After a mini stint in Atlanta for some meetings, I flew to Texas and drove straight to the Robinson Performing Arts Hall. I had a suspicion – given the “Performing Arts Hall” part – that it might be a large venue. It was a gargantuan, beautiful theater – seating about 1600. And ya know, I’m HUGE in Corpus Christi.
My audience didn’t even come close to 3 digits – but I didn’t care and they didn’t care. They were small but MIGHTY! And I was in heaven playing for them, and in such a gorgeous space.

That’s something I’ve learned in the past 5 years. When it comes to venues and audiences, all I really care about is that people are listening. I’d rather play for 3 people that are truly listening and connecting, than to a packed bar, where I’m singing over the crowd noise and fighting to make those connections.

I’ve been in the same time zone for 2 weeks straight! The local barristo/as are starting to give me that knowing look: “You’re going to order a mocha.” I keep feeling like I should get a job! And then I remember, oh yeah – I have one! Now write damn it! Some days I do sit in my pjs, guitar in hand, staring out at Lake Union. Which is fine when, at the end of the day, I’ve created something I’m proud of – if not, it sucks. I just feel like a lazy, no good bum! But onward and upward! Heave-ho!

Given this strange new non-schedule, I’ve had some time to go through some photos that just at on my phone or my desktop last year. So here’s the ode to the way life use to be: 2012 highlights (and maybe even older) (and besides the Tractor Tavern in Seattle, to which I’ve already devoted 2 posts.)

Jenn Grinels & Joey Harkum, Rams Head Onstage - photo by Clark Smith

Doing a co-bill at Rams Head Onstage was a big ‘ole box check, and sharing the stage with Joey Harkum (of Pasadena) was dreamy. He’s a genius. And I love this photo evidence of how much fun we have together – I’m pretty positive he had just made some super inappropriate remark. Video

Merideth Kaye Clark, Brad Simmons, Jenn Grinels, Chris Coombs, Logan Baldwin @ Rams Head LIVE!

So I moved to New York, Merideth hired a band (the best band ever!) and we rocked it a Pirate Rob’s BirthdayBash at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD. I rocked glasses and got Lasik surgery 2 days later! Which is a miracle!  Here’s a little of Brad’s thrusty key-work, and a little sass from the rest of us:
Jenn Grinels @ Rams Head LIVE! (Hightlights)

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.

It’s been absolutely INSANE to actually UNPACK.  I put my toothbrush in the bathroom and thought, “This is officially where my toothbrush lives!” Even though I immediately scooped it back up and hit the road again this week,  my toothbrush lives in New York City.   And so do I.

But today I’m heading to the west coast to have Lasik surgery! Hooray! That’s why I’ve been wearing glasses this past week.  (Wasn’t an ode to Ingrid or Lisa Loeb or anything.)  Why the west coast for Lasik? I found a Groupon. I know! I never thought I’d trust my eyes to a glorified coupon, but here I go.

Back on road, and truthfully, with 19 shows already in 2012 and 30 more on the schedule for March and April, I won’t be spending too much time in New York, but it’s still home … and that’s so nice to say.

(photo by new roomie: Merideth Kaye Clark – view from the rooftop: Inwood Hill Park)

A Five Star Performance by Jenn Grinels at Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis
Review by Courtney Smith, www.examiner.com
“Goosebumps. The last time it happened to me at a concert, I was eight years old and listening to Sarah Brightman hit a high note in a duet with Michael Crawford from Phantom Of The Opera. I vividly recall how it felt to be so moved by someone’s voice that your body responds with goosebumps. This time, I am sitting at a corner table with a group of friends at Ram’s Head On Stage in Annapolis, listening to Jenn Grinels. The beautiful redhead who released her second album brokenHEARTbreaker earlier this year, establishes her obvious talent immediately in the first few songs. Clearly, I am not the only one who is mesmerized by Jenn’s voice. The audience hangs on to every note she delivers and seems to connect with her sound, lyrics and style on a level that is rare.
Her stage presence is effortless and personable. I felt as if the entire audience and I were good friends of Jenn’s, sitting around listening to her play songs we already knew and loved. Part of her allure is her genuine personality which shines through instantly. Part of it is her incredible voice and vocal range. One moment she is singing softly, polishing notes with such ease, and the next she is hitting high notes with a bluesy feel that reminds me slightly of Susan Tedeschi. After Grinels performed a few songs, someone at my table remarked,”How is she not like, majorly famous!? She is incredible . . . ”
Continue reading:  http://www.examiner.com/girls-night-out-in-baltimore/jenn-grinels-review#ixzz1f9o3N4lP

August 12th – 98 Bottles, San Diego
Opening – Merideth Kaye Clark!
21+, $15, food/beverages provided!
Door: 7pm, Music: 8pm
BY RESERVATION ONLY!
PLEASE RSVP CLICK HERE – indicate # in party under comments
(if you do not have a Facebook account, email jenn@jenngrinels.com with name and # in party.)
YOU MUST BE ON THE LIST!!!
Merideth Kaye Clark is my best friend and ridiculously talented.  She also happens to be a former Elphaba in the National Tour of Wicked!  Yeah, kinda amazing.  While she was on tour she wrote a FANTASTIC album: Young Stellar Object.
98 Bottles is a brand new venue in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood that hasn’t even opened yet!!!  My amazing friends, Steve Anthony and Jill Mesaros, and Chris Hjerling are the masterminds behind this new lounge/venue and August 12th will allow everyone a sneak peek!!!  I’m SO HONORED to be their first event!
And the fabulous Megan Carchman will join me on cajon. : )

August 13th – Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles
21+, $10, tix at door,
7:30pm (music: 8pm, seating is first come, first serve)
featuring Merideth Kaye Clark & Megan Carchman
* at 11pm John Elliot will take the stage to celebrate the release of his new album, Backyards – so stick around, John is a genius.