Janeen Leah

The beauty of the Internet is that in terms of exposure, it creates a level playing field for established artists and newcomers alike. I was perusing MySpace back in 2005 when I came across a voice and song that took my breath away. It was the newly-released debut record from Janeen Leah.
Janeen's record was comprised of a dozen or so songs that were not cookie cutter little shapes baked from the same batch. Each little morsel had its own special flavor and many highlights were found within.

Balancing work and a personal life is always a challenge and Janeen has spent the last eight years raising a young family. The good news for her fan base is that she has a new record out, the six-song EP Right In Front of Me.

Janeen has two main weapons in her arsenal. The first is her very compelling voice which is like melted caramel and chocolate. She doesn't just reach the notes, she bathes them in a gooey richness. Janeen has the ability to draw you closer to the speakers so you really concentrate on her words. In addition, she can also exude a sultry vocal coating that enables you to get lost in the moment.

The second weapon is her strong songs. Not one to just put out something for the sake of filling a mandate, her songs leave an impression that she carefully gave her all to each track.

This EP continues in the fashion of her debut. All of the six songs have their own little corner of the record and stand out from one another. The opening track "Like a Fool" has a casual gait that is easy on the ears and ushers you gently into the record.

"Fly" is a breezy song that is punctuated by a charming falsetto that Janeen throws into songs occasionally. The next two tracks are no stranger to anyone who follows Janeen on Facebook as she unveiled them at least a year ago. The first track is "Life Eternal" which is one of the two strongest songs. This song is like a cousin to "Fallen", the fantastic song from Janeen's debut. Powered by some crunchy guitars on the chorus and snake-charmer rhythm for the verses (think Alannah Myles' "Black Velvet"), the music almost seems at odds with the lyrics.

The dreamy "Rainy Day" starts off with a sweet Janeen vocal and an irresistible melody. Like a lot of rainy days, there is a bit of thunder involved and surprisingly there is a brief raucous moment that turns it from a good song into a really interesting one. Next up is the folky "Show Me the Door", which is a perfect campfire song with its relaxed atmosphere.

The biggest surprise is the final song, the dance-y "Let This Love Die" with a bouncy melody augmented by some energetic guitars. Your foot starts tapping from the first note and the rest of your body follows suit when the catchy chorus hits. This is definitely my favorite track on the record.

Right in Front of Me is a welcome return for Janeen and hopefully we don't have to wait another eight years for the next one. - Morley Seaver

"I've been fortunate to hear a lot of really good music lately. There has been some really good major label stuff. A lot of it, however, is indie stuff, and the best I've heard so far is Janeen Leah. I stumbled across her website and fell in love with her amazing material. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter has just released her debut record "Time is Never Wasted" and it's simply excellent. Janeen shows off several different styles on this disc. While much of the content is of the adult rock variety, she pulls off "Erased" in a bluesy style that is so natural and compelling one would think she's from down south. Switching gears again, "Our Love Grows Stronger" goes for a jazzy bent that is just top shelf. My favourite songs besides the aforementioned ones are the hypnotic "I Can Not Ignore", and the ebullient "The Feeling". Far and away the strongest cut on the record is "Fallen" which is stellar. Janeen's voice purrs and soars throughout this whole record, sultry and come hither one moment, soft and reassuring the next. The electric guitar is used nicely to punch up the material at just the right spots but it doesn't get in the way. There is a sparseness to the song construction that lets all the instruments breath and put the emphasis on Janeen's wonderful voice. For fans of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos and Norah Jones this is in that same vein. However, while Janeen lacks the multi-octave voice of Sarah, the instrumental chops of Tori and the pedigree of Jones, she combines a slice of all these artists making for a package that is vastly superior to all of them. I mean, listen to any Norah Jones record and then listen to this one….come on! Given some national media and a vehicle for her great talent, she should make waves for sure."
Mr. Black (songwriter, producer, BMBtv host) September 21, 2005
"Your music and involvement is all too brilliant in a world of try-too-hard talent. It seems to come easy for you. If this was Wayne's World I would bow with a "We're not worthy!". I've been listening to your songs all night while writing a song to work your vocals into and I must say I'm not easily intimidated but feel such a high expectation level for your song in particular. Your voice is so beautiful, brilliant and confident. I feel very honored to have you involved." (involvement referring to the 'Apples of Eve' compilation album due winter 2006)
- See more at: http://janeenleah.com/press/#.US6p-zCkrEQ - Morley Seaver

