Courtesy Photo
Jennifer Kimball
JP Unplugged presents contemporary folk singer/songwriter Jennifer Kimball on Fri., April 27 at the historic Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. and admission is $10.
Opening the concert will be Jamaica Plain singer/songwriters (and JP Unplugged founders) Jess Yoakum and Carlyn Hutchins. For reservations or more information call the Loring-Greenough House at 524-3158 or visit www.jpunplugged.org. Advance reservations strongly suggested. Please arrive by 7:45 to claim your reservation.
In popular music, styles and trends—both good and bad—generally come in waves. No one knows this as well as singer-songwriter Jennifer Kimball, who has lived through the inevitable ups and downs of literate folk-pop. As one half of the remarkable duo The Story she was at the forefront of female-oriented, folk-based pop-rock, one of the most promising trends heading into the 1990s and which achieved its greatest prominence during the Lilith Fair years. Kimball released her first solo album at this time, the critically acclaimed “Veering from the Wave” (Imaginary Road/PolyGram, 1998), and her voice became synonymous with intelligent female folk music a quarter-century after Joni Mitchell broke the mold.
The release of Kimball’s second solo CD, “Oh Hear Us” (Epoisse, 2006) is a long-awaited gift for Kimball’s dedicated fans and is sure to win her new ones. Birth, death, sorrow, joy and musical renaissance mark the eight years since “Veering from the Wave” was released. Setting aside solo touring for a period of time, Kimball experienced the vastness of human experience, losing her mother to cancer and becoming a mother herself. She returns with sharpened skills, a greater confidence and a stunning batch of radio and concert hall-ready songs that pick up where “Veering” left off.
Founder of JP Unplugged, songwriter Yoakum primarily performs in Boston as a solo, acoustic guitarist and singer, but can also be found playing with the accompaniment of other local musicians. With a textured, mature vocal style and a playful yet commanding stage presence, Yoakum’s audiences are treated to captivatingly bold lyrics that dare to reach beyond the comfort zone. Her debut, self-titled CD features the talented Charlie Worsham on dobro, mandolin, banjo and guitar. In late 2005, she teamed up with local bluegrass band Jaded Mandolin with whom she continues to perform.
On Carlyn Hutchins new CD, “Lust Love Lost,” she is joined by New England-based musicians Joey Ammo (guitar), Allison Hale (harmony vocals), Don “DC” Culp (percussion), Lisa Annunziata (bass) and Deb Blackadar (percussion). It was released in August 2006. Folky, edgy and honest, her songwriting style redefines the term “no-holds-barred.” Shameless lyrics drive a clean, sharp knife straight through the hearts of her devoted audience, leaving them hungry for more of that delicate, delicious voice. Her guitar work, ranging from hard, driven strumming to free-style picking, will give you chills in all the right places.
JP Unplugged is a concert series dedicated to presenting quality live acoustic music in an intimate listening environment in Jamaica Plain. It is organized by Boston-based singer/songwriters and acoustic music supporters who believe both the community and its artists benefit when the music is the focus. JP Unplugged is dedicated to presenting both nationally known and local artists to the Jamaica Plain community.
The Loring-Greenough House, built in 1760, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been a historic house museum since 1926. Its beautiful period decor and intimate size make it an ideal setting for acoustic music.
Submitted by JP Unplugged.