“There are certain performers who shine with a particular and natural beauty when they sing. They don’t adopt an intense persona, but the music seems to radiate directly from their souls with seemingly effortless prowess. One such performer is Amanda LeBlanc, an actor/singer/songwriter originally from Nova Scotia who is currently primarily based in Toronto.” (TWISI Review - April 1st, Press Club)
Amanda’s roots are in small-town Nova Scotia where she grew up singing her wee heart out. Five years ago she left the seaside for the big smoke in pursuit of her acting career, and is now emerging on the Canadian music scene a refined performer and winsome storyteller "chasin dreams, heart upon her sleeve”. (Let the Water)
Amanda is a dreamer who spins yarns of longing and reflection that ring out strong yet delicate, clear and heartfelt, and with an embracing sound and true voice. She says of her love for the art form: “music has long been my refuge and my outlet, my guide and my truth.”
Amanda's highly anticipated debut album, "Yours, truly", recorded and co-produced with Don Kerr at The Rooster, was released to a sold out crowd at The Bread and Circus December 5th, 2010.
This Spring Amanda is Makin' Music Across the Maple Leaf- Touring from Victoria to Halifax with her new Album. Full dates can be found here- http://facebook.com/AmandaLeBlancMusic and on her website!
Tracks from the record are in circulation with CBC Radio, Seaside FM and Women Of Substance on Live365.com and this spring Amanda will be touring from Victoria to Halifax - landing at The Carleton for her East Coast CD Release Party on June 26th.
ABOUT THE ALBUM:
Amanda LeBlanc has the uncanny ability to make you feel as though she's speaking directly to you with every soul-searching note she sings on her aptly-titled debut, "Yours, truly". From the first crooning lick of the slide guitar on Highway Drivin’, Amanda’s much-awaited first album confesses her deepest and longest-lasting influences – every beautiful track gives nods (and playful eyebrow raises) to an eloquently simplistic and very- Canadiana soundscape of folk, bluegrass roots and traditional Maritime music.
The music beckons as Amanda paints a musical portrait of reflective hopefulness so genuine, it could easily spring to life in vivid watercolour. With each song this tenderhearted songstress draws on considerable talents for storytelling and moving vocals to create a mix that sometimes broods like a deep-greyblue sea (Keilani’s Song), sometimes clicks its heels (Drip) and sometimes daydreams (Cover to Cover), but that’s always achingly real.
Amanda’s wonderfully original first effort seems to make a promise, as if she’s assuring you that, yes, you’re meant to be just where you are: letting her currents move you gently – and truly.
WHERE SHE'S BEEN
Having built a career as an actor on stage and screen for the past 8 years, Amanda has made music wherever her work has taken her. Several times she's filled The Bread and Circus- most recently for her CD Release, and firstly during Canadian Music Week 2009. Other venues include: C'est What, Not My Dog, The Cameron House, The Press Club, The Piston, Fionn MacCool's, The Free Times Cafe, Mitzi's Sister, The Concord, Lee’s Palace (with Corduroy) The Bathurst Street Theatre and The Bean in Toronto; Paddy’s Pub, The Chester Playhouse and Merbstock Folk Festival in Nova Scotia; Mitierra and Cafe Liberal in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica and The Pier in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.
As an actor, Amanda has worked in theatres across the country (Citadel Theatre, Edmonton; Banff Centre for the Arts; Neptune Theatre, Halifax; Stephenville Theatre Festival, Newfoundland; Theatre Panache, Quebec; Grand Theatre, London, TNB, New Brunswick, LiveBait, NB, etc) as well as in film and television on such shows as Flashpoint (CBS/CTV), MVP (CBC) and Mayday (Discovery Network).
On the Gig:
Solo: Amanda, Vocals and Guitar
Duo: Amanda + Fiddle and Guitars/Percussion
Full Band: Amanda + Fiddle, Guitars, Upright Bass, Percussion, Backup Vocals.
(e) info@amandaleblanc.ca
www.amandaleblanc.ca
“With all her wistful tunes and her contagious and utterly endearing spirit and charm, Amanda LeBlanc always insures an evening that will leave you feeling warm and cozy in your heart...perhaps also pining for the sea" (TWISI)