JENNIFER HILL – LOVE BOMB – ALBUM REVIEW AND ARTIST SHOWCASE
Photo by Chadwick Heiberg
By Ralph Beauchamp
Jennifer Hill is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter based in New England. We met at the recent New England Music Awards and we talked about her new album Love Bomb which was released last year. After giving it a few listens, I was totally impressed with her musical prowess. Her songs generate tight emotional bonds with her listeners. She travels in different genres to create a diversified and unique sound. It doesn’t hurt that the illustrious Vic Steffens produced and mixed the full length at his Horizon Studios. She also utilized the cream of the crop of New England’s studio musicians to complete her project including her husband, Bob Schwecherl.
Hill isn’t just an incredible artist but she is also a true activist. She is the founder and organizer of SWAN [Support Women Artists Now] Day CT, an annual music and arts event now in its 15th year. More than 200 musical acts have performed and more than 300 artists have exhibited at SWAN Day CT, and on its tenth anniversary, the event was declared one of the seven super SWAN events by Martha Richards, founder of the international SWAN Day observance that takes place in 30 countries each year.Throughout the years Jennifer Has raised over 37,000 to help promote women in the arts through her Swan Day CT mission.
Love Bomb is truly a work of art. Every song tells a story and has a mission. Hill describes the title as: “Love Bombing – the practice of showing a person excessive affection and attention as a way of manipulating them in a relationship.” One can see that she poured every ounce of her soul into the album. Each song resonates with passion and empathy. Jennifer‘s songwriting is genuinely cinematic in nature. Her images stand out and her lyrics are outstanding. Love Bomb is both dynamic and ferociously brazen.
The record launches with “Gemma Star”. The track opens with a train whistle. A fond memory from Hill‘s past. It then flows into a bluesy groove with spicy intonations. Jeff Chen’s piano is outfront and sexy. Thee Stout’s (Denise Renee) backing vocals are sublime. In addition, June Millington of Fanny kills on guitar. Hill‘s vocals are similarly sultry. It’s a wonderful start. The jazzy “Made Of Candy” is next and it’s probably my favorite song on Love Bomb. Jennifer‘s vocals are in an Amy Winehouse drift with sensual bearings. Bill Holloman’s horns are glorious. The track is an avalanche of vivid textures.
“This Plane” follows and it’s a heartfelt ballad with a dark soundscape. Bob Schwecherl’s percussions fit in perfectly. “Baby Child” hits a R&B vibe with Hill‘s vocals being richly vibrant. Tim Palmieri from Lotus sits in on guitar. “Erased” is another ballad which features ominous keys and piano. Jennifer‘s voice is in full force with an emotive timbre. Her lyrics speaks volumes. It carries a haunting message. Hill brings back the swing on “Can’t Say” which is another favorite. The song is seductive and hot. “Waiting For You” features Bobo Lavorgna on stand up bass, drums by Vic Steffens and once again masterful horns from Holloman. His solo is a treat.
After “Civilized” we get to experience the prodigious tome, “Hearts” which features New Haven’s MC/poet/producer Sketch Tha Cataclysm. It’s a 6:03 minute tour de force with an impressive rap by Tha Cataclysm. It is full of lush inflections and many twists and turns. “You’ll See” closes out Love Bomb. Another song with a serious relationship theme and a fitting ending to an album that is full of aural surprises. Definity give this record a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
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