakers.

Starts quietly. Pay attention! Ten seconds into it and we’re off to the races. Two seasoned musicians help set the room on fire with an instrumental that gives off the same vibes as the only Yes song to win a Grammy, entitled Cinema. So we have a cool opener. I’m strapped in now. Committed to the ride. What also got my attention on this track is who else is on this opening number. I mentioned the group Yes, already. Here are two men who know their way around that band very much: Billy Sherwood and the late Johnny Bruhns.

I became an Internet acquaintance with Johnny back in the days of MySpace. He liked my page because I had managed to figure out how to put the video game Asteroids on it. No quarters needed! Johnny and I were both YesFans. Time passed. We both took our social media and moved to Facebook. Mr. Bruhns played for a Yes cover band, and over the years, with past/present Yes members. Johnny died last year on June 14th. Leon mentions him in interviews, liner notes, et cetera. Johnny plays superbly, on par with the past things he did throughout his career, and also on the three tracks that he contributes to on this album, as well.

The second track, Beyond, showcases not only the talents of Leon playing both drums and keyboards, but also those of Billy Sherwood, whom I already mentioned. Leon’s, The Wicked Forest, Billy plays bass and guitar in every musical composition, but one. It’s amazing the way he blends in. Adding to what you hear, but never being a distraction.

Number three in the hit parade is called Urban Disturbance. Lyrics by Leon’s wife, Linda. Solid song! Joining the guitar is Mr. James Grigger.

On the mellower side, not boring, is a track Leon calls, Chase In Three. Credits say he’s on this, all by himself. Plays keyboards and drums. Beautiful, just focus on the keyboards. Lush textures. Goes in different directions, which keeps it interesting. Rhythm builds. Wonderful!

Quick Commercial Break

Worth saying. The whole album sounds great! I listen to music externally on a set of Bose speakers. Makes the experience more enjoyable.

Back to…”Uncle G” DISCUSSES…Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest (2026)

Track five is a cover of a Yes song that neither Billy Sherwood nor Jon Davison originally contributed to. It can be found on the Yes – Drama album (1979). It’s an odd little tune called, Man In A White Car. Would make a cool short film. Majestic. Johnny Bruhns shines in this! Along with Leon, Billy, and Jon, they make the song their own. Reminds me a little of what Steven Wilson did on one of those remasters he did; The Yes Album – A Venture. Lengthened the song at the tail end with a flow that sounded natural. Was always there. I predict that if you become the owner of ‘The Wicked Forest’, you’ll get your money’s worth, giving it repeated plays. And you will tell your friends. Why keep secrets? As mentioned, Leon has a well-done/organized Bandcamp page. Scroll down, and you’ll find the link.

The last two tracks. Drats! There are those catchy little melodies, again. I really enjoyed the last two tunes! Recently, I was at the gym, and part of, Lost In A Forest, popped into my head. That’s track six, for those keeping score at home. Much better than the crap they were playing at Planet Fitness. Who knows who does their music for them? Is it a bot? About every 5th song you hear is a classic rock number, and usually nothing you can get into and work out to. Like some lame Bruce Springsteen song. Who can do sit-ups, hearing him go on about wanting to bang some young girl who still lives with her parents? Is he on fire? Between his legs? I’d rather not think about it. Bruce released this song when in his 30’s. In a real-life situation, Daddy should find out and take a baseball bat to him. Instead of all that nonsense, bring the earbuds and rock out playing Leon’s new tunes. The keyboard playing on these last two tracks will blow you away. The YesMen, Billy and Jon, help keep it together.

Gary “Uncle G” Brown RATES…Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest (2026)

I usually give a one-to-five-star rating. One means it sucks sewer water, and to avoid at all costs, to five stars, which means it’s cool to spend your hard-earned money on. I, Gary “Uncle G” Brown, rate Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest…5 STARS! Its perfect! I love it start to finish. I have come to know Leon Alvarado over the last decade or so. Strictly via the World Wide Web. He’s a gifted, well-rounded individual. Regarding music, he seems to have an advanced understanding of all its complexities. The music he produces is never boring. Creates cool music videos too! I’ll simply conclude by saying that if you have the same taste as mine, then get it. Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest is for you.

Just The Facts

Track List:
THE BIG BANG
BEYOND
URBAN DISTURBANCE
CHASE IN THREE
MAN IN A WHITE CAR
LOST IN THE FOREST
THE WICKED FOREST

Personnel:
Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards (all tracks), Backing Vocals (track 5)
Billy Sherwood: Bass (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7), Guitars (3, 6, 7)
Jon Davison: Vocals (2, 3, 5, 6)
Johnny Bruhns: Guitars (1, 2, 5), Sitar (2)
James Griggers: Additional Guitars (3)

Lyrics:
Tracks 2 and 3 by Linda Alvarado
Track 6 by Leon Alvarado

Songwriting:
All songs by Leon Alvarado except “Man In A White Car” by Alan White, Geoff Downes, Trevor
Horn, Steve Howe, and Chris Squire.

Production:
Produced and Mixed by: Leon Alvarado
Mastered by: Maor Appelbaum
Cover Art: Synergy Design

Leon Alvarado – The Wicked Forest – Cover_Booklet

WebLinks

Promotion: Glass Onyon PR – www.glassonyonpr.com

Leon Alvarado Bandcamp Page: www.leonalvarado.bandcamp.com

End of Article

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