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 āHave You Ever Seen the Rainā; Truesdale impressively makes John Fogertyās world-famous song her own in a way I havenāt heard before. Then, listen to her version of Stephan Stillsā āLove the One Youāre Withā; 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. āMy Life,ā is a beautiful song about wanting and losing love: āMy 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...ā Wistful and beautiful, the message behind the song is as lovely as its delivery.
āI Need You Tonightā is a lot more playful and less sentimental than āMy Life.ā The piano accents and backup vocals complement her exuberant performance: āI said I wouldnāt be lonely if you said goodbye, Looked out the window, watched you walk away, told myself I wasnāt gonna cry, I sat down to write a symphony but it didnāt turn out right, And oh I just need you, I need you tonight.ā
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 DāAgostino, John Mulroy, Tom West, Hiro Tokushige, Ririka Tokushige, Angel Subero, Joe Santerre, John Grant, Lydia Harrell, and Kit Holiday.
Check out Truesdaleās 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 @ Concordās 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.