The Jennifer Jennings Band

Artist Information

Biography

The Jennifer Jennings Band is one of the hottest and most promising modern country bands in Chicago. Yes, that’s right, country from Chicago. The Windy City, while being known as the Home Of The Blues, also has a long tradition of country music, which at times gets overlooked. Jennifer Jennings and her band represent the newer style of pop and rock-influenced country, drawing their inspiration as much from songwriters like Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow as from anything coming out of Nashville. The result is music that combines the story-telling type of songwriting of Americana with a sound based in the classic rock that we all love that seems fresh, new, and familiar at the same time. The band’s debut CD All The Pieces gives ample evidence of the success of this musical pairing and Jennifer and company are eager to spread their word across the Midwest.

Jennifer Jennings and her clear, pure alto vocals are familiar to many audiences in Chicago and beyond. From her days fronting the band Burnt Toast to singing sessions for other artists including Mr. Meyers and Dave Barrett to working as a singer of radio jingles, Jennings has been a constant presence on the Chicago music scene. She has performed in venues like Wrigley Field, The Cubby Bear, Durty Nellie’s, Taste of Chicago, Navy Pier, and countless others clubs and festivals. The musicians in her band are equally visible and experienced and make up the perfect unit to back Jennifer on the concert stage. The band members (guitarist Michael Kranicke, bassist James DiGiralamo, keyboardist Rick Ariail, and drummer Greg Campbell) have all worked with many notable Midwestern and national acts including Nick Moss & The Flip Tops, Big Guitars From Memphis, Steve Smith (Journey), Peaches and Herb, and The Voodoo Kings and pack all the musical muscle needed for this new endeavor.

The Jennifer Jennings Band is the perfect choice for any venue, concert, or fest seeking great songs (both original and cover), outstanding musicianship, and an engaging and entertaining live performance. Book them for an event and discover for yourself why savvy talent buyers have them back again and again.

Singer/songwriter Jennifer Jennings (formerly Jennifer Onesto) was one of the founding members of Burnt Toast and they went on to perform together until the mid-1990s playing many Chicagoland clubs including Durty Nellie’s, The Cubby Bear, local festivals and playing before Cubs games at Wrigley Field. In 1996, The Jennifer Onesto Band came together for Jennifer’s debut CD "Twenty Houses". Jennifer won a music contest courtesy of 101.9FM "The Mix" in Chicago. Such exposure proved golden for her. That summer she participated in the city's largest outdoor music festival, "The Taste of Chicago." The Jennifer Jennings Band has recorded and released their first CD entitled "All The Pieces". Some of Jennifer’s musical influences are Shawn Colvin, Fleetwood Mac, Mary Chapin- Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, Tom Petty, The Jayhawks, REM and Sheryl Crow.

James DiGirolamo - electric & upright bass, vocals
James has performed professionally for 28 years, with extensive experience in upright and electric bass. He studied at DePaul University's School of Jazz Music and privately with Larry Gray, who plays bass with Ramsey Lewis.
As a "jobbing musician", he has done radio jingles, studio session work, a great deal of pit work and many orchestral performances, including Chicago's Orchestra Hall.
His long-term band experiences include swing with the Riff Rockets the Rhythm Rockets, the Rockafellers; blues with the Convulsions and Phil Baron; pop-rock with Burnt Toast, and JP and the Cats as well as countless jazz groups including the Tom Sorich Trio.
James has also played country, zydeco and rock-a-billy with bands such as the Big Guitars from Memphis, The Delta Rhythm Kings, Guy Lawerence and Chydeco zydeco.
He has been nominated for a Handy Award with Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, a touring blues band that plays regularly at Buddy Guy's Legends and The House of Blues.
He currently has professional endorsement deals with Lakland, Gallien-Krueger, Bag End and Rotosound. James also teaches bass and guitar at www.beautifulmusicdg.com & www.ellmansmusic.com

Michael Kranicke - guitar
A graduate of Bostons Berklee College of Music, Michael punctuates his emotional vocals with guitar solos that jangle and jump. His blues - drenched foundation can be traced to memories of hearing B.B. King at the age of four and the privilege of seeing the late great Muddy Waters. An impassioned lyricist, he reinforces the rhythm section with arresting melodies. A seasoned stage performer, Michael lead the group Blues Effect and toured the Southwest heavily from 1990 to 1994 opening up for various national acts. Moving to Chicago, he immediately dove in head first and formed the band the VOODOO KINGS and has written and co-produced all three of the bands releases. With his fingers in television as well, past assignments include work for ESPN, Fox Sports, E! Entertainment, the BBC as well as mixing live productions with Grammy award winning artists like Albertina Walker, The Soul Stirrers, and Jars of Clay. Michael has also performed with The Big Babies, Jennifer Onesto, Thick Richard Blues Express and US 99’s John Howell’s Born to Boogie Band and is now a proud new member of The Jennifer Jennings Band.

