There is a new voice on the progressive rock scene in the UK, and her name is Amanda Lehmann. And she comes with impressive recommendations from none other than Steve Hackett of Genesis. Her voice is soft and powerful at the same time. Her voice has that sweet innocence that Kate Bush made famous.
Amanda’s first solo album, Innocence and Illusion, will be released August 20th.She has released an EP, Shadow in 2010. She also recorded an album as part of the band Wazzoon, with Eddy Deegan. The album is titled, Through the Haze, and it was originally released in1994.
The band is made up of: Amanda Lehmann, who sings vocals and plays guitar on all but the last song, where Steve Hackett takes over, keyboards/piano (1,4,6,7,8); Nick Magnus, on keyboards, piano (1,2,4,6,8); Roger King, on keyboards (3,5); Steve Hackett, on guitars (6,9) and harmonica (3); Rob Townsend, on alto sax (3,5); Paul Johnson, on backing vocal (4).
The album opens with a wonderful tribute to all the heroes of the world, “Who are the Heroes?”, It is a wonderful appreciation of anyone who is willing to sacrifice for others.
“Tinkerbell”, is a Kate Bush sound of simplicity and female kindness. With music sounding like a Disney soundstage, she has captured the inner meaning of the spirit of the character.
In case you didn’t think this woman could sing the blues, “Only Happy when it Rains”, will snap you from that mistaken belief. Amanda actually turns this into something off Broadway, in a way that helps you understand more clearly her diverse talents and ability to sing multi-genres. Steve Hackett plays a mean celebrity harmonica here to add spice.
“The Watcher”, is more in line with progressive rock. With deep keys and bass and some great guitar work. Amanda gets very emotional and communicates directly with her audience well.
“Memory Lane”, is full of well, nostalgia. Amanda’s beautiful voice sings of walks in the park in the rain, empty dancehalls, and gardens, in the ‘land of the lost’. A beautiful song about memories of friends that have passed, and golden times, in a world of struggle and uncertainty, surviving a pandemic.
“Forever Days”, is a hopeful song about an expected bright future, forged on memories of a brilliant past. Some excellent progressive music accompanies her, bringing back memories of Genesis, some of Steve Hackett’s solo work, and other leaders of the genre.
“We are One”, is a wonderful song of unity and togetherness. A world united, everyone’s dream. Plenty of Hackett-like guitar bringing back more nostalgic memories.
“Childhood Delusions”, opens with magic, as Amanda sings, “Cloud touches cloud as we rush in the sand. A twinkle of stardust in a childhood room. The Man in the Moon still follows me home”, as piano and keyboards light the way. A soft song of wonderful memories.
“Where the Small Things Go”, opens with Steve Hackett on acoustic guitar. A lullaby of a song, with Amanda singing about “butterflies and Autumn leaves, falling snow, this is where the small things go”. Absolutely the best song on the album, despite its short length.
Amanda Lehmann says of Innocence and Illusion “: I am incredibly proud of this album. There is a wide variety of music, all weaving around the central thread of life’s journey; the twists and turns and all the stops along the way, the innocence, the illusions, the hopes and dreams, reflecting on what is, what was, what could be. These songs have been bursting to be heard, and I hope that they speak to everyone who listens to them.”
Track list:
1. Who Are the Heroes? (6:58)
2. Tinkerbell (5:59)
3. Only Happy When It Rains (3:47)
4. The Watcher (7:20)
5. Memory Lane (4:52)
6. Forever Days (5:25)
7. We Are One (4:56)
8. Childhood Delusions (4:50)
9. Where the Small Things Go (1:42)
All songs were written and composed by Amanda Lehmann, (except “Where the Small Things Go” – Lehmann / Hackett). The artwork by created by Des Walsh Illustrations. Photography by Kevin Lunham, Lee Millward, Dave Abbott.
This is a wonderful introduction to Amanda Lehmann’s voice and talent. A fine album to listen to at all times of the day. Welcome Amanda, we always need new talent to grow the world of progressive rock.
https://www.facebook.com/AmandaLehmannMusic/