"This Must Be Hello" (May 2007) wraps up my first couple years of songwriting, and in some ways, my life during those two years. Songwriting and performing helps me sort out my thoughts and feelings, so this album represents one phase of my ongoing journe

11 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Gentle, JAZZ: Jazz Vocals



Details:
(bio from jenniferholmes.net)
I am a 21-year old piano technician, originally from New Hampshire but now living in NY's capital region. I've been playing piano for about 14 years, but it wasn't until summer/fall 2004 that I started songwriting and performing. So far, I have mostly played at open mics, but I've also played a handful of longer sets, on my own or with other local artists. My debut album, This Must Be Hello, will be available 05/10/07--this CD is a good representation of my first couple years songwriting and performing, and a stepping stone for future music-making!

Musical Background:
I took piano lessons for about 10 years total, with various teachers mostly of the mixed-genres/contemporary type, though I did study with a classical teacher for one year. Up until I went off to college, I played at recitals, in jazz band, as accompanist for my school's choirs, and at pop concerts and talent shows.

Though piano has always been my primary focus, I've also been involved with band/orchestra and chorus since elementary school--my main instrument was bassoon (7 years), and I also played some clarinet, alto sax, and flute. It wasn't until later in high school that I did any solo singing, and those times were few and far between.

I started playing harp my freshman year of college, and now own a 44-string pedal harp (Camac Clio). It's a great instrument, which I plan to incoporate more into my writing as I improve on it. On my CD, "Haven" is performed on harp. I also picked up guitar early 2006 (I have an Art and Lutherie folk model), and those I'm pretty amateur with it, it's great for songwriting! It's featured on two songs on my CD.

Influences:
Probably my most direct influence has been Norah Jones (on her first CD), but in more general terms I put Jim Brickman, Marian McPartland, Matthew Banks, and Ryan Adams at the top of the list. Pretty much anyone I've ever listened to (from 90's Mariah Carey to Blue Man Group) I can count as some sort of "influence," and much of my piano style is shaped by the various lesson pieces I've played over the years (among my favorites were pieces by Joplin, Guaraldi, and Debussy).

Songwriting/performing thus far:
I wrote my first song (No One Way) June 2004, and things unfolded from there. I immediately started recording what I had, sharing songs with family, friends, and the online community. Soon after, I found myself performing again--I found a few open mics to play at, the most influential and rewarding of which being Caffè Lena's in Saratoga Springs, New York.

I'm pretty content to hang around the open-mic and local cafe scene, as I focus on building up a repertoire and recording as I go. Now that I'm done working on my CD (and am all done with schoolwork as well), I may find myself playing some more gigs this year, but I'm equally as likely to be content writing new songs and playing at open mics.

Inspirations:
No One Way was written for someone who really inspired me to follow through on a dream I've had as long as I can remember. He's incredibly talented, a wonderful person, and I will always remember what he's done for me.

Over the past few years, I have met so many wonderful local musicians, many of whom have become good friends of mine. It is a really special thing to be among people who love music at its purest level, are brave enough to share it, and open enough to welcome others to join in.

Such beautiful friends, mentors, supporters, inspirations... I only hope I can be the same in return! :)