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Wildys World "Whileaway" review
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Jeannine Hebb - Whileaway
2011, Jeannine Hebb
Jeannine Hebb has one of the best pure voices in I...Jeannine Hebb - Whileaway
2011, Jeannine Hebb
Jeannine Hebb has one of the best pure voices in Indie Rock. Her stunning debut EP Too Late To Change Me announced the Brooklyn based singer/songwriter to the world four years ago. It wouldn't have been surprising to see Hebb regress a bit on her second recorded effort, but Whileaway finds Hebb leaping forward rather than stepping back. Her penetrating voice, distinctive melodies and emotionally intelligent lyrics make for an unforgettable combination. Comparisons to Fiona Apple, Alexa Ray Joel and Tori Amos may seem appropriate at times through Whileaway, but it becomes eminently clear before long that Jeannine Hebb's sound and style are entirely her own.
Whileaway opens with "Call Him Out", a cute number written early in heartbreak. She wonders why no one intervenes. The effort is intriguing, and has the feel of a pop-opera or new Broadway composition. Hebb creates and enlivens a character here that's entirely believable in her self-pity and self-victimization. The melody is entirely memorable, and Hebb sings with a voice that could grace any stage. "I Believe" is a soulful ballad that shows off the many colors and gorgeous tone of her voice. "Back To Me Again" is written from a position of power, with a former, misbehaving beau trying to his way back into her life. The edgy rock arrangement almost seems to hide a country heart, but Hebb builds a wonderfully intricate chorus that will keep your toes tapping.
"Tell Me No" shows a wonderfully human bit of dysfunction, wrapped up in a theatrical aria that's absolutely unforgettable. The combination of neurotic need and honest vulnerability plays out perfectly against the simple piano-based arrangement. "Heartache" deals with the darkness that follows a relationship, with the resolution that she won't make the same mistake again. Once again, Hebb carries a stage presence into the song, and a diva-like voice that wends its way through the vaguely Mediterranean melody. Edge and beauty come together here, like the brittle, icy rim of a puddle on a frosty morning. "Don't" continues to dance on the emotional ledge, in that dark place between capitulation and recovery. Strength grows in the chorus, where she fights back against the causes of her heartbreak. Hebb's sense of composition here is amazing, using all of the instruments in her palette to build sound in waves that crash over the listener much as the emotions that inspired the song might once have engulfed her.
"These Days" is a melancholy exploration told in the form of a personal ballad. Hebb's (or her character's) personal thoughts born into song alongside a lovely, fluid melody, offer a wonderfully quiet yet powerful moment of pure emotion, and allow listeners a glimpse into Hebb's upper vocal range as well. "Goodbye" takes on a slightly edgier feel, as Hebb begins to separate herself from the source of her heartache. Unlike the songs that came before, there's more of an analytical slant this time around, as Hebb explains her reasons for going. In the process she builds gorgeous song architecture that befits the sprouting of new chutes into a bare emotional spring that must follow every winter.
"Tragedy" is a relationship post-mortem in the medium of bluesy pop. Hebb belts and croons her way through the moment, speaking not out of anger but out of fact. The dynamic arrangement is too complex for pop radio, but is very appealing nonetheless. "Low" alternates a workman-like verse with an airy, one-word chorus. The split is interesting, and the neo-baroque glue that holds the two distinctive pop styles together will keep listeners very much on their toes. Hebb closes with "Make It Right", a dark confessional that throws all of the previous resolution in doubt. What's appeared to be a general migration toward healing is left in the emotional turmoil of one who almost made it through, but is on the verge of getting sucked back in to the relationship that started it all. The personal appeal here is compelling, and Hebb delivers it with a voice and presence that combine all of the personal glamour of a big-time pop star and all of the pastiche of a veteran of the stage.
Whileaway is the sort of album you park in your CD/MP3 player and play again and again. Jeannine Hebb shows that her debut EP was anything but a fluke with a performance that is subtle and complex beyond her years, both musically and lyrically. With a voice that would be welcome on any stage, anywhere and an amazing depth of songwriting ability, it's hard to imagine Jeannine Hebb as being anything less than a star one day. Whileaway is nothing less than a Wildy’s World Certified Desert Island Disc.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
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Tuned in review: Jeannine Hebb's brilliant "Call Him Out" is just a start
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Jeannine Hebb's 'Whileaway'
Jeannine Hebb's "Whileaway"
“Whileaway,” Jeannine Hebb (Jeannine H...Jeannine Hebb's 'Whileaway'
Jeannine Hebb's "Whileaway"
“Whileaway,” Jeannine Hebb (Jeannine Hebb)
Jeannine Hebb’s brilliant “Call Him Out” is a sweet-on-the-surface/sour-at-the-core gem of a song that barely hints at the depths of the talents she displays on her new full-length album, “Whileaway.”