Janeen Leah- "Time is Never Wasted" album review- May 2006 A soulful Los Angeles songstress, Janeen Leah has certainly begun the definition of her breezy, spirited brand of music with her latest release, Time is Never Wasted. Quietly commencing the album with a peaceful acoustic guitar, Janeen eases her way into a heartfelt track. When she unleashes her vocal power, the soothing rock accompaniment crescendos to become an excellent complement. An inviting commencement to the album, “I Can Not Ignore” provokes the listener’s thoughts as to what further musical delights Janeen holds up her sleeve. Janeen’s freedom in lyrical expression is evident—“The Feeling” is a most sincere testament of love. She displays thoughtful voice modulation as her full volume is only released when emotion is maximized, and her softer notes afford an appropriate sensitive touch to the track. The third song reflects the same quality of musicianship; however, the album takes a turn into somber heartbreak, depicted in “Erased” and its succeeding tune. “Captured in my Own Mind” starts to become redundant in the sense that the listener has come to expect the light vocals expressed in the first four tracks. A transitional number, it warmly welcomes the following track. Relaxed and refreshingly jazzy, the sixth tune on the album is reminiscent of Sade’s sleek musical style. Janeen’s superb vocals are showcased once again with class and certain impression. The next noteworthy track gracing Time is Never Wasted is the album gem “Strange Days”, with its rock essence that at some points even resembles Incubus. Janeen’s confident attitude really sparkles! Her songstress talent is so evident and she learns to unleash it, in comparison with the other shy tracks. Its succeeding song follows in this addictive rock groove, increasing the album’s creative dimension. The title track is one of peaceful, sultry jazz that features the most instrumentation on the disc. The added saxophones, piano, and strings add sleek elegance and wonderfully complement Janeen’s serenade. The song transitions to “Fallen”, a catchy incorporation of all of the album’s elements. Time is Never Wasted concludes with a bonus track, the beginning of which is surrounded by mystery and myth. The song is the disc’s zenith of creativity, finalizing the album with dreamlike punctuation. - See more at: http://janeenleah.com/press/#.US6p-zCkrEQ - Samantha

The Players: Janeen Leah, guitar and vocals; Michael Burke, lead guitar; Aaron Gutierrez, drums; Vivi Rama, bass; Keven Brennan, saxophone. Material: Janeen Leah’s music has the feel of classic rock with a 60’s flair that impacts at an intersection where Janis Joplin meets Grace Slick, with a touch of Melissa Etheridge. This young singer/ songwriter is multi-dimensional and her material defies identification, as she moves deftly from rock to smooth jazz. Slightly reminiscent of Pauline Wilson of Seawind fame, Leah’s songs ”Melt Into You” and “Erased” are radio-ready and probably best suited for light-rock stations like The Wave (94.7 FM). Musicianship: Leah’s backing band exhibits excellent chemistry, especially when she plays with lead guitarist Michael Burke. Burke’s sound is heavily influenced by 60’s rock and is a perfect fit for Leah’s subdued playing style. Substitute bassist Rama is more than up to the challenge, and he and drummer Gutierrez lay down a solid foundation that feels like they have been playing together for a long time. Brennan’s sax adds an extra di-mension to the music, but was especially effective on “Erased.” Performance: Trying to work within the sound restrictions of the tiny Kibitz venue, Leah revealed herself as a constrained rocker who was capable of belting out when she needed to. Like movements in a well orchestrated symphony, the set flowed from one groove to the next. Leah’s pure, sweet, melodic vocals soared over a perfect blend of instruments as she performed each song, leaving the audience wanting more. Summary: A worthy effort with a wide appeal, Janeen Leah’s music is ready for the marketplace. Building her sound upon that of Joplin, Etheridge and Slick, Leah could carry the torch for a new generation for female singers. Especially so among those leading ladies who are not afraid to return to the roots of rock and plant their own seed of music for future generations to enjoy. - See more at: http://janeenleah.com/press/#.US6p-zCkrEQ - Bob Leggett

Oh my, this young lady has quite possibly one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard in a while. Her blissful and utterly relaxing voice will have you at ease, even when the music tempo is slightly up beat. Prime example, “I Can Not Ignore” she shows her vocal range yet lets the music float along beautifully. A nice bass heavy, light guitar and drum playing “Captured In My Own Mind” will capture you and have you hooked. The lyrics are spectacular and once again her voice is simply divine. Getting a little wild and funky she drops a definite change of pace on you with “I Know”. The music arrangement is dark, yet appealing. One of the absolute best tracks on the album comes with the fun and lofty “The Feeling”. The lyrics are filled with emotion and the music is simply perfect. The chorus will have you singing along in no time, and this song is destined to make an appearance on a TV show somewhere. For doing it on her own, no label support, no promotions people, this woman is well on her way!
- See more at: http://janeenleah.com/press/#.US6p-zCkrEQ - Geoff Dellinger

