I was privileged to be invited to a special party last weekend.  My friends hosted a party that provided the best entertainment.

I got to hear the lovely Julia Brown and Charlie Cheney sing in a great private party location. Simply wonderful! Both Charlie and Julia were touring the Midwest. Charlie is from the Madison, WI area, knew some people and a party was set!

I was so excited when I was invited — I wasn’t sure if I could contain myself and not do something stupid.  You’ll be proud of me — the evening went off without a hitch.

Julia started the night off with her set and songs … have to say, Pieces of the Species was my favorite song she sung that night. I loved her music and couldn’t leave without buying one of her CD’s. So, this past fabulous weekend – while driving around town – I was listening to the stylings of Julia. Pieces of the Species a few times extra.

Julia Brown Singing

Charlie Cheney has played with some very cool people! Jackson Browne and Pat McDonald “discovered” Charlie and the rest is history. Charlie has a way of getting the crowd to follow his fun tunes. Charlie rounded out the night with his songs after Julia … that’s when the party got going! You can check out Charlie’s schedule or follow his blog.

The other point I’d like to note about Charlie….. he’s a software developer – he’s created his own program for band managment called Indie Band Manager. Now that rocks!

Here is the happy threesome …..

Charlie, Jenn, Julia

Cheers to people who follow their passion!
Jennifer
JenniferReviews @gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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]]> http://jenniferreviews.com/2010/05/music-monday-julia-brown-and-charlie-cheney/feed/ 3 http://jenniferreviews.com/2010/04/music-monday-caro-emerald-is-one-to-listen-to/ http://jenniferreviews.com/2010/04/music-monday-caro-emerald-is-one-to-listen-to/#comments Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:33:52 +0000 Jennifer http://jenniferreviews.com/?p=7443

I love finding not so famous, not that much heard of musicians with unique sounds and great voices. None the mainstream. Or at least not the mainstream yet.

Today is no exception — I’d love to introduce Caro Emerald! *says in her best Ed Sullivan voice* Have you heard of her? She seems to be making quite a hit on the other side of the pond. Nothing here in the US yet. In fact, checking out her tour schedule — it’s all overseas. So, unless you are traveling – we’ll have to wait to see her in person here in the US.

You CAN preview her music and buy her album off iTunes which is what I did. I’m jamming out in my car, sunroof open and traveling down I-94 to Ms. Caro this week!

The sound is a combination of those old time 50′s movies infused with a flirty jazzy ballroom flair, a shot of happy beats and shaken up with Caro’s great voice! It makes your day to listen to these songs! Watch her video below for a sampling.

Stop by her site: Caro Emerald

Let me know what you think!

Cheers to Caro!
Jennifer
JenniferReviews @gmail.com
@JenniferReviews

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]]> http://jenniferreviews.com/2010/04/music-monday-caro-emerald-is-one-to-listen-to/feed/ 1 http://jenniferreviews.com/2009/11/music-monday-wicked-tinkers/ http://jenniferreviews.com/2009/11/music-monday-wicked-tinkers/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:54:27 +0000 Jennifer http://jenniferreviews.com/?p=3475

With a name like Wicked Tinkers, how could that not spark some curiousity? I am a fan of all types of music …. I like what I like and love to share some of the really good artists that are not mainstream, but are worth your time and ear! In the past I’ve talked about Rene Austin (Where is she?), Jennifer Vazquez, KC Clifford, Dub FX and now I’d like to share the Wicked Tinkers.

Check out this video of one of their live performances:

Don’t those guys look like they are having fun? Judging from the audience noises …. they’re having fun too! My favorite song is The Pumpkin’s Fancy (affiliate link). Their music is what they call Tribal Celtic and it does have a different sound then your usual celtic bagpipe drum mixture – one different addition which you’ll see in the video is the Australian didgeridoo. I hope you’ll take time to listen to a few songs – you might find it motivates you too!

Their new CD that just came out is RANT.

