Leah Blevins is an act that crossed this writer’s path as a support act. And as happens from time to time, the response is a big “wow”. Her output may be relatively thin to date: one album, a few EPs, and some songs, but quantity isn’t the determinant of quality, and quality is something Blevins has in abundance.
Originally from Sandy Hook in Kentucky, like many aspirant singers and songwriters, she took the road to Nashville. Her first EP, “Runnin”, was produced by Uncle Tupelo and Wilco alumnus Ken Coomer. The record emphasised the breadth and depth of Blevins’ vocal and delivery, both classic country and nodding to americana. This is the title track.
It took three years for Blevins’ second EP to emerge. “Walk Home” highlights different aspects of Blevins as a performing artist, from the funk rock of ‘God Help Me’ to the classic 1950s style country of ‘Walk Home’, which sounds like it might have Owen Bradley producing, the modern torch song that is ‘Where The Goodbye Begins’ and finally the country rock of ‘Hardened Company’. Blevins’ mastery of each format, bringing out the spirit of each song while sounding every bit herself, is impressive to say the least. You can enjoy ‘Where the Goodbye Begins’ right here.
We have to roll forward another three years for the release of Blevins’ first and only album, “First Time Feeling” (2021). Released via Thirty Tigers, the record was produced by Beau Bedford and Paul Cauthen. The album is a real showcase with Blevins’ voice framing each song. Musically, it may cover a wide range of bases, but each of the songs is nicely observed. Contrast the plaintive narrative ‘Beautiful Disaster’ with the bouncy ‘Magnolias’.
Since “First Time Feeling”, Blevins has put out three singles: The hurt and defiant ‘Used’ and the unsettled ‘Anywhere Is Home’ came out in 2023. Most recently, Blevins released ‘Hundred Different Sides’ in 2024. The record is well-produced and features some gorgeous, layered vocals, but the stripped-back version here brings out the essence of the song as Blevins addresses the multifaceted nature of all our, but particularly her, personalities.
Recently, it was announced that Blevins has been signed by Dan Auerbach at his Easy Eye Sound, so it may well be that more people do indeed know about Leah Blevins. And that can only be a Good Thing.
Well, I’ve heard of Leah Blevins … and I have her 2021 release “First Time Feeling.” I can thoroughly recommend her music and I will seek out the ep’s and singles. Thanks for that Richard.