Jenn Bostic
Album: Faithful
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 14
Website: http://jennbostic.com/

Nashville based singer songwriter Jenn Bostic came to prominence in 2012 with the release of her tribute to her Father, "Jealous of the Angels." When I first heard the song it brought tears to my eyes and still does to this day. It must be almost the greatest tribute anyone can receive to have a song written for them and I am sure Jenn's Father would have been incredibly proud of his daughter. I know that the song has brought immense comfort to many distressed people in the intervening years. The song came from Jenn's first album, "Jealous" which was released in the UK in 2013. However, that album is not the subject of this review.

So now along comes Jenn's second album "Faithful" which, to my mind at least, is superior to the first album. It is more varied and Jenn's music and songwriting have matured just a little more. The new album still contains the meaningful and emotional lyrics and music as the first album but it is all delivered with just a touch more quality and panache. It is obvious from the title of both her albums that Jenn is not a woman to waste printers' time and money on long titles. Two words are more than enough for two albums.

Despite Jenn living in Nashville, this is not a Country album. It does maintain a country influence, but it also contains some pop, blues, and a bit of jazz all delivered by Jenn's silky smooth voice. The musical backing is nearly always subtle allowing the power of the vocals to be heard at their very best. It is amazing to think that her early work was rejected by many until it was finally noted that here is a very accomplished and incredibly talented lady. She is now making up for wasted time although it could be argued that the delay allowed her to hone her skills to the current level of near perfection.

The album opens and closes with two songs of complete contrast. The title track "Faithful" kicks the music off with an upbeat country influenced track whilst the last one, the slightly whimsical and quirky "I don't like you at all" closes it all off with a flourish and a great 20's feel to it with trumpet accompaniment too. In between you will find a number of styles, all based on Jenn's classical piano playing and creative lyrics.

Jenn's voice is one that can go just as easily from happy to melancholy in an instant and this is reflected throughout the album. "If you see him" has a touch of Strawberry Fields in the intro. "Little Grace" is a great example of the juxtaposition of her piano playing and subtle vocals. I like the simplicity of the start of "Fight for your life." "I will follow" takes the pace up a bit and is followed by a gospel choir for the intro of "What love feels like" still with the strong underlay of the piano.

I have alluded to the eclectic styles of music on the album above and I can honestly say there is not a track on the album that I do not like. It is full of quality songs and stories that should appeal to lovers of emotive and passionate music. She is on tour in the UK now so try to get to see her live.

I had the privilege of meeting Jenn in 2013 when she was on tour here in the UK. She was beautiful, utterly charming and totally unassuming despite being blessed with an amazing talent. I have to admit that I am a little bit in love with her but please don't tell either my wife or her husband. She is a real star in my book!

Rory Stanbridge