Jenny Allen

There must be something in the water, the air, or deep within the earth that gets into Canadian musicians early in life. You hear it in Bruce Cockburn, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and a host of other artists born and bred up north. Jenny Allen seems to have drunk from the same well, taken a deep breath, and to have absorbed whatever such musicians gain in Canada. Blanket sounds alive from the onset, then builds into a class or category of its own. It would be easy to label Jenny as a "country" singer/songwriter, but that would be a mistake. She has nuances from all shades of musical styling.

Allen chose two great engineers for the project – Eric Reed at NAL studios in Vancouver, and John Ellis on some cuts. It does not matter which cuts are done by Reed or Ellis; the mix, arrangements and production serve each tune and vibe with deep care. Ellis is also all over the work on electric guitar, pedal and steel guitars, accordion, banjo, mandolin and bass. His contributions to this work are wonderful, tasty, and well thought out, adding just the right seasoning to Allen's writing.

Allen writes great lyrics, and her melodies are original and hint at her influences and inspirations. As I listen to this work, its musicality is overwhelming. I get a bit lost listening to the rhythm sections and lead fills that augment the vibes Allen is working on. She works the borders of folk, country, honkytonks and straight-ahead pop or rock. Her lyrics are well-developed and fair: although Allen allows her woman's perspective to be known, she doesn't lecture us.

Pete Loughlin and Mel Smith, the arranger and producer of this project, got it right. They back Allen with Pat Steward on drums, Rob Becker on bass, and Leslie Alexander on harmony vocals. A good album allows for collaboration among the players, writers, and engineers, and the mix they achieve is spot on throughout the title song "Blanket."

"Pale Girl" is nothing short of perfect, with vocals, instrumentation and a mix that sends the listener to another place and time. This particular cut also shows the difference between a fair mix and a brilliant one, and the mastering is also perfect. The entire takes us on a perfect journey through Allen's thoughts, troubles, struggles and teasing.

This is a challenging listen in that Allen isn't out to just sing a lyric. Beyond getting your attention with a catchy melody, she is out to make you think. "Could Have Been Something" is universal – we've all been there, read the book, seen the movie, end of story. This entire project is a feast of recording, production, great playing, smart lyrical content, vocals to die for, and a product designed to support an emerging artist. Canada? Must be something going on up yonder that we need to investigate.

[Christopher Anderson] - Victory Music

With a sense of humour twisted by the realities of being an independent artist, Jenny Allen has long been a critical darling within the Alberta roots music community. This is the woman who frequently quips to the effect- ‘Break a folk singer’s heart, end up in a song.’

Reminding us of Jann Arden, if only for her ability to find gems of hopefulness within misery, Allen is a confessional writer. She gathers experiences and reduces them to their bold, basic essences. In No Turning Back, Allen’s character “can’t turn the heads like she used to” and is forced to face the inevitability of becoming indistinct. Elsewhere, a lover is shown the door, the future passes by while waiting for what could have been, and tears are held back “this time.”

With a gentle, fluid voice and featuring a wonderful sounding band led by producer John Ellis, Blanket is the next step in a distinctive journey that is strengthened with each miserable decision made. - Fervor Coulee- roots music opinion

With a sense of humour twisted by the realities of being an independent artist, Jenny Allen has long been a critical darling within the Alberta roots music community. This is the woman who frequently quips to the effect- ‘Break a folk singer’s heart, end up in a song.’

Reminding us of Jann Arden, if only for her ability to find gems of hopefulness within misery, Allen is a confessional writer. She gathers experiences and reduces them to their bold, basic essences. In No Turning Back, Allen’s character “can’t turn the heads like she used to” and is forced to face the inevitability of becoming indistinct. Elsewhere, a lover is shown the door, the future passes by while waiting for what could have been, and tears are held back “this time.”

With a gentle, fluid voice and featuring a wonderful sounding band led by producer John Ellis, Blanket is the next step in a distinctive journey that is strengthened with each miserable decision made. - Fervor Coulee- roots music opinion

Jenny Allen has all the firepower she needs to make some very real impact. She has a great voice and a sturdy sense of herself. She has surrounded herself with a crackerjack group of players. - - Roots Music Canada

Jenny Allen has all the firepower she needs to make some very real impact. She has a great voice and a sturdy sense of herself. She has surrounded herself with a crackerjack group of players. - - Roots Music Canada

Washboard-toting folk festival regular Jenny Allen returns to her solo career with a third album after years of recording and touring with Calgary-based trio the Fates. Allen’s first album, 1991’s Something To Say, was produced by Canadian folk icon Valdy, and she has opened for Taj Mahal and Shawn Colvin.
Blanket sees Allen collaborating with producer/multi-instrumentalist John Ellis (Be Good Tanyas, Jane Siberry) and Dirty Laundry tour-mate Leslie Alexander on backup vocals, as well as rhythm section Pat Steward and Rob Becker.
Allen’s voice is versatile – smooth and soft one song, poppy and tough the next. The overall mood of heartbreak and aging can get tiring – be prepared for too many conversational breakup songs. That said, nostalgia feels good on title track Blanket, and Allen nails a funny country attack on barflies on Face The Music. Quiet In Here’s a singalong slow dance, and closer A Simple Word offers satisfying blues.
Top track: Blanket - Now Magazine- Toronto

