Jen Woodhouse
This Honest Age
© 2005 Jen Woodhouse Music / House of Wood Records (635961026426)
CD OUT OF STOCK for re-production. Expect long delays.
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Dynamic folk-rock with a splash of jazz. Think Jonatha Brooke meets Ella Fitzgerald.
tracks
- 1 Breaking Point
- 2 Your Window
- 3 Searching for Orion
- 4 Halfway There
- 5 Not Myself
- 6 If Only
- 7 Walking in Winter
- 8 Turning Circles
- 9 Hello Beautiful
- 10 Corners of this Room
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notes
***2008 UPDATE***
Hi all, Jen here. I've completely sold out of the physical copies of This Honest Age. I'm not sure when this disc will go back into reproduction. Until then, I invite you to download the album digitally, via iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and other online venues. Thanks for your support!
***
THE BIO:
While other little girls dreamt of being princess brides, mermaids, or fairies, Jen performed in her living room, in front of a captivated audience made up of her two younger sisters, stuffed animals, and Barbie dolls. Whether she was performing in ballet or piano recitals, or hula dancing for the neighbors, it was apparent at a very early age that Jen was quite the entertainer. Since her sold out living room performances, Jen continues to mesmerize audiences across the globe.
This Nashville transplant self-produced and independently released her debut album, THIS HONEST AGE (2005). A vibrant blend of jazz, blues, folk, rock, and pop, THIS HONEST AGE is quickly garnering international acclaim. Imaginative, guitar-driven melodies paired with contemplative, intelligent lyrics and fearless vocal improvisation, Jen's music is fresh and exciting. Fusing jazz with folk-rock, Jen scats her way through ten original tunes, swooping, swinging, and soaring, playing with her voice like a horn player would solo over changes. Her thought-provoking lyrics contain many layers of metaphor that only multiple listens can uncover. Though Jen's songs are born out of heartache and pain, they are fueled by a fierce hope and optimistic wonder.
Born in Texas, raised in the Philippines, Alabama, and Germany, Jen's diverse and cultured childhood no doubt influences Jen's music today. Blessed with a voice rich and full of color and emotion, Jen began cultivating her musical talents singing in school and church choirs.
Jen continued on her path and found herself in Philadelphia, attending the reputable University of the Arts on a Musical Theater scholarship. Four years of living in a city rich in culture and history deeply influenced Jen and her music, allowing her to evolve beyond her raw talent, studying under some of the most respected masters of theater, music, and dance. While in college, Jen traveled back and forth from Philly to New York City auditioning for musicals, attending Broadway plays, and playing at open mic nights. During her summer breaks, Jen was chosen to study with the Broadway Theater Project in Tampa. There, she trained with such legends as Gwen Verdon, Gregory Hines, and Ann Reinking, among many others.
Upon graduation, Jen's wandering toes couldn't stay planted for long. She packed her bags and headed to Chicago where she continued to focus on music and theater. Within months, she was performing at local venues, alongside jazz greats like Von Freeman.
Jen's first love has always been singing. However, after growing tired of singing jazz standards and cabaret songs in nightclubs, and living like a starving artist, Jen retraced her Southern roots back to Alabama where she found a dusty, old classical guitar in her dad's closet. She taught herself how to play and began composing her own songs. Soon she was performing in bars, clubs, and coffeehouses across the nation, from Atlanta to Los Angeles and back again, playing at various music festivals along the way, including Austin's biggest music fest, the 2005 South by Southwest.
Jen is endorsed by Yamaha and Ovation and continues to tour extensively across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
For more info, visit www.jenwoodhouse.com
reviews
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Wonderful voice
author: Rich MooreI found this artist/album quite by accident. I was on CDBaby to order music from another artist. I was browsing around the "...if you like this artist..." and clicked on Jen's name. After listening to just a few seconds of a couple of her songs, I ordered the album. I wasn't disappointed when I recieved it. A definite "must have" IHMO.
amazing music
author: Sam R.You will love it the first time you hear it & love it more every time you play it again. Great songs, amazing voice & if she ever comes to your city - see her.
What a great album
author: Ryan MimsI was amazed by this cd, I play it all the way through just about every time I listen to it. The songs are very real and Jen's voice is outstanding. Corners of this room is a stand out among so many other wonderful songs. I cannot wait to hear her new double cd.
This cd is as honest they come
author: Ela-PaceThis CD was completely amazing. I accidentally put the CD on repeat and listened to it five times. Her voice is perfect and the lyrics are flawless and deep. She pulls you in and makes you feel ever word. There not a track on here you couldn't listen to again. She has this style that’s seems so familiar but it’s completely her own. My favorite track varies minutes to minute. This minute I’m torn between “breaking point” (track 1) and “Hello beautiful” (track 9). No matter which one becomes your personal favorite, I’m sure you’ll love them all. -- Ela
Brilliant! Can't wait for the next one.
author: Stan GodlewskiThere are so few cd's that are enjoyable start to finish, there's Jen's, and then there's........well.....there's Jen's. Anyway...bought the CD at CD Baby about a month ago, and have been listening to some track or other just about every day since. Brilliant! Can't wait for the next one.