Greg Campbell - drums
Greg Campbell is a professional drummer and teacher with over 22 years of experience. Most recently he was performing and touring with blues guitarist Nick Moss. Nick and the group were nominated for the prestigious W.C. Handy (the equivalent to a Grammy for Blues) award in 2003 and again in 2004. Greg was also a member of the ten piece swing band "The Riff Rockets" and rock bands "I Speak Jive" , "Japan Man" and "Ignatious". Other performing and recording credits include Kim Wilson and the "Fabulous Thunderbirds", Buddy Guy, Curtis Salgado of Santana, Willie Smith, Pinetop Perkins of Muddy Waters, Junior Watson, The Mighty Blue Kings, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Rod Piaza and the Mighty Flyers, and Anson Funderburg.

Rick Ariail - keys, accordian, vocals
Award winning songwriter and producer Rick Ariail brings his 30 years of performing experience to The Jennifer Jennings Band. He is a former member of "The Landsharks" which was Jimmy Buffett's permanent opening band. He has worked with Herbie Hancock and "Peaches and Herb".

Instrumentation

Jennifer Jennings - vocals, guitar
James DiGirolamo - electric & upright bass, vocals
Michael Kranicke - guitar, vocals
Greg Campbell - drums
Rick Arial - keys, accordian, vocals

Discography

"Twenty Houses" was Jennifer Jennings (formerly Jennifer Onesto) first CD release several years ago.

The Jennifer Jennings Band has just released their first album called "All The Pieces" with 11 original songs ranging in styles from rock, pop, country, funk and blues.

The song Family Reunion got played on Brandmeier’s morning show on 97.9FM WLUP. And "Not That Way" recently received some airplay on WVLP 98.3FM Valparaiso.
We are told that "History's Daughter" will be receiving airplay in Dublin, Ireland.

Many of the new songs are streaming at:
www.myspace.com/thejenniferjenningsband and digitally distributed through CDBaby's huge partner network.

Links

• Facebook
• Last.fm
• Twitter
• MySpace
• The Jennifer Jennings Band Official Webpage

Audio

• Empty Need
  Listen  
• Not That Way
  Listen  
• Nothing Is Certain
  Listen  
• If I Ever Fall
  Listen  
• I Gotta Feelin'
  Listen  
• Family Reunion
  Listen  
• History's Daughter
  Listen  
• Mind Over Matter
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Empty Need
• Not That Way
• Nothing Is Certain
• If I Ever Fall
• I Gotta Feelin’
• Family Reunion
• History's Daughter
• Mind Over Matter

Video

History's Daughter

Photo Gallery

Press

• ...as good or better than anything coming out of Nashville
  

  "The Jennifer Jennings Band is as good or better than anything coming out of Nashville."

• ...irresistible love song “I’ve Got A Feeling” is a genuine contender to top the country charts [+ Show ]
  

  "The spirited country rock on The Jennifer Jennings Band’s debut, All The Pieces, gets a boost from ..."The spirited country rock on The Jennifer Jennings Band’s debut, All The Pieces, gets a boost from the lead singer’s ability to create funny lyrics that ring true. “Not That Way” depicts an addiction to one-night stands, and on “Family Reunion,” a gal dumps her beau for his unruly brother. The irresistible love song “I’ve Got A Feeling” is a genuine contender to top the country charts."

• ...fantastic melodies and harmonies with a flawless soulful accompaniment. [+ Show ]
  

  "...Fortunately enough the internet uncovered this Chicago talent for us and we could not have enjoy..."...Fortunately enough the internet uncovered this Chicago talent for us and we could not have enjoyed the find more. The real shocker was the music. It was fresh, crisp, and clear. Grounded by a lost four on the floor band sound that only emerges in clubs now days and lead by a strong guitar with hypnotizing hooks. It has a genuine listening pleasure with incredible lyrics and a sound we have trouble classifying because it is so original....Rarely does a musical artist arrive on the scene with a sound so original that could be considered timeless. With how rapidly the market travels, bands come and go only to grab a few loyal fans to honor them for years to come. After listening to just two recordings, we were hooked. Jennings is here to stay...Jennings' Twenty Houses combines fantastic melodies and harmonies with a flawless soulful accompaniment. It exceeded our expectations..."

