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‘It’s My Time’ lp
Jennie Walker |
As the daughter of an army officer and an opera singer, it may come as no surprise that Jennie Walker’s debut is a mix of regimented rhythms and free-flowing flights of fancy. The New York resident has an impressive resumé, having performed for the Rockefeller family and Graça Machel (AKA Mrs Nelson Mandela) and the 12 tracks of stylish soul searching here are clearly crafted by experienced hands. But, if you really want to look classy, get a string quartet in. And, while these songs range from sparse balladry to sloping grooves, it’s the presence of sharp, sculpted strings throughout that help put the album through finishing school. Like silver service dining for the ears.
It’s a sound that complements Jennie’s passionate, but polished, vocal. With hints of Suzanne Vega, Tori Amos and Kristin Hersh, she effortlessly slips her tonsils around a selection of moods. For example, “Simon” is new twist on Coldplay territory – a muscular ballad brimming with romance. On the other hand, “Your Father Your Mother” is a low-slung, hot afternoon groove; while “Black Hat” paints an edgier, seedier picture, where “in the back seat, we were one.” Just watch what you get on that upholstery.
“Rise Above The Pain” isn’t nearly as miserable as it sounds, being all quirky and grandiose in the finest ELO tradition. Things loosen up further as the tick-tocking rhythm of “The Subway Glass” gives it an almost R ‘n’ B feel; and “Night Flight To London” freebases lush strings with a busy bass to come across as more than a little dancey. On a more traditional note, there’s a whiff of Beatleness to the “Eleonor Rigby” neurotics of “Did You Notice Me?” and the “Dear Prudence” stirrings of “I Want To Show The World.” But for a true crowd-swayer, check out the high octane anthemics of “Hero In My Eyes.” Made to make real men cry.
The album’s mothership, though, has to be “It’s Our Time.” Like a post-millennial “My Way”, it’s clearly inspired by Jennie’s journey towards her first long player. “I walked tall, while others made light,” she says, “I’ve found my own voice and I speak from the heart.” And, with elegant production and a considered, sincere vocal, this isn’t the sugarfest it might look on paper. Rather, it’s a show of strength from dedicated, creative musician with a lot to say and a love of a good cello.
by Overplay |
 Visit Jennie Walker page |
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