Cheers to tribal celtic music!
Jennifer

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So this is going to be a short post … mostly because the video below is a 7 min. video that is fantastically worth the watch. You can find this artist on his site dubfx.net and you can join his facebook fan page by clicking this blue link. But …. I so appreciate passion and creativity that I HAVE to post this. I found this artist months back, but his website was not working and all you could find on him were these Youtube videos. I’m happy to say he’s found some more help other then “flower fairy” .. (that cracks me up!) and he’s now on the web! Check him out and appreciate!

Cheers to passion!
Jennifer

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You know how I like to find unique sounds, passion in what a person does and talent … well here is another musician that is not mainstream but is very much worth a listen and a trip to go out and see! Jennifer Vazquez Since I’m not an “official” music critic, you won’t find a long winded review here! But you will find a great deal to download her songs! (below)

Here is Jennifer’s story on following her passion to bring her to this moment!

Jennifer Vazquez

I am constantly redefining what it means to me to be an artist. I am on a path, day in and day out, to find the right balance between being a “normal” person, versus living the life of a creative individual. Yes, I am a singer /songwriter, but peel away one layer and you’ll see the dancer twirl right in and onto a stage. Take a step further and peel another layer and you’ll find that little girl from The Bronx, who didn’t know the meaning of the word, “I can’t.

I have been at my art since the age of three, and I will continue to do so until I breathe my last breathe on this earth.

… That’s passion for what you do folks!

All 12 of her new songs from the CD “Bend” for only $4! You can sample listen to her songs here.

And here is the great part… with her voice, talent and all her touring, Jennifer has a facebook profile… not a fan page, but a profile!

You can follow Jennifer on … of course…. TWITTER!

Watch Jennifer V. in person on YouTube.

and our old loved Social Media site: Myspace!

Want to see and hear Jennifer play live?
You can see her in Hollywood on May 2nd at Sabor Y Cultura Cafe off of Hollywood Blvd. (I just always wanted to type Hollywood blvd in one of my posts!)

and

May 30th, you can see her at the Southbay Bicycle Musical festival.

Two things I want to leave you with ….
—- > Jennifer’s favorite wine (after all I am a wine-o … needed to know!) is Jordan Chardonnay, pinot grigio and rose.
—– > And THIS Jennifer’s favorite Jennifer V. song!?? “Rain fall down on me” I play it again and again!

Cheers to true musician’s that rock!
Jennifer

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Ebay is evil and I’m soooo addicted to all the fun!!!! So here it is… another Friday and another “IT’S FRIDAY!!!”

As I make my move from my current home to a new one…..

(btw … someone buy my house… I might be famous some day and you can say… this is the house of Jennifer, from JenniferReviews.com – I’ll even sign a wall or something… hand plaster in the cement somewhere?? ..just think aobut it..http://tinyurl.com/7v35v3)

… I’m forced to realize… I have a lot of jun….I mean….stuff. How did I get all this!? WHY do I have all this? For the last year, I’ve been selling at rummage sales and giving Goodwill my stuff…. and all I can think of is this song/video. Enjoy!

Cheers!
Jennifer

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Oh… I’ve been searching the web and looking at Twitter — Here is an interesting video / singer that I came across. K.C. Clifford. This artist reminds me of a favorite school teacher.. the one you just loved and had fun in class! (I mean that in a good way KC!) K.C. has a great video on her site that I wanted to share…

I grew up loving Barbie and even on to my adulthood I became a collector (made some great $ on Ebay with her) and now I just enjoy all the songs and watching other little girls grow up with Doctor Barbie, President Barbie… the list goes on. But this song made me laugh and I had to share.

The beginning may make you wonder where she is going … but hang on … the best comes in the middle… ! Your favorite school teacher type song has a very pointed ending chorus! Beside the following song / video… K.C. Clifford has a great easy voice to listen to; my favorite song is “Stained Glass” currently featured as my music selection on my myspace page or better yet — hit KC’s myspace site for more songs. (link below)

You can connect with K.C. Clifford on Twitter, become a Facebook Fan and connect with her on Myspace for free downloads! and of course you can Download/buy her CD:

Cheers to Skipper!
Jennifer

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Twitter people, Like this post? I hope you’ll RT it! (copy/past/post): RT- A New “Barbie Song” http://tinyurl.com/8gdfwk
Post by @thingsAll2Good

This is a quick fun post I wanted to get out there!