I was hesitant to review another singer/songwriter with a guitar slung over his shoulder, feeling that my draw to that type of artist was getting a bit excessive. But this guitar slinger is a she, not a he, and her music deserves to be talked about. Janeen Leah has done a remarkable job in this debute CD offering, "Time is Never Wasted". Janeen has a voice that makes me think of ripples on a pond; you see its center, but you watch with your musical ear as it gently and easily spreads wider and wider. She has great control, there are beautiful innovative riffs, both vocal and instrumental, and Janeen is just a darn good performer. To accent her vocal attributes are her talents as a song writer. There is nothing garden variety about her lyrics; they make you pause and they make you think. Just consider the titles of her tracks: Wine of Consciousness, The Sea You've Cried, You wasted a Good One, Captured in My Own Mind, and the CD title, Time is Never Wasted. Those I most enjoyed were Fallen, Wine of Consciousness (which is a bonus track), Captured in My Own Mind, and Time is Never Wasted. This artist has paid her dues in developing her career. In Colorado, (Denver's her hometown), she cultivated her self-taught musical skills and began to exhibit them in local venues. Her bio informs us that at 18 she went to Hollywood and the Musicians Institute to hon those skills, and it was there she recorded her first recording, an EP entitled "Melting in Hazel." It has been straight ahead from there. Janeen is currently touring, she is getting airplay on Internet, Satellite, and traditional radio, and media coverage including recent mention or reviews in Music Connection and Entertainment World. Make an effort to see her if she is performing anywhere near you! Do also add this winner to your collection real soon. It is on the JL Pixie Records label and the executive producer is Janeen Leah herself! - See more at: http://janeenleah.com/press/#.US6p-zCkrEQ - Peggy Eldridge-Love

Janeen Leah former Colorado native has given the very best in the debut album “Time Is Never Wasted” Her heartfelt lyrics, complimented by that gorgeous voice places her in my top picks.

Janeen’s music has the ability to move you with each song… with that smooth voice. Janeen has a way of relaxing you at the same time you don’t want to miss one note or lyric! I have posted here 2 of my favorites here for you to listen to… and it was a hard choice to just pick 2 here… The songwriting here is superb! Great talent … can’t wait to see what is coming next ... - See more at: http://janeenleah.com/press/#.US6p-zCkrEQ - Marlene Palumbo

For fans of Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos and Norah Jones, Janeen Leah is known for captivating audiences with her powerful, soulful voice and raw emotion, just like the three mentioned female vocalists and powerhouse musicians. Recently releasing her third album, Janeen Leah is on her way to carrying the torch for today’s industry of female singers.

Janeen released her self-produced debut album, titled “Time is Never Wasted,” in November of 2005, and it immediately received glowing reviews and was picked as ‘Best Album of The Year’ by Morley Seaver at antimusic.com. In August of 2009, Janeen flew to Bombay, India to record a collaborated album with Bollywood musician, Tushar Parte at Tushar’s request. The album is titled “Some Rhyme Some Reason” and was released on February 13, 2013 through CD Baby. Then, in 2010, Janeen signed with indie label f. Boo! Music in Los Angeles with producer Keven Brennan. In July 2011, the first single with the label, titled “Life Eternal,” was released. An EP release with f. Boo! titled “Right In Front Of Me” was released January 1, 2013 through CD Baby and will be available through iTunes as well. Along with the three records already under her belt, Janeen Leah is storming the San Francisco live music scene with her dynamic performances and her pure, sweet, melodic vocals that soar over a perfect blend of instruments. Each song that she performs live always leaves her audience wanting more.

The Los Angeles singer-songwriter’s most recent EP "Right In Front Of Me" is simply excellent and shows off several different musical styles of the pop/rock genre. It is haunting, melodic rock at its finest. Janeen's voice purrs and soars throughout this whole record; sultry and come-hither one moment, soft and reassuring the next. The instruments are used nicely to punch up the material at just the right spots but they don’t get in the way of the vocals. There is sparseness to the song construction that lets all the instruments breathe and put the emphasis on Janeen's wonderful voice. Produced by Keven Brennan, it features Janeen Leah on vocals, background vocals, and acoustic guitar; Nate Wood (Kneebody) on drums, bass, electric guitar, and synths; Keven Brennan on bass, electric and acoustic guitar, sax, bass clarinet, and synths; and Robin Brennan on background vocals.

For more information on Janeen Leah, to hear her music, watch her videos, or to find out about her latest news and upcoming show dates, check her out on her personal website at www.janeenleah.com, or find her on MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. - Danielle Crowe