• ...Jennifer has a phenomenal voice, harkening back to the great female rock artists of the 60's and 70's. [+ Show ]
  

  Rock and Roll certainly isn't dead. In a wake of grunge, hip-hop, and endless sub-genres of alternat...Rock and Roll certainly isn't dead. In a wake of grunge, hip-hop, and endless sub-genres of alternative rock, Jennifer Jennings carves out her niche by bringing back that four-on-the floor rock that is sadly missing in recent years. Jennifer's new release, Twenty Houses, is an album that offers a true alternative: A fully produced wall of sound. Terrific melodies and harmonies. Big guitar-driven accompaniment. You won't find any spare, jumbled mixes with wispy, off-key lead vocals here. On the contrary, Jennifer has a phenomenal voice, harkening back to the great female rock artists of the 60's and 70's. She has a clear, rich, alto voice of uncommon quality - versatile enough to be equally at home singing a driving rock tune as well as a soulful ballad.
  
  Don't think that Jennifer is a retro rocker, dragging tired classic rock back from the grave - that couldn't be further from the truth. Jennifer is definitely an artist of today, skillfully blending many influences into a tight, focused, cohesive sound with great rhythm and energy. She brings a modern sensibility to production as well. Her arrangements and instrumentation are deep, not nearly as spare as most contemporary alternative rock.
  
  Jennifer's songwriting is an example of what all songwriters should aspire to, regardless of genre. She blends intelligent lyrics and exceptional melodies into memorable and radio-ready hooks; the kind that play in your head days after you've heard them. On the whole, Jennifer Jennings's Twenty Houses is a fresh, welcome approach to modern rock and a great addition to any collection.
  

• ...She writes metaphor and imagery filled songs of love and heartbreak, joy and loss, and performs all with the infectious sincerity of one who truly believes in her voice." [+ Show ]
  

  "...upbeat percussion and entrapping electric guitar licks accompany a sure, gutsy voice that might ..."...upbeat percussion and entrapping electric guitar licks accompany a sure, gutsy voice that might have headed for Opry Land in Nashville but took a detour through late 60's San Francisco before landing in make-your-own-sound modern Illinois. Along the way, Jennifer Jennings picked up a feel for performing her own lead and backing vocals that sound at times, amazingly, like offerings from two distinctly different and talented singers....Jennings's voice fittingly breaks out of any cages for the remainder of the recording, approaching the edges of raw emotion in a frayed-edged but solidly founded blues-rock intonation....She writes metaphor and imagery filled songs of love and heartbreak, joy and loss, and performs all with the infectious sincerity of one who truly believes in her voice."

• ...I love this CD
  

  "...I love this CD and give it an enthusiastic rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5 max)."

• ...Jennifer has created her own unique spectacular sound [+ Show ]
  

  "Jennifer has created her own unique spectacular sound ...if she keeps putting out songs like this, ..."Jennifer has created her own unique spectacular sound ...if she keeps putting out songs like this, and delivering a great sound on and off the stage, she will be signed in a flash." They also rated Jen's vocals a perfect 4.0 out of 4.0!!

• ...She has everything you want in a female vocalist [+ Show ]
  

  "...there is always hope when you discover an artist like Jennifer Jennings. Jennifer has an absolut..."...there is always hope when you discover an artist like Jennifer Jennings. Jennifer has an absolutely wonderful alto voice that can belt out the big rock songs and even do the more soulful blues songs. It also seems versatile enough to be at home in small clubs or even in large arenas. She has everything you want in a female vocalist..." He rated Jennifer's "Twenty Houses" CD 5 stars!

• ...rock with a big heart. [+ Show ]
  

  "...rock with a big heart. Sultry guitar twang and a well-rehearsed rhythm section back her rich alt..."...rock with a big heart. Sultry guitar twang and a well-rehearsed rhythm section back her rich alto."

