Album Notes

Unmistakable is a word used all too often to describe a talent like the voice of Jen Kraatz. Then again it is a word that most singers would dearly love to hear in reference to themselves. There is no mistaking Jen Kraatz and there is no denying that she is something special.

Sweet enough to distract and edgy enough to seduce, the music of this singer, songwriter, performer, artist stands the chance of becoming truly classic. After only a few listens one feels as though her songs have been around forever.

It has only been a few years though that Jen Kraatz has been out and about in the music world. Her first CD, Trudge, in 1998 implied the talents of a more seasoned artist. The songs conveyed a lyrical ease that hint of a clear appreciation of the masters: Cash, Carter, Jennings, Kristofferson.

Fans of Jen Kraatz are universal. Young, old, musicians, music lovers, media and whomever, all are challenged not to be swayed by her stories, the melodies that accentuate them and the voice they are carried upon. If you are fortunate enough to witness Jen on stage there is the hypnotizing sparkle in her eye to make the dream complete.

The Edmonton Folk Festival, The North American Folk Alliance Conference, The Bitter End in New York City, The Mermaid Lounge in New Orleans, Lydia's in Saskatoon, these are venues that quickly turn a green horn into a veteran of the live music stage. Opportunities are there to be taken and Jen Kraatz sees the advantages in all of them. Be it as an opening act for Stephen Fearing, sharing the stage with Martin Sexton, touring the continent with Luann Kowalek and Wendy McNeill or hosting a weekly open stage, Jen Kraatz will take the most of each experience and use it to better herself and her art.

Jen began her songwriting career as a teenager. Early on through elementary and high school music classes she dabbled in the violin and clarinet. At the age of 18 along with the guitar came the songs. Like many young musicians, feeding off the inspiration of her parents record collection Jen turned to Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young and Bob Dylan for inspiration.

To be an active artist and performer of such talent is a heavy role to play. It will not be long before young women are looking to Jen Kraatz for inspiration and thinking to themselves, I wish I could sing and write songs like that.