Washboard-toting folk festival regular Jenny Allen returns to her solo career with a third album after years of recording and touring with Calgary-based trio the Fates. Allen’s first album, 1991’s Something To Say, was produced by Canadian folk icon Valdy, and she has opened for Taj Mahal and Shawn Colvin.
Blanket sees Allen collaborating with producer/multi-instrumentalist John Ellis (Be Good Tanyas, Jane Siberry) and Dirty Laundry tour-mate Leslie Alexander on backup vocals, as well as rhythm section Pat Steward and Rob Becker.
Allen’s voice is versatile – smooth and soft one song, poppy and tough the next. The overall mood of heartbreak and aging can get tiring – be prepared for too many conversational breakup songs. That said, nostalgia feels good on title track Blanket, and Allen nails a funny country attack on barflies on Face The Music. Quiet In Here’s a singalong slow dance, and closer A Simple Word offers satisfying blues.
Top track: Blanket - Now Magazine- Toronto

The third full-length release from Canada's Jenny Allen. If you think all commercial pop is bad, think again. Ms. Allen is proving that commercial pop can have substance, soul, and passion. And if you have doubts, spin Blanket a few times and she will make a believer out of you. Ms. Allen began her solo career back in 1991 with the release of Something To Say. After releasing a second album she then joined the Calgary-based band The Fates for a few years before deciding to continue her solo career. Jenny often tours and plays music with Leslie Alexander (whose new album is also covered in this month's review section). Both these ladies are incredibly talented, beautiful as all-get-out, and about as credible as any commercial pop artist could ever be. Produced by John Ellis, Blanket is a resounding success of all levels. The songwriting is top notch. The arrangements are lush and full. And Jenny's voice is absolutely incredible. When Allen sings a song folks obviously sit up and take notice. Kickass ten track album here with ten superb cuts including "Blanket," "Beautiful Mess," "Could Have Been Something," "Quiet In Here," and "A Simple Word." Highly recommended. Top pick. - Baby Sue

Allen's sound is based in traditional country/roots. She's smart and has the cynicism that comes from one too many bad decisions or relationships. It gives her songs an edge and makes her interesting. Her experience has been hard won and her songs are expressed honestly without flinching - BC Musician

Allen's sound is based in traditional country/roots. She's smart and has the cynicism that comes from one too many bad decisions or relationships. It gives her songs an edge and makes her interesting. Her experience has been hard won and her songs are expressed honestly without flinching - BC Musician

Singer Jenny Allen must have the biggest little voice on Canada's folk circuit.
The diminuitive doyenne and her dynamic duo dumped a load of originals and tasty covers on a packed Cafe Des Artistes last Friday.
That show trailed an appearance by Calgary based Allen and company at the Cowichan Folk Guilds Aug 12 coffeehouse.
The shows saw Allen sing the cover track from her fresh CD "If I Fall", the heartfelt "Watch Over Me", the fanciful "My Big Mouth", and others.
Slinging a blond Gibson six string slightly smaller than she is, Allen delicately displayed a voice as sweet as liquid honey and as strong as Wild Turkey.
Her vocal style involves lifting her notes momentarily for emphasis then gently dropping them to an emotionally accessible level.
Allen's repertoire was supercharged by veteran players Chris Byrne on a Musicman bass, and Mel Smith on a Stratocaster Plus.
Smith-who slipped sumptuous slide work into several numbers-and Byrne pulled Allen's songs to a higher level, filling the Cafe with sound.
Despite a hall of quality, some of the audience still chatted as if Allen's songs were just being heard on a stereo.
Lets hope fans learn to shut up and listen, leaving loud conversation until set breaks.
Meanwhile, Allen injected bousts of humour into her imagery loaded show.
"I write a lot of songs and that's probably why I'm still single. They're scared of what I'll write about them afterwards."
Opening act Dave McCann aptly set the stage with tunes from his recent folkabilly CD starring the 10-Toed Frogs band.
Allen returns to Cowichan in November.
Folk music rating: 9.5 out of 10. - Peter Russland, The Pictorial, Duncan, B.C.

