 Music
Connection Showcase - The Gig (Melrose)
February 15, 2005
by: Cyhndi Mora
Jennifer Vazquez has a warmth about her and poise that not only
attracts some of the best local indie musicians as fans, but makes
everyone at her shows feel at home and spoken to. Her presence on
stage is as accessible and friendly as her performance is
professional and polished. She really gets it across that shes
happy to see you, inviting you in for her heart-to-heart lyric
blend of poetry and emotional wisdom delivered via her powerful
dynamic vocal range, really belting without ever seeming to
stretch or strain too far or loose its punch. She seems to move
effortlessly from an almost Cline-esque growl to Appalachian -
flavored twists that remind me a little of Natalie Merchant or the
Cranberries all while stylishly alternating her guitar picking and
strumming, and creating a wall of sound that filled the club every
bit as much as a full band and still balanced her vocals and
guitar so you could hear every word and nuance.
Lyrically Jennifer has a
story to tell and she makes no bones about breaking it all down
for us. She's taken a hit or two to the chest but retained her own
brand of hearty optimism and wisdom about her life and times,
serving up poignant reminders that there's always a hidden lining
to what ever cloud you happen to be standing under at the time
without coming off preachy or clichι.
Many of the songs she
played tonight were from her new album, "Bend", her hot
off the presses full-band and full length release of exquisitely
and tastefully produced snapshots from the heart told with an
emotional wisdom and grace she seems far too young to possess,
truly a diamond in the L.A. sand.
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