Album Review: Through The Circle by Jennifer Truesdale

#byLizPublika

Jennifer Truesdale is awesome. Not only does the Boston-based singer-songwriter make amazing music, she also seems to possess a whole lot of range. Her newest album Through the Circle is a great example of how comfortably and smoothly she glides between jazz, R&B, gospel, bluegrass, and the blues. She is a passionate, precise, and poignant performer.

For example, take her cover of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”; Truesdale impressively makes John Fogerty’s world-famous song her own in a way I haven’t heard before. Then, listen to her version of Stephan Stills’ “Love the One You’re With”; the delivery and energy mimics that of the original, but offers something unique and special. Both covers are objectively excellent.

Out of the ten songs on the album, eight are original compositions. These offer a more authentic portrayal of her range. Although Truesdale co-produced Through the Circle with David Minehan at Wooly Mammoth Sound, she wrote and arranged the tracks herself. Her fusion of soul-stirring vocals with relatable lyrics that are accompanied by captivating tunes make for a great album.

The fact that her songs are positive in nature also reveal her intent behind the music. “My Life,” is a beautiful song about wanting and losing love: “My life, your life, all we had was love, Your Dreams were my dreams, all we had was love, Your song was my song, all we wanted was love...” Wistful and beautiful, the message behind the song is as lovely as its delivery.

“I Need You Tonight” is a lot more playful and less sentimental than “My Life.” The piano accents and backup vocals complement her exuberant performance: “I said I wouldn’t be lonely if you said goodbye, Looked out the window, watched you walk away, told myself I wasn’t gonna cry, I sat down to write a symphony but it didn’t turn out right, And oh I just need you, I need you tonight.”

Those who enjoy the music of Billie Holiday, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Erykah Badu, and Johnny Cash will likely find something to like on the album. Through the Circle also features the musical talents of Joe Musella, Marty Ballou, Bill D’Agostino, John Mulroy, Tom West, Hiro Tokushige, Ririka Tokushige, Angel Subero, Joe Santerre, John Grant, Lydia Harrell, and Kit Holiday.

Check out Truesdale’s upcoming tour dates below, and stop by here to learn more.

Upcoming Performances:

Saturday, June 8th, 2:00PM @ Arlington PorchFest, Arlington, MA

Wednesday, June 12th, 7:30PM @ Concord’s Colonial Inn, Concord, MA

Thursday, June 27th, 6:30PM @ Condon Shell Summer Concert, Medford, MA

Sunday, June 30th, 4:00PM @ Caffe Sorrento, Milford, MA

Note* Album provided for objective review from our partners.

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