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News & Reviews
Beautiful vocals and a delicate balance of instrumentation are the first things you will notice about the debut album of Jenna Greene, a Celtic inspired singer/songwriter. The tracks move from one to the next with smooth transitions, giving the impression of a well thought out whole musical piece rather than fourteen disparate parts. Jenna’s voice is well suited to the material she has written, neither too showy nor too plain; it is clear and strong but with a hint of endearing shyness.
The songs themselves are traditional in feel and sound. Clearly with a Celtic bent, the music does dip into a classic English Folk pool of inspiration. The instrumentation is terrific and well balanced. Even when the music swells it does not overwhelm. And it compliments, rather than competes with Jenna’s voice, which at times is whispery soft, though she is obviously comfortable belting it out when the song calls for it.
Greene’s lyrics are poetic and relevant, literary, intelligent and, at times, quite personal.
This is a very charming debut album from an artist we are sure to hear more from.
Mariam George
Faerie Magazine
This album is nothing less than FANTASTIC !!! In my 25 + years hosting an Irish/Celtic Radio Show here in Brockton Massachusetts, I have received so many great albums but it is so rare to receive one with such great original songs, outstanding arrangements and such a great voice to deliver the songs with such feeling. I would certainly nominate this album as 'Album Of The Year'.
It's music like this that makes me want to stay on the radio after all these years.
Jim Larkin
WXBR Radio
Brockton, Massachusetts
This is a thoroughly enjoyable musical voyage.
It is a mixture of hauntingly beautiful songs and the spoken word.
These are not “traditional” Celtic songs (i.e., ones which have composed part of the Celtic heritage for generations), but there are strongly Celtic-themed songs. They tell stories which seem comfortingly familiar, even though they are new. They call to a part of the psyche of which we are often reluctant to acknowledge, not because we fear it, but simply because it lives in the background of our daily life.
Jenna’s voice is well suited to these songs, as is the instrumental accompaniment. They blend into a unison which calls the listener to sit down, forget about daily concerns, and simply enjoy. Enjoyment for the sake of enjoyment is a lost art in today’s world, I fear, but a few more CDs like this may help to restore it. I know that producing music is a joy for the average musician (and putting out a CD can be a major pain). I am hoping that, for Jenna, the joy outweighs the pain. I sincerely hope that she receives enough encouragement to follow this CD up with more. I know that I am eagerly awaiting future releases.
Don’t get this CD just because it has a Celtic flair; don’t get it just because I am recommending it whole-heartedly. Get it because, once you take the time to put it into your CD player, you will find yourself losing track of time and forgetting about the rude people and lousy situations you have encountered.
I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing her in a live performance, but I hope to rectify that in the future.
Mike Gleason
Independent Reviewer
A Mystical Enchantment!
As Events Planner for The Edward King House in Newport, RI, I had the pleasure of hosting Concert Celtica with Jenna Greene as part of our Irish Heritage celebrations. Hearing her CD "Crossroads" was the basis for this decision and we weren't disappointed. Jenna weaves magic and enchantment with her original song stylings and evokes a time out of legend with her words and musical phrasings. She has a voice like an angel that works well with both traditonal Celtic tunes and her own original pieces. The musicians that accompany her are top notch.
A mystical and enchanting experience! If you like the CD, see her in concert!
Christine M.
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