Amanda LeBlanc

This Nova Scotian, also a stage actor, has a sweet voice with a more formal approach than many of her peers. Producer Don Kerr (Rheostatics, Ron Sexsmith) treats this as a distinguishing feature, encouraging syllable extension to take advantage of her superb breath control. James McKie’s fiddle pushes for improvisation, opening the door for some sublime intertwine. Some of the songs are fairly basic, and feel like early efforts. On “Keilani’s Song,” however, melody and performance may bring to mind the late Sandy Denny. LeBlanc’s sound is neither retro, trad nor hip except for being timeless, sincere and fresh.