Minnesota pop singer/songwriter gb Leighton and his six-piece band will be playing at Ribco on Thursday, January 22.  Obviously influenced by Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp, the band has been described by Listen Up Magazine as "John Mellencamp with a hint of R&B..." and has an impressive following throughout Minnesota.  The band's latest release, "gb Leighton:  Live From Pickle Park," is an amalgamation of covers ("Sweet Jane," by Lou Reed is one of the most polished and noteworthy on this album) and originals by gb Leighton, which are sure-fire crowd-pleasers.  Leadman G. Brian Leighton sings with muscularity, sensitivity and a sense of earnestness that (judging by the audience response) charms and entertains.