Singer Jenny Allen must have the biggest little voice on Canada's folk circuit.
The diminuitive doyenne and her dynamic duo dumped a load of originals and tasty covers on a packed Cafe Des Artistes last Friday.
That show trailed an appearance by Calgary based Allen and company at the Cowichan Folk Guilds Aug 12 coffeehouse.
The shows saw Allen sing the cover track from her fresh CD "If I Fall", the heartfelt "Watch Over Me", the fanciful "My Big Mouth", and others.
Slinging a blond Gibson six string slightly smaller than she is, Allen delicately displayed a voice as sweet as liquid honey and as strong as Wild Turkey.
Her vocal style involves lifting her notes momentarily for emphasis then gently dropping them to an emotionally accessible level.
Allen's repertoire was supercharged by veteran players Chris Byrne on a Musicman bass, and Mel Smith on a Stratocaster Plus.
Smith-who slipped sumptuous slide work into several numbers-and Byrne pulled Allen's songs to a higher level, filling the Cafe with sound.
Despite a hall of quality, some of the audience still chatted as if Allen's songs were just being heard on a stereo.
Lets hope fans learn to shut up and listen, leaving loud conversation until set breaks.
Meanwhile, Allen injected bousts of humour into her imagery loaded show.
"I write a lot of songs and that's probably why I'm still single. They're scared of what I'll write about them afterwards."
Opening act Dave McCann aptly set the stage with tunes from his recent folkabilly CD starring the 10-Toed Frogs band.
Allen returns to Cowichan in November.
Folk music rating: 9.5 out of 10. - Peter Russland, The Pictorial, Duncan, B.C.

It's been a few years since Jenny Allen packed her bags and headed for Vancouver, 1983 actually. Life has been pretty good for the Calgary girl since then. Not long after her arrival in Lotus Land, Rogue Folk Review voted her most promising new artist.
Jenny's constantly on the move. She's made numerous appearances at festivals, clubs, theatres, on CBC Radio and TV. Much of her travelling has been in Western Canada and the US where her following is strong. The range and clarity of her voice are unparalleled. Her piano and guitar playing complement but never overpower her vocals. Hands down, this lady is a master of her voice.
What does such a voice sing of? Love, nature, life, you know, the tough stuff. Her 12 song CD, "Something to Say" features original scores produced by Valdy and augmented by a choice selection of original artists. "Something to Say", is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection. Her down-to-earth approach will draw you in again and again. Something to say, even more to sing. - Michelle Macullo, Wild Life, Banff, AB

It's been a few years since Jenny Allen packed her bags and headed for Vancouver, 1983 actually. Life has been pretty good for the Calgary girl since then. Not long after her arrival in Lotus Land, Rogue Folk Review voted her most promising new artist.
Jenny's constantly on the move. She's made numerous appearances at festivals, clubs, theatres, on CBC Radio and TV. Much of her travelling has been in Western Canada and the US where her following is strong. The range and clarity of her voice are unparalleled. Her piano and guitar playing complement but never overpower her vocals. Hands down, this lady is a master of her voice.
What does such a voice sing of? Love, nature, life, you know, the tough stuff. Her 12 song CD, "Something to Say" features original scores produced by Valdy and augmented by a choice selection of original artists. "Something to Say", is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection. Her down-to-earth approach will draw you in again and again. Something to say, even more to sing. - Michelle Macullo, Wild Life, Banff, AB

Joni Mitchell inspired folk is the obvious flavor on this, the latest release from Calgary's Jenny Allen, but it's not the only flavor. A deeper dig uncovers subtle bits of pop and blues. "In These Eyes", the albums final track, is as boppy as a Burt Bacharach number, while the strong simplicity of the piano line in "Evangeline", is reminiscent of early Elton John. All proof that we have a very competent, promising songwriter on our hands with Allen. Unlike so many of todays folk artists Allen avoids the dire, dramatic approach for the most part, instead leaning towards a breezy vibe; somehow pulling it off even as she betrays bittersweet sentiments from within. Unususal, and usually effective. - Heath Jon McCoy, Calgary Herald, Calgary, AB

Joni Mitchell inspired folk is the obvious flavor on this, the latest release from Calgary's Jenny Allen, but it's not the only flavor. A deeper dig uncovers subtle bits of pop and blues. "In These Eyes", the albums final track, is as boppy as a Burt Bacharach number, while the strong simplicity of the piano line in "Evangeline", is reminiscent of early Elton John. All proof that we have a very competent, promising songwriter on our hands with Allen. Unlike so many of todays folk artists Allen avoids the dire, dramatic approach for the most part, instead leaning towards a breezy vibe; somehow pulling it off even as she betrays bittersweet sentiments from within. Unususal, and usually effective. - Heath Jon McCoy, Calgary Herald, Calgary, AB

"An intimacy that is wholly captivating." - Yvan Brunet, Standard Freeholder, Cornwall, ON

"An intimacy that is wholly captivating." - Yvan Brunet, Standard Freeholder, Cornwall, ON

"A voice worthy of the company of angels." - Mary-lynn McEwan, FFWD Magazine, Calgary, AB

"Sensual, frank and fearless." - Christa O'Keefe, Calgary Magazine, Calgary, AB

"A voice worthy of the company of angels." - Mary-lynn McEwan, FFWD Magazine, Calgary, AB

"The music is crisp, full and lush, but Allen's voice is the real hook-strong and passionate." - Rick Overwater, The Calgary Straight, Calgary, AB

"The music is crisp, full and lush, but Allen's voice is the real hook-strong and passionate." - Rick Overwater, The Calgary Straight, Calgary, AB