Album Notes

Femininity. Strength. Wisdom. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when listening to the stunning, heartfelt music of singer/songwriter Jenna Torres. From her warm, clear voice to the poignant emotion that permeates each song on her self-titled album, everything about this New York City native seems to arise directly from her soul.

Shortly after her CD landed on his desk, Edgar Bronfman promptly sent a copy of Torres’ original work to Judy Stakee, Senior Vice President of Creative Services at the publishing powerhouse Warner-Chappell Music. Struck by Jenna’s talent and recognizing a strength that would only come from having truly lived to tell, the wheels were quickly set in motion for what is now a match made in songwriting heaven, an exclusive publishing deal with Warner Chappell.

"This is really a dream come true for me. To be able to write with the support of Warner Chappell gives my songs the wings to fly.”

Born in New York City, Jenna remembers music always being an integral part of her make up. At an early age she participated in a program that was visited by America’s best-loved folksinger, Pete Seeger. Too young to understand his significance she just remembers experiencing a strong connection to him and his work. It was here that she was exposed to banjo picking and guitar strumming and was chosen to perform in the annual “Rochester Sings” event, her first time ever performing in front of an audience.

From high school on music was her primary focus as she lead bands, toured nationally as a back-up vocalist, was signed to Polygram as a member of girl group and began writing songs in earnest. It was during this time that she was discovered by the celebrated photographer Richard Avedon, who helped launch her modeling career. She has since appeared in numerous international publications and worked for some of the world’s top fashion designers. Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe are among the other photographers and artists who included Jenna in their work.

The road to Warner Chappell included "a whole lot of high's and low's": marriage, development deals, motherhood, film acting, divorce, hard rock, and the tragic loss of her musician/artist brother, to whom she’s dedicated a song. A confluence of events including a chance meeting with musician/producer Matt Keating (Emily Spray, Matthew Peverly, Carolyn Alroy) galvanized in Torres a confidence to express herself honestly. Torres’ music has come full-circle after a journey that she says, “made her strong enough to hear her own voice and brave enough to let it be heard.”

As a solo artist, Jenna has performed in many of New York’s legendary clubs such as CBGB’s, Arlene Grocery, Acme Underground and Wetlands. Her long list of benefit performances include ones for Greenpeace, Hale House, God’s Love We Deliver, V.O.W. and Earth Day. Jenna wrote the September 11th inspired “One Ray of Hope” which was sung by a chorus of school children and filmed by HBO.

She is also a featured writer for Laughing Pizza a "Family Pop Trio", newly signed to SonyWonder/Epic records that already has the critics buzzing. Jenna co-wrote the first two singles due for release this fall.

A singer with deep roots in the alt-country firmament her penetrating vocals and disarming delivery express a formidable strength while remaining touchingly vulnerable. “Jenna Torres”, featuring Matt Keating on guitars and bass, Erik Della Penna on Dobro, Mark Brotter on drums, Nick Damato on bass and Bob Hoffnar on pedal steel, is a personal and passionate collection of songs. The magnetic songwriting explores the territory between love and loss, temptation and strength, with luscious melodic hooks and lyrics that are at once evocative and luminous.