Heather Waters’ newest release is poignant, powerful and dynamic, vocally as well as instrumentally. Her piercing voice, paired with a songwriting style full of striking imagery and adventurous storytelling, will likely draw comparisons to other fiery, red-headed contemporaries such as Jenny Lewis and Patty Griffin.
“Diane” is a moving opener in which Waters showcases her extraordinary ability to maintain impeccable tone over large melodic leaps and intervals with effortlessly executed dynamics in almost every line. She does the blues proud in “Say You Love Me,” belting out misgivings about her “fair-weather” lover over B3 organ riffs. “Joy Comes Back to Me” showcases gospel blues over a reggae pulse. Taking flight easily, Propeller thrills with the best kind of turbulence.
Performing Songwriter
Relaxing on the couch, I put on the Heather Waters' album "Propeller" and from the first note I'm lost in the depths of her voice on the hauntingly beautiful opener, "Diane." When the song ends, I need to play it again, both to hear that voice and to delve deeper into the lyrics. As the rest of the songs on the album unfold, the diversity of Heather's artistry is revealed. Front and center is the vulnerability, confidence, heartbreak, blues and romanticism of Heather's voice. "Propeller" is one of those albums that reveals itself over time... in the lyrics, production and oh, that soulful voice!
Music City Unsigned, Beyond Music City
... With an under-the-radar career that's drawn critical praise, Waters is an independent artist who packs a wallop. Her latest release, "Propeller" is peppered with love-themed heartbreakers and rhythm-and-blues pulsations, but the first single, "Wait for Me," with its U2-like drive is a nice dollop of contagious pop with commercial appeal.
The Post Tribune
... Heather Waters possesses an extraordinarily expressive voice and the ability to wrap it around phrases. In the last decade of alt.country/roots music Neko Case has been, arguably, the reigning vocal champ. Waters, if not Case's superior is absolutely her equal. Without hesitation, this record is gorgeous.
Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music
The soulfulness of Waters’ bluesy croon and the smokiness of the pop-rock music that backs it conjures up images of a kind of a female Ryan Adams.
Kalamazoo Gazette
... couldn't hit a sour note if she tried.
The Boston Globe
...smart... stirring... honest
No Depression
... a sigh-catching voice as evocative as Emmylou Harris'
L.A. Daily News
... recalls a young and less-hardened Lucinda Williams.
Midwest Beat Magazine
... dark, smoky and always satisfying
Performing Songwriter
...Waters is endless heart and soul.
Sound the Sirens.com
This Chicago native's breathy alto gets people's attention - that's why Gillian Welch and David Rawlings offer her songs to sing, and why Delbert McClinton hired her as a harmony singer. But it's Waters' own songs that keep listeners riveted... like Kelly Willis, she isn't afraid to rely on subtlety, and her strengths come off better because of it.
The Nashville Scene
Broken-hearted daydreamers must follow Heather Waters everywhere she goes. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has a voice that's been said to "rise out of the American soil, melancholy yet resilient, immediate yet timeless." One her first full-length album, shadow of you, she manages to give her lonesome songs a romantic edge that offers clarity rather than hopelessness.
The Cleveland Free Times
It took one listen of Heather Water’s self-released ep a few years back for me to become a devoted fan. I’ve been playing it ever since and waiting patiently for the release of her full length cd. Between some fantastic song-writing and playing, and Heather’s soulful voice—which gives George Jones a run for his money— the wait was well worth it.
Ken Ward, WEVL FM89.9, Memphis
Do you recall when you first heard that definitive version of "Angel From Montgomery"? The one that seemed to have something more than just the heart and soul of the singer? It was a deep song and a moving voice. Heather Waters displays the same passion and desperation on her first full-length release, Shadow Of You, through a collection of original songs that equal the aforementioned John Prine classic. With a husky southern drawl that's achingly expressive throughout, she sings songs of longing and loss that shoot to the heart.
Miles of Music
I am so jealous!! Next time, "Wait for Me!" That song is fucking incredible. Great job! Rock it, beeeeatch!
Rami Jaffee, The Wallflowers/Foo Fighters
Heather Waters is refreshing...very refreshing. I can’t stop listening to her.
Delbert McClinton
Now, that’s some fucking great singing.
Taj Mahal
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