• ...lovely harmonies [+ Show ]
  

  "...We were particularly impressed with the vocal production of the album and use of original instru..."...We were particularly impressed with the vocal production of the album and use of original instruments including steel drums ("Love Changes Everything"), harmonica and sitar. Jen's vocals are mixed way up and layering, when used, is very effective in producing lovely harmonies to support individual tracks' melodies."

Setlist

Here are the 11 original songs on the newly released album "All The Pieces"
1. Empty Need (think Sheryl Crow meets the Allman Brothers)
2. Not That Way (receiving radio play on WVLP 98.3FM Valparaiso)
3. Nothing Is Certain (powerful ballad)
4. If I Ever Fall (catch the guitar tributes to The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Thin Lizzy)
5. I Gotta Feelin' (Dolly should cover this)
6. Family Reunion (got played on Brandmeier’s morning show on 97.9FM WLUP)
7. History's Daughter (will be receiving air play in Dublin, Ireland)
8. Mind Over Matter (pop song)
9. Don't Cry On Me (funktry - country with some funk)
10. Into Sleep (hypnotic song)
11. Miles Away (Americana)

If JJB is doing an all original set - then the set is 1 hour. For a 2 hour set, there is about 1 hour of covers ranging from Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Pretenders, KT Tunstall, Fleetwood Mac, Ben Harper, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss, The BoDeans, Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, Steeler's Wheel, Sugarland, Gretchen Wilson, U2, etc.

For a 3 hour set, the band digs into Jennifer's first album "Twenty Houses" for more original material and of course plays crowd favorite covers as well.
For a list of songs that we have been known to cover - please refer to:
http://www.thejenniferjenningsband.com/contact.htm
Here are some of their cover songs:
American Girl-Tom Petty
Angels-The BoDeans
Are You Gonna Go My Way-Lenny Kravitz
Back on the Chain Gang-Pretenders
Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree-KT Tunstall
Big River-Rosie Flores
Bitch-Meredith Brooks
Bobby McGee-Janis Joplin
Break Down Here-Julie Roberts
Bring Me Some Water-Melissa Etheridge
Brown Eyed Girl-Van Morrison
Chain of Fools-Aretha
Country Road - John Denver
Drift Away-Doby Gray
Down in Mississippi - Sugarland
D'yer Mak'r-Led Zeppelin
Every Day Is A Winding Road-Sheryl Crow
Everyday People-Sly and The Family Stone
Extraordinary-Liz Phair
Favorite Mistake-Sheryl Crow
Feelin' Alright-Joe Cocker
Game of Love-Michelle Branch/Santana
Georgia on a Fast Train-Billy Joe Shaver
Give Me One Reason-Traci Chapman
Gone Gone Gone-Robert Plant/Alison Krauss
Hard To Handle-The Black Crows
Heads Carolina-Jo Dee Messina
Hella Good-No Doubt
I Can't Let Go-Lucinda Williams
If It Makes You Happy-Sheryl Crow
I'm Just A Girl-No Doubt
I'm Looking Through You - Beatles
I Want You to Want Me-Cheap Trick
In The Middle of The Road-Pretenders
It's All Over Now-Rolling Stones
Just Like Heaven-The Cure
Just My Luck-Kim Richey
Leave The Pieces-The Wreckers
Like The Way I Do-Melissa Etheridge
Mary Jane's Last Dance-Tom Petty
Once in a Lifetime-Talking Heads
The Ladder-Joan Osborne
One Way or Another-Blondie
Ray of Light-Madonna
Redneck Woman-Gretchen Wilson
Rhiannon-Fleetwood Mac
Save It For a Rainy Day-The Jayhawks
See The World-Gomez
Shambala-3 Dog Night
Some Kind Of Wonderful-Grand Funk
Solsbury Hill-Peter Gabriel
Steal My Kisses-Ben Harper
Steve McQueen-Sheryl Crow
Stuck In The Middle-Steeler's Wheel
Suddenly I See-KT Tunstall
Sweet Child of Mine-Guns and Roses
Sweet Home Alabama-Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sweet Home Chicago-The Blues Brothers
Sympathy For The Devil-Rolling Stones
Take Me To The River-Talking Heads
The Joker-Steve Miller Band
Valentine - Old 97's
Vertigo-U2
What I Am-Edie Brickell
What I Like About You-The Romantics
What's Up-4 Non-Blondes
Wild Nights-Van Morrison
Winding Road-Sheryl Crow
With or Without You-U2
You're The Reason-John Fogerty

Basic Requirements

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