INDIEMUSIC.COM
Waterwheel was chosen as one of the Editor's Picks for the month of May, 2008 by Indie-Music.com! "Great vocal, flowing songs - overall excellence!" -- IndieMusic.com
Press Release
Review by Andrew Fickes, March 2008
It's rare to find within a contemporary pop music album a message so plainly and clearly stated. But on Seattle performer Leanne Wilkins' debut album, Waterwheel, a theme rings true on each telling track.
Wilkins sings on "No Regrets," the album's defining opus: Now that it's over/It feels like I've been so blind/Love is a lesson we must all learn in time.
Anyone who is human has once fallen in love and then has had that love ripped from out of their hands. Listening to this album, it's very possible you'll revisit those same emotions.
Wilkins writes poetic prose in each song, much like she would her personal diary. In fact, some listens will have you feeling like you're eavesdropping on her life. She puts her heart on her sleeve with each word and note she sings.
Love is one of the most widely used emotions in pop music, but with Wilkins' songs, the lyrics about relationships and love don't sound worn-out and contrived. They sound heartfelt and honest. This album, which took Wilkins 10 years to write and produce, is truly a labor of love.
Musically, Waterwheel is a blend of folk, rock and blues fusion. Wilkins is blessed with a group of seasoned musicians that layer her rhythm guitar with pop magic. And producer/engineer Alex Trzyna (who plays bass) makes it all fit together nicely.
Wilkins even dares to enter bluegrass territory with the edgy "Earth Meets Sky." The track inches close to six minutes long, but each second is breathtakingly masterful. She's in her element with this one.
She gets into some earthy tones on "Damage," a radio-friendly blues track that would make Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and John Mayer all proud. And on "Good-bye Goodnight," she delivers one of the best breakup songs to come out of the Seattle area.
Other signature tracks include the soul searching "Understood," the road-ready "Arizona," and title track, "Waterwheel."
For a debut album, Waterwheel is a sure-fire hit. There's no doubt fans will be wanting more.
Ellensburg Daily Record
"Coffehouse Presents Leanne Wilkins"
written by Michael Gallagher, Staff Writer, May 17, 2003
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