Jennifer Marie – Do It All Again EP
Well, well, well, finally a vocalist without a whiny high-pitched delivery. Minneapolis’ Jennifer Marie possesses a pleasantly warm youthful voice with excellent backup vocalists that blend seamlessly with hers & reinforce her lyrics.
“Take Me Back,” while a fairly basic title for a song does navigate the music in an interesting catchy tight tune. Many styles fly through Ms. Marie’s repertoire. There’s a pinch of Sarah MacLachlan, some ethereal Kate Bush & Jane Wiedlin zest. Despite these suggestions, her voice is deep in spots where it matters & in a rich folky brew.
“You Got a Hold On Me,” has its soulful tang & it’s delivered with excellent musical incentives. Five tracks grace this sophomore EP but it’s enough to wonder when another full LP will come. Jennifer’s diversity is evident in the 5 pieces produced by Matt Patrick & Cory Shuman on Do It All Again (Drops Jan. 10/Independent/17:44).
The EP has wonderful variables, dramatic at times with alternative tinges, pop sensibility & other well-developed elements. The material’s intriguing & while not completely innovative does have discernable qualities. The closing piece is a laid-back piano tune with melancholy tones. Its focus is Jennifer’s pristine vocal urgency. I think she still needs to find her “style” apart from any influences & develop a striking signature antithesis. “How Do I Get There” is a strong start. It’s got a folky grip that clutches a strong church hymn concept that keeps it just short of soulful & renders it more pop-spiritual. Quite impressive.
Decades ago, the late folk singer Melanie Safka did something similar with the Edwin Hawkins Singers when her “Lay Down (Candles In the Rain)” had all those features. However, Jennifer keeps her arrangement ardent with splendor. A wonderful introduction to this fine vocalist.
Highlights – “Take Me Back,” “You Got a Hold On Me” & “How Do I Get There.”
Available in all digital formats. B&W image courtesy of Jennifer’s Facebook gallery. CD @ https://www.jennifermariemusic.com/ & https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-All-Again-Jennifer-Marie/dp/B0DBY16RMC