Independent singer/songwriter Jeff LeBlanc has matured into a new chapter pushing his musical limits with his latest effort Vision. The 7-track album is concise and effective in its ability to suck you into the heart of LeBlanc’s story.
The 29 year-old Long Island native is no stranger to success after being named The Sirius XM Singer/Songwriter Discovery of the Year, earning a spot on the iTunes Top 200 Singer/Songwriter Charts and receiving praise from MTV, Pulse Magazine and countless media outlets across New England.
After launching a successful Kickstarter campaign, LeBlanc surpassed his $12,000 goal which led him to Nashville’s Sound Emporium. This was a defining moment for LeBlanc – to record in the same studio as artists like Jack Clement, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.
“I do a lot of heavy lifting on acoustic guitar and play about half of the electric guitar on the record,” said LeBlanc. “I had a clear picture of the album’s landscape,” but LeBlanc couldn’t have done it without a talented group of musicians. Some of Nashville’s best helped bring LeBlanc’ vision to light including, Tony Lucido (bass), Jeremy Lutito (drums, programing), Ken Lewis (percussion), Mike Payne (electric guitar) and Stephen Gause. LeBlanc also had the pleasure to work with Matt Stanfield (keys), Liz Longley (vocals) and Paul Nelson on cello
The opening track “Lost Tonight” begins with LeBlanc’s confident picking and a heavy quarter-note pulse from the bass drum which builds naturally into the rest of the album. “I front loaded the album with three upbeat songs,” said LeBlanc, which draws you in effortlessly.
“Stumbled”, the album’s second track is full of creativity and musicality. The lighthearted groove sits back in the pocket and is fused with drum loops and post production that makes you sway. “This track wouldn’t be the same without the programing, 1980’s drum machine and Lutito playing over it,” said LeBlanc. “There’s purposely a lot of push and pull with ‘Stumbled’ and the overall album,” added LeBlanc.
“Occupy” is like taking deep breaths. LeBlanc’s energy is redirected into the melodic guitar backing, organs and sentimental vocals that open the door into the soul of a evolved musician. Other tracks like “Love is Gone” and “Always You” are no different in their approach to captivate the listener.
“I spent a lot of time listening to the album while driving around in the car,” said LeBlanc. “I wanted there to be a story.” Evident in “Almost You,” the feeling of driving down the open road becomes synonymous with love, heartbreak and solitude. The upbeat groove keeps driving like the wheels of a car while LeBlanc recounts “Gotta drive til’ I can’t drive no more / And I’m standing here outside your door / Holding one last chance that you’ll be there alone.”
Despite the album’s length, LeBlanc does not leave his story unfinished. The closing track “Why Do I Worry” features a clear acoustic guitar and piano that fills your body and mind. There’s a evident motion in the chorus as LeBlanc sings to himself “Why do I worry, Why do I care…I got to let go.”
“Right now I am really into piano and ‘Why Do I Worry” is kind of upbeat, yet very emotional,” said LeBlanc. “It’s weird how you can create emotion through an instrument and Matt Stanfield did exactly that on the piano.
Overall the response of the album has been strong. LeBlanc has touring plans in the works and has lots of things in limbo with Sirius XM. “Fans are connecting on a deeper level, which is what I was going for,” said LeBlanc. “I am trying to embrace the way things are changing in the music industry” added LeBlanc.
This album holds a special place in the heart of LeBlanc’s fans. Recently, LeBlanc performed two private events for families that funded a large part of the Kickstarter. “It was a super cool experience because these people have really invested a lot of time and energy into your music – they are here for you,” said LeBlanc.