13 Jun 2012 5 Comments

How to make me cry…

… in a good way.
Being a musician, especially an indie musician, is simultaneously elating and frustrating. I know it’s a gift to get to do what I love, and I’m reminded of that every day – either I remind myself, or more often it comes from other sources: fantastic audiences, beautiful concerts, exciting places, and amazing fans. I know many of you tell your friends about me, forward emails, share posts on facebook – and I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate that. But, I can start by saying: that is EVERYTHING. You are the ones who make what I do possible. You are the ones who allow me to continue what I’m doing… because you are spreading the word, and you keep coming back to concerts, and you keep bringing friends and your parents and your kids and your personal trainers and your coworkers!
This morning I received this email and it meant so much to me that I want to share it with you:

Jenn:
Since we only get to talk briefly at gig scenarios where all those “gig things” are going on, I’ve never had a chance to really dig in and let you know what I think of you as an artist; a musician to musician review, if you will. I have just finished forwarding your latest e-mail — the one with the “love video” prompt — to my e-mail contacts all over the country, with the following personal review … from me … to them … about you.
In harmony,
Gary Vella
———————————————————————————————————————————-
To all of my music-loving friends:

I have never before universally recommended any musician to everyone I know, so please know that I have been impacted to a level that few artists have ever brought me to. I came across a burgeoning talent 3 or 4 years ago when she played in our area at a local festival. Her name is Jenn Grinels. I couldn’t believe my ears — or my eyes, for that matter — when this singer/songwriter/guitarist took the stage. The only other singers I’ve ever heard that display such vocal flexibility, dynamics, and perfect pitch are Barbara Streisand and Ann Wilson (of Heart). I believe her songwriting capabilities are right up there with Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Then there are Jenn’s live performances, where her down-to-earth demeanor, charisma, and absolute talent have the audiences eating out of her hand and clamoring for more. During the last few years, Jenn has been become an ever-increasing success as she tours the country, and she is currently the most requested entertainer on the national college circuit. (There’s an acronym for it but I can’t recall it at the moment.) I had the pleasure of booking Jenn for an outdoor evening concert here in Civano (the new-urban community we live in) last year and hope to repeat that later this year when she comes back to our area.

Her latest release, brokenHEARTbreaker, is, in my opinion, a classic waiting to be discovered. I think it approaches the level of masterpieces such as Carole King’s Tapestry and Heart’s Dreamboat Annie. I know that’s an extremely high accolade to offer anyone, but, as a musician, I can’t think of anything else that compares. This artist is one step away from being a superstar in the music industry …. as soon as she is discovered by mainstream America and the rest of the planet. Hopefully, this communication will help to make that happen.

In the forwarded e-mail item, click on Listen to the Song and View the Lyrics. Then click on the (play) arrow in the middle of the page to hear a brief interview with Jenn where she talks about her first nickel-and-dime “starving-artist tour” across the country and what has transpired since. Then don’t touch that mouse because the site automatically goes to Jenn’s first produced video (song: No Better), followed by some great live music videos. Like what you see and hear? brokenHEARTbreaker goes way, way beyond that, with perfect harmonies, orchestration, and superb production.

I can’t say enough about this new artist and, as a musician who’s been around the block, I wouldn’t waste your time sending you some C-class stuff that you’ve heard 100 times before from others. I also wouldn’t waste my time raving about her if I didn’t feel that her level of talent is absolutely exceptional. Her songs stick to me like some of the great Beatles songs, or songs by James Taylor or Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Coral loves her music too so there’s a generational review for you as well. I’ll force myself to shut off the praise now so you have an opportunity to introduce yourselves to Jenn Grinels.

In harmony,
Gary Vella

P.S. Allow me to openly suggest that you just order a copy of brokenHEARTbreaker. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s one of the best musical releases in decades. You can thank me later.

by Jenn in Uncategorized