Reminiscent of a twisted Lily Allen ditty, the carnival-esque “Call Him Out” finds Hebb gingerly singing along to the spritely flow of piano, the tone of the arrangement a sharp contrast to the emotional desperation of the lyrics, which find the jilted Hebb turning to her friends for support and they’re all, “standing around, their hands in pocket, staring at the ground.”
The instantly gratifying song runs the risk of upstaging the somewhat subtler remaining tracks on “Whileaway,” though listeners who give Hebb half a chance will find rewards throughout the release.
The New York-based native of the Boston area is a remarkably well-rounded singer/pianist/songwriter. She can put a girlish lilt on her voice, or cut to soulful resonance a la Fiona Apple. Her keyboards dive through pop-friendly melodies, but they’re enriched with jazz intonations. And her lyrics are provocative and complex, balancing heartbreak with dark humor.
Hebb sinks into melancholy paranoia on the torchy “I Believe,” pushes herself against the trotting cadence of “Back to Me Again,” flips through an echoing chorus on the sauntering “Goodbye” and turns the word “low” into a multi-syllable refrain on the plunky “Low,” where she also sings, “I’m not going to drown in all your rain and thunder.”
Hebb’s background in musical theater betrays itself in the melodrama as she sometimes gets lost inside herself and/or overindulges in defining herself through her bad relationships. But frankly, excessive self-analysis is just fodder for many fans of her style of music. And Hebb delivers it with freshness and style.
Rating (five possible): 4
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Artist Discovery: Jeannine Hebb
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Artist Discovery: Jeannine Hebb
October 25, 2011
By Amy
I opened this email because I thought t...Artist Discovery: Jeannine Hebb
October 25, 2011
By Amy
I opened this email because I thought the subject line read “The Next Kate Bush”. First of all, why do we need another one? Secondly, my next thought was that she sounds nothing like Kate Bush to me. D’oh! I guess I was reading too fast, it said Kate Nash *sigh*, I’m a dork.
I do like Jeannine Hebs music, though! Her album is called Whileaway, and it’s a piano-based with great voice and lyrics.
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CMJ Spotlight: Jeannine Hebb
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Artist Name:
Jeannine Hebb
About Jeannine:
Jeannine Hebb, an award-winning songwrite...Artist Name:
Jeannine Hebb
About Jeannine:
Jeannine Hebb, an award-winning songwriter and vocalist, has been studying, performing, writing, and rocking out since age 11.Jeannine’s debut EP of original songs, “Too Late to Change Me”, was released in March of 2007, and received national acclaim. The songs, while roughly categorized as pop/rock, borrow influence from blues, jazz, R&B and soul. Comparisons have been made to Fiona Apple, Laura Nyro, and Regina Spektor. The EP has been described as "a musical revelation for those tired of the usual tricks of the Pop trade...with a voice that's quite possibly one of the most striking in popular music" - Wildysworld.com.
As a performer, Jeannine has been seen at many a famous venue in nyc and beyond. She's served as an opening act for two-time grammy nominee, Tracy Bonham, and has sung with the likes of the legendary Greg Garing, and jazz icons Tim Ries and Ben Monder. In her most recent musical venture, Hebb teamed up with Modern Vintage recordings at the Cutting Room studios in NYC. The result, a full length, 11-song album entitled "Whileaway" was released on September 20th, 2011 and is receiving wide-reaching attention.
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CMJ Shows:
October 22nd, Googies Lounge @ 7:30
Latest release Name:
Whileaway available at iTunes
Latest Video:
Call Him Out
Best thing about CMJ:
Tons of great music happening all over the city! It's also a great chance to catch some acts that aren't normally based in NYC.
Worst thing about CMJ:
Too many good things happening at once! The city is so overrun with performers and performances sometimes it's hard to decide what to do/see.
Favorite venue to see Live Music in NYC:
Rockwood
Favorite Venue to play in NYC:
The Living Room
For more about Jennine Hebb:
JeannineHebb.com
facebook.com/JeannineHebb
twitter.com/JeannineHebb
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Jeannine Hebb: Voice of a Lifetime
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Jeannine Hebb: Voice Of A Lifetime
—by Marissa Savino, September 27, 2011
Jeannine Hebb, the s...Jeannine Hebb: Voice Of A Lifetime
—by Marissa Savino, September 27, 2011
Jeannine Hebb, the soulful singer from Boston, has won numerous awards including the Berklee Singer/Songwriter and Songwriting Showcase competitions. Now, she has chosen The Living Room, in New York City, as the place to celebrate her album release. With a voice developed from a life-long pursuit of music, Jeannine Hebb will undoubtedly provide an excellent performance. Her youthful melodies and soulful lyrics rival those of Regina Spektor and Kate Nash. She will perform on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8.
