By Lornna Bates, News editor
Photo by Lornna Bates
Austin Hartley-Leonard, a solo singer/ songwriter, performed an acoustic guitar showing for SE in the Fine Arts Building Friday night, February 25. Admission was free for the showing.
On a whim, I decided to attend the performance and was glad that I did. Hartley-Leonard, dressed comfortably in a well – worn plaid shirt and jeans, strummed out his own tunes while singing in a smooth, yet somehow raspy voice. And, ladies, I might also add that he was extremely easy to look at.
Although he did play some covers of other bands, he was quick to give the band credit for the song and additional information about the band and their music.
The majority of the songs that he sang, however, he had written himself.
To me, his music was a little reminiscent of Rob Thomas, something in the tone or the style, maybe the whole package.
Before he played each song, he told a humorous story about the inspiration behind it. I almost thought that he might have a future in stand-up comedy, if, you know, the singing/ songwriting thing did not work out for him.
Audience interaction provided some truly hilarious moments as well. Hartley-Leonard has a quick wit, which he turned easily to his favor with the audience participating.
He even mentioned that this was the best “non-drunk” crowd he had ever played for.
Luckily for him, the singing/ songwriting is working out for him. Hartley – Leonard began playing solo in Austin, Texas. He was classically trained as a cellist at Vanderbilt University.
How he ended up in his current endeavor, playing in an upbeat alternative/ country – style, from such a rich, classical background has me stumped, but I am glad that he made the transition.
He is now located and tours around Southern California.
His songs have been featured on television shows such as “Chuck,” “The Ghost Whisperer” and “Friday Night Lights.” He also has a theme song for a nationally aired commercial for Troybilt, Inc.
From the introduction given for him prior to his performance, I understand that Hartley-Leonard hung around the Fine Arts Building with students during classes, listening to their music and encouraging students, as well as answering any questions they might have had and offering suggestions for improvement. He was a very down-to-earth and personable guy. Really, you just cannot help but like him.
After his showing, Hartley-Leonard had a copy of his new CD, “Everywhere I’ve Never Been,” released November 2010 and produced by Bill Lefler, available for the bargain price of $7. Hartley – Leonard signed the CD’s, and when it was my turn, seeing as my name is just a little unusual, he accidentally misspelled it at first. He marked it out, then wrote my name and laughed and said, “Now it is vintage.”
Who knows? Maybe my “vintage” CD will be worth a lot of money someday. He definitely has the talent to go places.