Jen Chapin has stretched out on Linger, her third disc, adding additional musicians and a string section to accompany her evocative tunes, rather than relying solely on husband Stephan Crump?s double bass to underscore her... more » shape-shifting vocalizations as she did on 2002?s Open Wide. Her earlier effort was a stark, chilly affair, the only warmth coming from her idiosyncratic voice, which ranges from a Minnie Riperton meow, to a smoky blues moan, to an R&B rasp. Overtime Chapin?s voice has become a more sophisticated instrument that moves effortlessly from the steamy pages of her diary to the after-hours clubs in Munich, to the tragedy of child soldiers in West Africa, without sounding a false note. A Berklee trained lyricist, and a tireless advocate against poverty and world hunger, Chapin combines the personal with political, writing with a conscience and grace that one rarely encounters. --Jaan Uhelszki« less
Jen Chapin has stretched out on Linger, her third disc, adding additional musicians and a string section to accompany her evocative tunes, rather than relying solely on husband Stephan Crump?s double bass to underscore her shape-shifting vocalizations as she did on 2002?s Open Wide. Her earlier effort was a stark, chilly affair, the only warmth coming from her idiosyncratic voice, which ranges from a Minnie Riperton meow, to a smoky blues moan, to an R&B rasp. Overtime Chapin?s voice has become a more sophisticated instrument that moves effortlessly from the steamy pages of her diary to the after-hours clubs in Munich, to the tragedy of child soldiers in West Africa, without sounding a false note. A Berklee trained lyricist, and a tireless advocate against poverty and world hunger, Chapin combines the personal with political, writing with a conscience and grace that one rarely encounters. --Jaan Uhelszki
"I picked up this CD two nights ago on a whim, having been a huge fan of her father's. I had expected perhaps just another son or daughter of a famous artist following vainly in their parent's footsteps. This record is anything but..Simply put, I can't get enough of it. It's a stunning and hauntingly fresh blend of multiple derivative sources, yet remains sharply original and innovative. Her voice captivates, enthralls, and grabs your attention, at once teasing and demanding, explaining and questioning, and she turns phrases in ways that convey multiple, complex meanings and adds playful new twists to common phrasings.I hesitate to compare her to her father, as this record deserves to stand on its own right, free of such baggage. Suffice to say that fans of her father's will smile at the musical winks and nods to dad, but Jen Chapin is a singularly distinctive artist in her own right, often relying on simple sentences to communicate a point directy, or just letting the creative arrangements of her backing music lead us on an unexpected journey of discovery. I welcome you to listen to this record with the same cynical ear that I had and see if she doesn't melt you. "Linger" is an engaging and seductively brilliant first effort by a woman of obvious creative talent, backed by a voice that sends shivers up your spine. Do yourself a favor and then see if you can take it out of your CD player."
BUY THIS CD NOW!
heatha26 | New York, NY | 03/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is nothing like listening to songs from an artist that is in love with the craft of making music. Jen Chapin's collection of tunes on Linger takes us on journeys of love, loss, apathy, hope, joy and trust. The melodies meander along different paths, but we can still feel centered as we listen to the layers and layers of gorgeous instrumentation that is nestled in and around her warm voice. Jen, apparently, hasn't been able to escape comparisons to Norah Jones, and while Norah is a talented musician herself, I don't think the two sound similar at all. Jen's music is dirtier and full-bodied...her lyrics challenge and her soul bares all. No two songs sound alike on Linger and it's evident that Chapin's influences extend across many genres and time periods. In this business of covers, sampling and copycat blondes, this chocolate-haired maven brings it home with a truly unique release. Linger is a must-have."
Sweet and Lowdown
billkellynyc | Chicago, IL United States | 02/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In a world of in-your-face performers with questionable talent, Jen Chapin's sweet and tender soul, powerful voice, and introspective lyrics make this a standout, go-to album. Her deep NYC roots are evident in this CD, and even more so in her live show, if you are lucky enough to see her perform."
The best cd this year so far
billkellynyc | 04/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My "music guru" friend turned me on to the Jen Chapin CD a few weeks....and I am SO thankful that he did. I have been listening to it nonstop since. This is a beautiful record by an artist that has something to say. Lyrically, Jen covers everything from politics to matters of the heart with equal skill. The arrangements are wonderful...with everything from simple piano to lush string sections to beatboxes to beeps and blips. "Linger" sounds like a classic record that will no doubt stand the test of time...with songs this good and production this sublime it's a no brainer...Jen Chapin is an artist to be reckoned with. The best thing is, you can just sense the potential..I cant wait to hear what she will do next."
Highly recommend Jen Chapin's new CD Linger
Albert B. Hanner | Denver, Colorado | 04/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I highly recommend Jen Chapin's new CD Linger. I'm a tough critic on much of the music being produced today. When I discover a new Artist, all the expectation is there when you listen to their CD for the first time. Usually the new stuff never lives up to my expectations, and I go back to my favorites such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, or Harry Chapin.Every once in a while, not very often, someone new comes along with an interesting twist on looking at the world in a unique way, and able to express something very honest and real. Jen Chapin's music is the most invigorating and creative music I have heard from a new artist in a very long time. She opens herself up, expressing her views with a refreshing creativity. Jen Chapin has captured emotion and experience that says something, makes you feel and takes you places. My favorite song changes every other week, but it's lines like "We let the outrage melt away, it seems that life is so much easier that way," from 'Passive People,' or the gut wrenching truth she sings about in the song 'Regular Life,' with lines like "...to be told that your story is not the only one? No, not the first nor the last, not the best, not the worst, you are cursed by a regular life." I love it, and god it feels good to know I'm not the only one feeling this way, and she captured it to perfection, through lyrics and an amazing group of musicians backing her up to make the most of it.This CD and Jen Chapin have quickly become a favorite, and again, I highly recommend this. It's like nothing else out there. Jen has a unique sound all of her own, and I hang on every word. I can't wait for the next CD!"