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Rachel Papers reviews "Call Him Out" video/performance
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Not too long ago, I found myself out at Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village on a random Saturday night...Not too long ago, I found myself out at Caffe Vivaldi in the West Village on a random Saturday night in New York. I was looking for good wine and good music, and clearly, I had come to the right place. By pure coincidence, I caught a performance by Jeannine Hebb, whose debut music video can be watched above. I love the catchy rhythm and piano accompaniment of 'Call Him Out', one of Hebb's many original tunes. What do you think? Are you a fan of the song?
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Surge FM CMJ show review
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The final day of CMJ 2011 was here & to say I was worn out would not do it justice. Earlier in the d...The final day of CMJ 2011 was here & to say I was worn out would not do it justice. Earlier in the day, I was looking up shows while relaxing in an apartment in Brooklyn that I lucked into having to myself for the last 2 weeks of October for free!
Anyone who really knows me, knows how I have a weakness for female singer songwriters. So when I saw a showcase featuring such acts, my attention was officially caught.
The Outlet Music Singer Songwriter Showcase was held on CMJ’s closing day at Googie’s Lounge. I have always had a vibe of just seeing a name or picture & knowing I would be into their music. I put that vibe to use once again when I decided who of the showcase, I would go to see. The winner ended up being Jeannine Hebb. After browsing her site, my vibe proved to be correct once again not that I had any doubts.
I made my way to Googie’s & caught her set. While it was extremely short at 15 minutes for every act, I could not help but be impressed by her beautiful & stunning voice which sounded angelic with the piano serving as a masterful partner in crime. I only wish her set could have been longer as I could listen to her sing all day & night!
After the show, it was nice to get a chance to introduce myself & get just a brief glimpse of the person behind the talent. Thankfully she is as nice & genuine as the vibe she gives off. Anyone who has dealt with artists (especially in NYC) know how rare it is to find someone who is genuine.
I can guarantee a couple of things in regards to Jeannine Hebb which include the fact she will go very far with her talent & you will hear & see a lot about her on SurgeFM in the future.
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Root Down in the Shadow "Whileaway" review
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Several weeks back, the current single for Jeannine Hebb, 'Call Him Out' was brought to my attention...Several weeks back, the current single for Jeannine Hebb, 'Call Him Out' was brought to my attention for a first listen. The quirky throw back traditional song reminded me enough of Meaghan Smith's The Cricket's Orchestra that I was going to dig deeper.
I picked up the album, Whileaway, on it's release date September 20th, 2011 and started to digest it. 'I Believe' immediately surprised me with an R&B type number that is perfectly sung and not too over powering like Alicia Keys. I was already way off of expectations and Jeannine changed it up yet again with a Pop number ' Back to Me Again'. It was a 180 degree turn from 'Call Him Out' with a shout out loud confident vocals reminiscent of a Katy Perry track.
As I made it through Whileaway I was continually surprised with the impressive vocal range, especially 'Tell Me No' and 'Tragedy'. Listening to 'Heartache' and 'Low' I'm tempted to bring to mind other female favorites, like Fiona Apple or Regina Spektor with the bouncy piano tunes and dreamy chorus, as in Regina's 'Eet'.
Whileaway has the variety of a Tori Amos or Regina Spektor album without the alt-quirkiness. The best is that this is not just a mash-up by a genre hopper trying to find something to stick. Often I have to re-check my iPod to see who I am listening to, surprised to see this up and comer as the artist, when I expect to see a top40 veteran.
These songs of heartache and experience have straight forward lyrics and they don't rely on the same old patterns or shtick. Wrapping up the album, I am saddened by yet another song of heartbreak. Truly, I am impressed at how many ways she can wrap up betrayal, mistrust, and heartbreak both in song and lyric. The album is fresh and versatile, and I find my self drawn to it and listening to it over and over again.
Jeannine has performed at notable venues in the Northeast including: Scullers, The Ragatta Bar,The Middle East, The Bitter End, The Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall, and Galapagos Art. She's appeared with jazz legends Ben Monder, Clarence Penn, and Tim Ries, and has served as an opening act for two-time Grammy nominee Tracy Bonham. She recently sang on a track for internationally recognized DJ Breakfast, and has recorded a duet for country musician Greg Garing's upcoming release on L.E.S records.
With the release of her upcoming Whileaway, Jeannine Hebb, Berklee grad and Brooklyn resident, shows her prowess as a technically trained singer/songwriter ready to step out of her former shell and step boldly into the spotlight!
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Philly Inquirer - Critics Pic for live music!
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AT THE COFFEE HOUSE
Jeannine Hebb, a craft-conscious indie pop pianist, composer and singer, hone...AT THE COFFEE HOUSE
Jeannine Hebb, a craft-conscious indie pop pianist, composer and singer, honed her skills (and was rewarded with prizes and a scholarship) at the Berklee College of Music. Hebb's a good fit for those who relish Vanessa Carlton, Yael Naim, Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles.
Milk Boy Acoustic Cafe, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, free, 610-527-0690, www.milkboycoffee.com.
