"Little Words—Big Voice"
One of the rare moments occurs when you hear and see someone so fetching to the ear that the experience stands out, in and of itself. On Thursday night down at Cuppy’s, aka Java Jo’z, Jenn Grinels provided the audience such a moment. Hailing from San Diego, Grinels brought the coffee shop to a halt with her stunning vocals and original songs. Grinels' voice has a ‘torch song’ soulfulness to it that perfectly conveys the ‘lost in love’ lyrics that she writes. She is very polished in vocal delivery . She ‘wowed’ the room and I was right there to find out info on this extraordinary new discovery.
Recently the IE Weekly did an article on the growing DIY phenomena that is rewriting the whole mainstream record industry. Jenn Grinels’ CD ‘Little Words’ shows just how much fun the DIY approach can be without the ‘suits’ looking over your shoulder determining this and that. The cover has an proletarian look to it that is professionally done. Inside the original artwork and hand written notes remind one of a bootleg, but then again this belies the professional intent with which this well crafted and very well mastered CD was done. I was loving the CD before I ever listened to it. Listening to it certainly didn’t diminish my expectations either. Grinels' voice really has to be heard to be believed. It’s jazzy in its pacing, soulful in its delivery, heartfelt in its sensuous tone, and the poetic timing of the words speaks volumes. This is a singer that you know will be discovered, and soon I hope. Grinels is getting ready to embark on a west coast tour - I urge everyone reading these words to be there for two reasons. Grinels puts on a heck of a show and really commands the stage when she is on it. The other reason is to pick up a copy of her CD and listen to her voice, which is head and shoulders above most singers you hear, signed or unsigned. As one North County Times reporter put it, she is one of the top singers on a very short list in San Diego, or anywhere else for that matter, and these old ears have heard a ton or two of songbirds over the years. It will be interesting to see how the future unfolds for this soon-to-be legendary singer.
----P.T. Rothschild, Full Value Reviews (28 Sep 2007)
Live Performance Reviews:
" . . . I was immobilized by awe, [Grinels] was amazing - and I was not the only one rapt with amazement and appreciation. [Grinels] makes an impact and its an utter pleasure and a gigantic honor to see her play. She shows the kind of professionalism and talent that stops people in their tracks. When she plays - hearts open. The gift she shares with the world shows us -- she knows how to hear the voice that tells us all what we were meant for. Anything that will share this gift with more people is something I'll be eager to support." - Vincent Lowe, ThrivingArtists.net (San Jose)
" . . . her voice is just absurd. Two artists kept coming to mind - Martin Sexton and Fiona Apple. Sexton because of her vocal focus & control. Fiona Apple because of her tell-off confessional/conversational lyrics, her penchant for complex rhyme schemes (like rhyming a 3 syllable word with a 4 syllable word), and her powerful, listen-up-buster delivery. She also understands the importance of dynamic changes, and songs go from sultry whispers to soulful cries in like .3 seconds." -CrazyTalk.com (San Francisco)
Album Reviews:
Jenn Grinels' new album 'Little Words' has been in my head since I first listened to it days ago. And to be honest, what else could you ask for from a new album? You know you are listening to something special when upon first hearing it, it instantly becomes part of your collective being and you feel like it always has been.
The searing, emotional, soulful vocals are the driving force behind the record. While accompanied by some light guitar and other choice instruments, Grinels' voice is at the forefront and demands the listener's attention. Her sound is so arresting that this album refuses to be 'background music.' When certain songs come on, you cannot help but stop what you are doing and listen intently.
'Misery,' 'Closure,' and 'Happy Birthday' are perfect examples of songs with this quality. These songs cannot be described as anything but engaging. Then there is 'No Better,' the most toe-tapping, instantly memorable song of the bunch. This is the one you will play for someone else to get him or her excited about the record.
However, I saved the best for last: 'Crutch.' Every time I listen to this track, it gets better and better. From the structure, to the melody, to the lyrics, to the vocals, I cannot get over how amazing this song is or just how real it feels.
----William Peter George II, Better Than Nothing Music (20 Sep 2007)
Jenn Grinels earned her reputation around San Diego County for her stage work. A professional actress respected for her acting as well as her gorgeous set of pipes that have made her a popular casting choice for musicals, Grinels' debut CD is a delightful blending of dramatic performance and wonderful singing. Add in the strong set of songs she's written for this first release, and you've got as good an album as any acoustic performer has released in San Diego this year.
---- JT, North County Times, Review: little words, Grade: A
2007 Honoring Acoustic Talent Award - Best Performer
2007 Honoring Acoustic Talent Award - Best Vocalist
West Coast Songwriters' Song Contest - Finalist "no better"
Sophie 103.7fm Unsigned Sunday - Winner
Star 98.7fm Be A Star Contest - Finalist
