Tracy Darlington

Blue on Blue by Leigh Nash

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"With skill and grace Leigh has earned her stripes as a solo artist."
  

 

You’re probably wondering what happened to the former lead singer of Sixpence None the Richer. Leigh Nash, who’s been singing since she was twelve, formed the band with a fellow classmate while they were still in high school. She says, “It was such an emotional process for me when the band broke up. Motherhood came pretty fast after that, and I started writing a ton about my son. I just found that there was a much deeper well within me than there had been before.”
Leigh says, “My songs on Blue on Blue were not intentionally centered on any one concept, but I admit my newfound maternity was a source of inspiration.” Her music is less melancholy now that she’s on her own, and more piano driven (some of the intros remind me of George Winston) which goes well with Leigh’s airy voice. In fact, any other instrumentation is minimal.
With many years of performing under her belt, this doesn’t sound like her first solo album. Not with tracks like “Cloud Nine”, probably the most interesting piece, which best displays her vocal style (just picture yourself at a beach party for this number). “More of It” is the most reminiscent of her Sixpence roots, which her loyal listeners will love. She co-wrote the smooth “Between the Lines” and “Along the Wall” with Canadian producer, Pierre Marchand, Sarah McLachlan, and Rufus Wainwright last winter in Montreal (think Felicity tv show music). The final touch is a sweet lullaby “Just a Little” which Leigh wrote for her son, Henry. Blue on Blue is a bit more poppish than the albums she did with Sixpence, but this cd reveals Nash’s pretty voice better than Sixpence did. It may not dish out hits like “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes”, but treading new ground is never an easy feat. With skill and grace Leigh has earned her stripes as a solo artist. Blue on Blue is sure to win her many new fans.