Jennifer Richman is a singer/songwriter, Brooklyn born and raised. From a very early age she was extremely passionate about the arts. Jennifer and her twin sister (Karen) danced, sang, wrote, and pushed one another artistically all through their youth. As is often the case, the twin girls, for all they held in common, were torn apart by a need for individual identity and Jennifer’s competitive nature.
Once Jennifer graduated the two went their separate ways. At this time Jen found solace in writing and eventually recording her own music. Soon after beginning her musical pursuits, Jennifer was introduced to Swami Yogiraj Nanak and traveled to the Dhyan Yog Ashram in India several times to practice meditation under his guidance. In 2006 Jen reached new artistic heights on her debut full-length record Flowers of Gold. Music is a language in and of itself - unbounded emotion through movement, sound, and words. It is these elements that make up Jennifer’s truest self.
As a songwriter, her gift is to understand the sensibilities of the less fortunate, and to compassionately voice the needs of the underdog. This she has learned from the trials of her youth, reflections from her spiritual pursuits, and through her other career dedicated to serving those in need. Jennifer’s lyrics communicate delicate global and personal themes expressed with simplicity and her characteristic uplifting style.
She performs live with her three-piece band or solo, accompanying herself on both acoustic guitar and piano. Her piano skills were passed on to her through her Lithuanian grandmother, whose piano she plays and writes on to this day.
In her music as in her life, she is committed to healing the wounds of her youth, and generously giving through her love of all people, especially those who cannot or do not voice their own passions.
When not in the studio, writing, or performing, Jennifer helps people with various disabilities, most notably Autism. She organizes and directs concerts for the disabled in the NYC area, and is a guest lecturer at Columbia and Downstate University. At these appearances she speaks on the topic of Autism and the benefits of music in rehabilitation. In addition to this busy plate she is also an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Jennifer, and her colleagues in the AOTA task force seek to improve mental health for children in schools across the nation.
Read more...