Album Notes

Portland-based Jen Bernard works as a music instructor, professional performer, music agent and event producer. She plays guitar, piano and flute, and manages a hardworking chamber folk ensemble, "The Ariel Consort," in addition to giving lessons in voice and piano. She plays in three bands, among them the gothic chamber folk group "Carmina Luna," the 20s early Gypsy jazz ensemble "The Stolen Sweets," and "Jen and Wendy Bernard," an edgy and hip kids' music duo. Jen is also a published songwriter with a self-produced album entitled, "Losing My Skin." Jen's natural love of music is inherent in her work, and she brings great spirit and joie de vivre to all her exploits.

When left to her own creative devices, Jen crafts music that belongs to another era. Inexplicably drawn to traditional folk music, Jen's work harks back to an earlier era when instruments and voices wove together into a haunting tapestry. All her writing is like that. Guitars are never just strummed: every instrument becomes another melody. Jen's voice is warm, resonant and clear.

"Losing My Skin" is spooky, sexy and dark. People say it makes great bath music. It combines a few multi-cultural traditionals with original compositions (+ one Thirteenth Floor Elevators cover), and features a cast of Jen's closest friends. People compare it to early Fairport Convention, when Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson were still in the band. The organic and minimal production lets the songs come out in a true way. I think you'll like it.