Music
Press
"A colorful romp through folk, Americana, swing and hip-hop, Jen and the Juice skillfully weave threads of each into their self proclaimed 'universal hipster hymns.' - — Laura Blackley, Asheville Citizen-Times
The new CD is the second full-length release from creative force Jenny Greer, whose catchy grooves and bright lyrics have made her a favorite voice on the local scene. The band's prior album, “Meet the Hooligans of Bohemia,” made the 2006 regional “best of” list at WNCW-FM/88.7.
“Fruit” features a revamped Juice line-up of John Heintz on bass and Frank Mapstone on keys (both part of the multi-genre collective Big Ol' Nasty Getdown), Dave Hamilton on drums and Jim Aaron on harmonica.
Eight of the album's 12 tracks were recorded with the new line-up at Hill Creek Studios in Candler, and the album includes guest appearances by an all-star roster of Asheville musicians. - Asheville Citizen Times
Asheville’s own purveyors of hipster hymns, Jen and the Juice have taken their funky indie sound beyond the typical funky indie neighborhood. All the way to ... Country Music Television.
The group’s cheekily-titled “Damn Song,” along with a series of interviews, will air on CMT’s series Big Break Friday, Aug. 4 at 9:30 p.m - Mountain Xpress
Discography
Fruit
Meet the Hooligans of Bohemia
Photos
Bio
Jen and the Juice wow audiences with a singularly hipster mix of swingy, bluesy, refreshingly original funk and folk. Together in Western North Carolina for more than five years now, their second CD Meet the Hooligans of Bohemia in 2007 hit a home run with fans and earned a juicy spot in WNCW 88.7 FM radios top 100 albums of 2007. Now the Juice is heading into wider territory with a newly released CD Fruit, an even more dynamic cast of characters and a step up to regional and national touring.
We draw a lot of inspiration from folks like Sublime, Beck, Paul Simon, G-Love, and Taj Mahal, says Jenny Greer, lead vocalist and songwriter for the Juice. Her songs are exciting audiences connect immediately at both the emotional and fun level, wanting to know her and become part of the groovin picture. A multi media wizard who juices websites, music, lyrics, guitars and cover art like Willy Wonka makes candy, Jens a powerhouse in the singer songwriter and arts community at large. If ever a person could make things work, rouse a crowd, organize a party, create a concert and art happening with a walloping big collaboration of sound/ fun/ art and anything else, its Jen.
While Jenny writes most of the songs, the band help make the arrangements smart, smooth and funky. Rolling melodies gently cruise through a lyrically painted canvas and stories dot the landscape of their tunes. After five years, their sound and reputation have grown, there are a few new members and a more polished, vibrant sound. While Jen travels the guitar neck, deftly cruising the chords of jazz, swing, rock and folk, Ryan Burns owns the keyboard in the Juice, adding funk and sophistication. Barrett Helms handles percussion and drums while John Heintz holds the groove together tightly on electric bass and Jim Aaron moves in and out on harmonica, while Debrissa McKinney brings the sweet sounds of her sax to the stage. The new sound is more melodic, familiar yet new, with a sing-a-long-able feel most acts would long for. Be prepared for dancing, spontaneous singing, shouting, clapping, whimsical familiarity and even a little group introspection as the audience bonds with Jen and the Juice for a warmly refreshing and hip musical ride.
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