There’s a power in the way Jennifer Szelag’s music works its magic on you. It’s something that she gives to you from her heartfelt, yet playful performance - a gift of song, something to remember. Little refrains that wrap around themselves becoming more powerful in their repetition, more true in their build.
Last night I heard Jennifer perform an enchanting set at the eclectic downtown music venue, The Local 269. Hardly did she hit the stage when the boisterous crowd was drawn in by her ethereal and gentle lilt. Her songs, at once simple and rhythmic also showed a deep unearthing of the core of the matter: here is a singer pulling you into her world and holding you there, mesmerized.
Jennifer’s voice and songs reminded me of Emiliana Torrini by way of a stripped back Radiohead. Pop and Jazz influenced songs about loving and losing, or loving and leaving, that billowed and swelled with the band. Sometimes light and poppy, and at others heartfelt and full of strength, Jennifer’s voice is full of polish, poise and that most important of qualities, emotion.
The short set opened with one of her early original songs, “Dear Harvey,” a jazz-pop number showcasing her alluring vocals. “Let Me Go” an intelli-pop leaning song that recalled early Everything But The Girl was followed by the pop-jazz groove, “It Isn’t You”. “What You Did” soared through its refrains and lead to the highlight of her set, the majestic “You’ll Never Know” which like Sigur Ros, crescendoed in inhalation and gently released its breath into a beautiful end to a much too short set.
But leaving the crowd wanting more is never a bad move. Jennifer worked her heart into the audience and left a little piece of herself there.
Nerissa Campbell - Crooked Mouth Music
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