Thursday, Jan. 18, “Jackson Waters” played to a packed room in the University of Arkansas - Monticello Fine Arts Center.

   Lead singer David Leonard is the son of UAM’s own Rob Leonard, advisor of the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship. Leonard attended UAM from 2000-2002 before transferring to John Brown University.

   Leonard possesses an ability to do something that most artists in the music industry can’t; he can actually sing. Having listened too, and being a fan of “Jackson Waters” before their arrival at UAM, Leonard’s voice sounds even better live.

   With the advancement of technology, recording studios can make a person who happens to be tone deaf, like me, sound as if they’ve received vocal training from a top notch instructor. It’s refreshing to hear someone sound even better outside of the booth.

    They began the show with the energetic, pulse pumping “Come Undone.” This song just makes you want shake every muscle in your body. They performed a song from their upcoming album and an unnamed song before playing the very sexy and sultry “Center of Attention.”

   Though the guys haven’t enjoyed much major mainstream success, it’s only a matter of time. In Nov. 2006, their song “Center of Attention” was featured on an episode of “One Tree Hill” in its entirety.

   The set lasted less than an hour, and after the show, the guys hung around making sure they got a chance to speak to everyone who wanted to chat.

   Jackson Waters will release their debut album March 6. Be sure to pick up a copy!