A wonderful debut effort!
author: Jim HillebrandA wonderful debut effort! Great voice, lyrics, and accompanyment
A smart singer-songwriter with something to say
author: NOW Magazine, Toronto CANADAEqually indebted to folk, country, alt-rock and jazz, This Honest Age hides its influences well enough to be a straight-up pop album. It has passion and soul to fill the void left by such artists as Jewel (pre-slutty-dance-sellout phase) and Fiona Apple. It's not a far cry from the Sarah McLachlan camp of singers who have something to sell besides their looks, and even has a hint of the Dido sound that gets you a spot at Live 8. Woodhouse exudes an inherent honesty; a smart singer/songwriter with something to say.
I am in love with this CD!!!
author: MarianneI am so in love with this CD! It hasn't left my player since I opened it up! Awesome songs, Jen!
Enter: Jen Woodhouse.
author: Seth Steiling, CDReviews.comIn This Honest Age, Woodhouse has created an album that is refreshing and impressive, particularly because as an unsigned artist, she is as indie as they come. The production on the album is near flawless, which is feat enough. Ah yes, the vocals. Woodhouse’s voice rings out with an acrobatic flair that is just subdued enough to avoid the showy pretension that plagues most R&B singers. CLICK WEBSITE FOR FULL REVIEW.
In this Pro Tool age, it's nice to get a throwback to "This Honest Age" of raw t
author: Gian Fiero, The Muse's MuseThe intelligent, yet simple production style of Jen, and her co-producer Jon Young, resulted in an almost raw, but warm, organic CD that breathes; enabling you to breathe right along with it as Jen effortlessly plucks the guitar while serving up lyrics, melodies, and commanding vocal performances that engage you with the intimacy of a front row performance at a small cafe with her stadium-filling talent. Her seasoned voice recalls the confidence of a veteran performer who is at home on stage and comfortable in front of a mic and she, unlike so many other self-proclaimed singer/songwriters, truly belongs there. The ten tracks on her debut CD are proof of that. CLICK WEBSITE FOR FULL REVIEW.
first rate
author: underground williethe cd shows solid material throughout and a voice that grabs you from the first track. happy to have picked this one up.
Songs that are aching to be heard
author: Marco Nieves, SoundAffects.netEquipped with a meritorious band and a silky voice, Jen is writing songs that are aching (and severely deserving) to be heard, escorting you into a paradise of melodies and pulchritudinous harmonies. [Click website for full review]
This honest age, indeed!
author: Kevan Breitinger, Indie-Music.comThere’s a whole lot to like in Jen Woodhouse’s debut album. It is original, vibrant and most of all, true to its on-the-mark name, honest. I love honest. These ten original tunes are lushly orchestrated and fearlessly intelligent, and her voice is warm and confident, full of color and strength. Her songs are an imaginative mix of guitar-driven folk/rock with a jazz feel that works beautifully.
Sincere, warm and talented
author: Magnus BleckertThis honest age has become a huge favourite of mine. Musically, it is very warm and soothing, a perfect companion while travelling. And the lyrics, well, everyone who's ever been dumped or a dumper will recognise himself or herself. They are very sincere and true! This is a record that should receive lots of attention, 'cause it is definitely worth it!
- author: Collected Sounds
Jen Woodhouse has a knack for creating cool melodies that suit her vocal style nicely. For those of us who like Adult Contemporary Pop this is a good listen. [click above for full review]
You need to get this album...
author: Sherri Lyn Robbins singer/songwriter/music healerJen has so much talent as a writer, singer and instrumentalist and it is very apparent in this album. She has such a wonderful soulful approach to her songs that both inspires and energizes!!! Awesome, can't wait for the next one...!
stunning debut!!! a must-have!!!
author: laura from atlantai saw jen perform live and bought her cd immediately. she's refreshing, original, ridiculously talented, and so different from the junk that's on the radio nowadays, yet she still manages to appeal to a broad audience. i love this cd so much! it's well-written, well-performed, and heartfelt. jen's voice is so awesome; rich, dynamic, full of emotion... keep your eye on this one. mark my words. and BUY THIS CD!! you'll thank me later!!!
excellent, excellent, excellent
author: AnnaHamI fell in love with this album on the first listen. Jen is extraordinarily talented, and here, of course, it shows. Her voice is amazing--I hate to make comparisons, but Jen reminds me a lot of Ani DiFranco, one of my all-time favorite artists. Jen is a fabulous lyricist as well, as songs like "Searching For Orion" demonstrate so well. The production is top-notch, and sounds great without sounding too overproduced. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
Got it, Loved it, BUY IT !!
author: BorachiosfishThis was the first CD I bought this year and I will find it difficult to buy a better one ! On her debut CD Jen has given us 39 mins & 32 seconds of pure joy. Her voice is confident, soulfull, jazzy and refreshingly different. I hate having to pick out tracks, and I can honestly say that they are all as good as each other. Jen, a star of the future ? NO she's one already !!
Jen Woodhouse pulls her own in this incredibly astounding CD.
author: Haullie FreeJen Woodhouse pulls her own in this incredibly astounding CD. Jen has brought a brand new approach to her acoustic folk/jazz/alternative style. Mixing voices and sounds to combine pure elegance and detail in her music. Songs such as 'Breaking Point' and 'Searching for Orion' are perfect examples of her ability take us places we've never been, and the accompanied music for 'Hello Beautiful' is the slow song that may have started them all. Not only is this album worth purchasing, it's filled with everything we need in music that we do not gain anymore from the industry, the true artist and her insights. Jen's music takes a hold of that very industry and demands her own respect in her music. As I once expressed myself, her music "Makes one want to fall in love all over again, but it allows you the freedom to understand it's mishaps too."