Jennifer Ellen Cook
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Jennifer Ellen Cook

Austin, Texas, United States | SELF

Austin, Texas, United States | SELF
Band Pop Singer/Songwriter

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Awesome CD--A Must Have!"

Jennifer Ellen Cook's voice awakens the soul and delights the ear. She sings with a depth of feeling unmatched by most singer-songwriters. Cook has that sultry voice that verges on divine, angelic. The songs on this CD encompass a very nice range, from soulful to upbeat. I always look forward to popping this CD into my player. She is truly a distinguished, musical talent--a joy to listen to! - Amazon


"Great Album!"

This is a fantastic album--both well performed and produced! If you like Neko Case's music, Jennifer Ellen Cook is definitely worth checking out. With poetic lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and melodies that can be simultaneously fun, beautiful, and haunting, this album is a delight throughout! - Amazon


"Austin American-Statesman"

Fine vocals and memorable, cast-iron melodies.

Flawlessly arranged songs...a refreshingly-unaffected, endearingly-pretty voice.
- Cox News


"Austin Chronicle"

Well-crafted ear candy ... and a wondrous vocal range and tone. Onstage she is energetic and self-assured without resorting to cockiness. - Austin Chronicle


"Smash Riley @ Antone's Tonight"

Smash Riley [now Jennifer Ellen Cook] play originals that combine their love of rock, grooves,'60s soul, old jazz, and good songs in general. Singer/songwriter Jennifer Cook is known for her amazing voice, shining stage presence, and rapport with the audience. One observer described her as "Sheryl Crow meets Jessica Rabbit." - Indie Sounds NY from Harris Radio


"Jennifer Cook - Smashing Riley"

I'm back from a short week in Austin with more pictures than I know what to do with. On my last night in Texas I'm out at Antone's. Jennifer Ellen Cook is the singer, writer, and inspirationalist for Smash Riley. We first met a few years back at the SXSW Music conference when she was doing wry solo material and heading for Paris. It was a lethally interesting combo. Her music is a sly, teasing, lightly-wicked affair, restless and bright.

This is an easy-to-like band that takes funky midtempo rhythms and pops them up into rounded rock numbers--there's some listening, and some dancing, and some drinking, and it all fits together. Jennifer is sharp and present and has a great voice, and it's hard to keep your eyes off her. - Linus Gelber, event photographer


"CMJ New Music Report: Best New Bands"

An immensely memorable voice. - CMJ New Music Report - NY


"Best Bets"

Sensational vocalist... Jennifer Ellen Cook's smartly written pop songs and dynamic vocal range have been earning her enthusiastic response. On stage, Cook displays a wicked sense of humor and a strong presence. These attributes, in addition to her striking red hair, have led one observer to describe her as "Sheryl Crow meets Jessica Rabbit."
- Austin American Statesman


"Band of the Month"

Remarkable songwriting...Hervoice is nothing short of sultry, and she's good to look at. She leaves a lasting impression...carrying with her the personality and sense of humor that make the best people even better. A great time out with wonderfully original material. - INSight Magazine


"Audience Reviews, SXSW Showcases"

“Poetic and grippingly beautiful songs.”

"Cool, original songs and a voice like an angel in heat.”

“Great talent, good voice, creative songwriting, humorous style, captivating stage presence!”

“Sexy, sultry, and sarcastic.”

“Jennifer Cook was the highlight performance of the singer/songwriter showcase this evening. Her passionate voice and energetic guitar helped to captivate the audience along with her interjection of wit.”

“Ms. Cook is one of the best vocal talents in Austin. Her soulful singing and musical talent left me wanting for more. She is, perhaps, one of the best kept secrets in the Austin music scene. I can't wait to see her next show.”



- SXSW


"Texas Platters"

Nice little plug from The Chronicle's Margaret Moser: "Jennifer Ellen Cook called her latest CD A Storytelling of Crows, but she might just as easily have named it Je Ne Sais Quoi for all its elusive charm. Crows tells tales, some of them about Cook herself. Mike Stewart's fine hand produced this 1960s-influenced indie pop, which lets us in on the wisdom and lyrical acuity Cook's accrued over her years on the local scene." - Austin Chronicle


Discography

A Storytelling of Crows, 2010.

On various Internet stations, KUT, WGDR, iTunes, etc. Reviews on Amazon say things like, "melodies that can be simultaneously fun, beautiful, and haunting" and "sultry voice that verges on divine, angelic." Austin Chronicle described "its elusive charm. Crows tells tales, some of them about Cook herself. Mike Stewart's fine hand produced this 1960s-influenced indie pop, which lets us in on the wisdom and lyrical acuity Cook's accrued."

Photos

Bio

The new CD is "A Storytelling of Crows." The band recently played an acoustic song for News8 Austin TV's spotlight segment: http://www.news8austin.com/content/273993/music-spotlight--jennifer-ellen-cook

Jennifer is a longtime songwriter but blossomed musically after joining forces with rhythm section Nate and Julio. That new Vox amp didn't hurt, either. The addition of a cello player, Graham, created a versatile and distinctive sound.

The band can play electrically or acoustically in a variety of settings. They have played at Saxon Pub, Antone's, Momo's, and other Austin clubs, as well as out of town gigs. Jennifer has played solo shows all over the country, London, and Paris. Festivals played include New Music Festival (NYC), Texas Rockfest, Three Degrees, North Vs. South, and SXSW.

Influences include Muse, Ennio Morricone, The Clash, Etta James, Stax soul, and pop songwriters like Elvis Costello. Once called "Sheryl Crow meets Jessica Rabbit," Jenn also has been compared to Neko Case, KT Tunstall, Patti Smith, Patti Griffin, Shirley Manson, Lucinda Williams, Amy Winehouse, and Paul Weller.

Jennifer is cool under pressure and loves to involve the audience. This band has an excellent combination of dynamics, rock, groove, soul, and an appreciation of good songwriting of all genres.