Jenny Bruce

::bio::

Sonically complex and lyrically insightful, native New Yorker Jenny Bruce is a soulfully rooted pop-folk artist. Bruce's award winning songs reflect the eclectic diversity of her Manhattan upbringing, defiantly transcending easy categorization while possessing an undeniably universal appeal. Her compelling alto often draws comparison by critics and fans alike to Annie Lennox, Sarah McLaughlin and Paula Cole. As a versatile singer/songwriter Bruce writes from the heart and on inspiration rather than to suit a specific genre. Fans and critics often liken her literate lyric style and original arrangements to artists like Jonatha Brooke, Suzanne Vega and Paul Simon.

Few independent artists have managed to attain the level of exposure Bruce has achieved since the release of her first album in 1997. Bruce's work has been recognized with numerous songwriting awards from Billboard to John Lennon while her recordings have been placed in multiple network TV shows as well as in several acclaimed independent films. A 1999 Lilith Fair Talent Search finalist, she has garnered attention from major music industry publications for her work, including Billboard Magazine. "Home" from her 2001 release, "Soul On Fire" was included as the only track from an "unsigned" artist on Martha Stewart's recent compilation CD featuring Alison Krauss, Barenaked Ladies, Lucinda Williams as well as other well known artists.

Music Connection calls Bruce's work "Intelligent" and "full of pathos and gentle ironies." The MA Springfield Union says, "A lot of women picked up guitars to join the Lilith trend, but Bruce is the real thing." Bruce is currently working on her 3rd studio album to be released in 2004. In putting this record together, she enlisted her drummer and multi-instrumentalist/Producer, Ethan Eubanks to help capture the band sound she was seeking.

"I wanted to make the most authentic recording possible, as close to my live-band performances as I could get while making a studio album. So the band and I went into the studio and did things the old fashioned way, recording the basic tracks live. From there we began layering other instruments and vocals." After touring extensively over the past year and a half, Jenny felt it was time to start

recording again. "I have traveled so much and had so many rich experiences these past years. That translated into a bunch of new songs. Perhaps this new album is about the loss of innocence. It's about being conscious and taking responsibility for the choices we make or don't make. It's about finally understanding that life IS the journey. It's such a hard pill to swallow sometimes."

While busy touring, writing or recording, Jenny has always found time to contribute her talents to multiple charitable organizations and events. She has donated her songs to compilation CDs for Children's International, The Garland Appeal for Breast Cancer and Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse. She has recorded a song for Hospital Assistance and was flown to France to sing, in French, a song written for the 25th anniversary of Handicap International.

After co-founding the successful artist collective UrbanmuseNYC with artist Jo Davidson, Bruce was invited by the prestigious ICM booking agency to be part of the all women's NYC Sirens Tour. The Sirens include artists Amy Fairchild and Mairead and have performed at several large music festivals and performing art centers. Bruce plans on touring all next year to support her new album. "I began writing songs as soon as I could think and string together a coherent sentence. There is nothing I love more than songwriting - I write songs in my sleep! The next best thing is getting to record those songs and then hitting the road to share the experience with an audience. Even when I find myself taking a temp job here or there to finance some part of this process, there is something inside of me that knows this is what I'm supposed to be and I wouldn't trade my life for anything."

Songwriting Awards & Honors include:
Billboard Song Contest
Great American Songwriting Contest
John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Just Plain Folks Song Contest
Unisong Songwriting Contest
USA Songwriting Contest
Windrift Songwriting Contest

TV Placements:
Dawson's Creek - WB (top 10 most requested/downloaded songs on the Dawson's Creek Website)
Glory Days- WB
Meet My Folks - NBC (twice)
Jake 2.0 - UPN
King Of The Hill - FOX

Film Placements:
Sex & The Other Man - Starring Stanley Tucci & Ron Eldard
30 Days - Directed by Aaron Harnick, star of Judy Berlin