I just got an email from a friend that passed along this fun site. It’s by Josh Hosler and it has a complete list of #1 songs for the past 20 years! Click the link: What’s your birtdate song? To see what your top hit was!

For me…. It was “Joy to the World!” by Three Dog Night: The Complete Hit Singles“!

Groooovy!

ooohhhh… how appropriate!!

What’s your Birthdate hit??? C’mon…. share!

Cheers!
Jennifer

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I know, I know….. it’s been awhile since I posted… shame-shame on me.. The holidays have gotten the best of me!!

But here is something I know you’ll like that I came across today. I was thinking how we all go through our day… get up, shower, eat, fight traffic, get to work, work… fight traffic, eat .. etc. Sometimes I think we miss some fantastic things because we don’t “see” what is around us.

I love the following video…. watch the crowd around these guys at the beginning of the video … then at the end. Not only do they have great voices / sounds…. they sure made some happiness on that subway that day. The group is called Naturally 7 – check them out when you have time! You can see them this December 5th in New York at Madison Square Garden!

My goal is to inspire a little cheer for the rest of the year to those in public places… Help me out?? If you do and record your accomplishments – hit me up and I’ll post it here! Jens2ster at Gmail dot com !

Cheers,
Jennifer

I’ve been asked to review some artists and their music lately. Since I am not professionally trained in any form of music, I have to say the thought of reviewing such talent is somewhat intimidating. My list of musicial accomplishments are the recorder, the piano (which I’m not too bad at and do love) and the instrument my parents decided I should try….. the violin. Yea…. violin….. second violin, last chair — that was me!! Faked playing the violin at every orchestra rehersal and concert…. I really do feel sorry for my high school teacher at that time … I think he would have rather had me playing the cymbals or something.. BUT, moving on…

I couldn’t do my first post without talking about one of the most amazing singers I had the privledge to hear. Renee Austin. Most of you have never heard of her …. and you know what… I feel for you, because this women’s voice ROCKED. However, this story may not have a happy ending… I’m in search for “what happened to Renee Austin” as we speak. Let me give you the background.

I grew up in a little town of Allen, Wisconsin. If you know where that fly speck on the map is … please email me, I probably know you! Regardless, my family moved into the “big” town of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. While I was visiting family there back in 2005, my sister-in-law who is very artistically talented wanted to see some band at a local bar. Me, being happy to see a live band — I dressed to impress and we all headed out to a litttle swanky bar with a rustic brick interior and a loft that looked down on the stage. As we took the best seats in front of the loft and peered down at this band… I wondered… what could Eau Claire, Wisconsin possible draw in tonight…. the week of thanksgiving. It was Renee Austin. At the moment of reading her name on the flyer and ordering my drink … I wasn’t impressed with what I thought I would hear. until …

…. let me tell you …… this women’s voice and passion made you stop whatever you were doing, stop any thought process you currently had and drew you into her world with her voice. I have never had the hair on the back of my neck stand up from a singer the way her words and her soulful sound did for me that night. Other reviewers have compared her to a cross between Janis Joplin and Tina Turner … and I have to say that is a DEAD ON discription of her talent. The most memorable song that she sang, that literally had all of us that night in complete awe … is hearing her sing Amazing Grace Acapella… I would say that all of us that showed up that night had an amazing night. Renee Austin, in her petite body, belted out songs in a husky soul sound to angelic clear pitch! It was truly amazing.

The sad part of this story is that Renee developed a lump on her thyroid gland and had to have it removed. While it was a blessing that it was not cancerous, due to the operation, her left vocal cord was paralyzed. She could only whisper after the operation. Everyone is hopeful that she will recover… Blind Pig Records (who smartly picked her up) has a great profile on her. At the time of this posting, I have not found out how her condition is…… the last info I could find indicated that there may be some hope she could return to her love of music. I can only hope that she does ….. the world is truly missing a great talent if we are not able to hear her voice again! So …. Renee Austin …. if you read this …. god speed on your recovery and we all look forward to your fantastic voice soon!

Wanna hear what the buzz is about? Check out the song “Catfish Women” on Napster ….. or another good one is Bottom of a Heart! Enjoy!
Cheers,
Jennifer