JEN AND THE JUICE

"...On their debut CD, Meet the Hooligans of Bohemia, Jen Greer and her cohorts produce a collection of folk songs, jazz roots, and funk that would make their hometown of Asheville proud.

Whether it be that feel-good jazzy sound of the opener, “Wripples,” or the sitting-on-the-porch-drinking-a-cold-one type of song that “It Takes Two” contends to be, Greer’s intelligent lyrics and quick wit cut straight to the heart. The inclusion of Stephanie Morgan of Stephanie’s ID on back-up vocals adds the perfect harmony.

The band excels when it allows itself to do what it does best: playing their roles in the most significant ways. Greer’s sense of humor is understood in “I Might Be Drunk,” where she explains that even when she’s in that state of mind, she’s not a whore. Michael Libramento backs her up with great fluid guitar work, while Joe Buzzelli and Clint Weninegar keep the bass riffs and beats modest.

But Greer’s talents are most expressed in the semi-psychedelic and accurately titled “Circus Pills.” With precise finger picking and sound effects taking over, Greer tells a story of close friends who “don’t need those pills” but can naturally heal. By offering introspect and a different outlook on life, love, and the rest of it all, Greer has simply inched one step further to opening up everyone’s ears to listen to what she has to say. "


Review by Kenneth Gambill
- Performer (Southeast) Magazine

Earful
Notes on local music

by Hunter Pope
CD reviews

Jen and the Juice, Meet the Hooligans of Bohemia: Four Stars

• Genre(s): Funk, swing, jazz, singer/songwriter

• You'll like it if: You lack the Neanderthal gene that disregards music celebrating independent womanhood

• Defining song: "Butt Sweat and Beer" – The title alone deserves recognition. Be forewarned: Despite the deep grooves, a disturbing sound lurks on the song that can only be described as a collision between perspiration and ... ahem ... anal unrest.

One will be hard-pressed to find a better summer soundtrack than Jen and the Juice's debut disc Meet the Hooligans of Bohemia. Jen Greer's playful-yet-assured voice (nestled somewhere between Lucinda Williams and G. Love) contemplates typical summer conundrums: the undecipherable hieroglyphics of love, forsaking the rat race, and being strategic with the party life. Clever wordplay (all the songs were written by Greer) keeps these familiar subjects from watering down, and her slew of guests makes each song distinct. Names like Billy Constable (Sassagrass), Woody Wood, and Ryan Cox and Bill Cardine (both of the Biscuit Burners) give the Juice that Appalachian soul, while names like Stephanie Morgan and Valorie Miller add some jazzy silk. Jen's Juice mates (Clint Weninegar, upright bass; Joe Buzzelli, drums; and Michael Libramento, lead guitar) can certainly hold up on their own. Their lounge grooves meld nicely with Greer's poetic trip-hopping. - Mountain Xpress, Asheville NC