If you weren't fast enough to get tickets to Howard Jennings's debut appearance at the Cadyville Concert Hall last year, jump on it for Friday's concert.
The Cadyville native has a new CD, "Together," plush with his engaging vocal and guitar stylings. On a recent trip south, I listened to the five-track disc as I wound through the Adirondacks. There's something about his voice and lyrics that removes you from your stuff and transports you elsewhere effortlessly. "Together" is the perfect road disc.
By the end of the first track, "I Can't Give Up On You," you will be singing along. The second track, "Get Ourselves Together," is a reflective but equally addictive song that showcases Jennings's careful phrasing and evolving chops.
"Slow Motion" rocks with psychedelic strains. "Love Was Made To Borrow" has meanings and layers that aren't as transparent as the other songs.
"When You Need Me" recounts a roller-coaster relationship, where one party seeks to escape pain, self, lover and friends while the lover waits patiently for the eventual reunion.
Jennings was too pressed for a phone interview, so here's an email interview.
Robin Caudell: Recap 2011 for me, the highs and lows of the year.
Howard Jennings: Pursuing a career in the music industry is a roller coaster. There is so much to be grateful for and proud of, yet, there is always so much more to accomplish. It's a 24/7 balancing act between the music business and the creative process.
Touring across the country with The Damnwells (formerly of Epic Records) and recording a new record funded by the fans were easily the musical highlights of the year. Another high was that "Together" was the best-selling release I've had on iTunes, debuting at #55 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter charts.
RC: What was the catalyst for "Together"?
HJ: The title "Together" just seemed like the right name considering that it wouldn't have been possible to fund the recordings on my own. The people that backed this project were my inspiration, and it literally would not have been made without their commitment and extreme generosity. I had written some new songs that I felt were very special but after spending a few months on the road, I didn't have the budget to record them. Kickstarter (an online fundraiser site) provided a way for fans to get involved with the process of making a record by donating money in return for various types of incentives. Having that sincere connection with family, friends and fans was something I'll always remember.
RC: Give the back-story of the tracks on this disc.
HJ: My favorites from the five tracks are "Get Ourselves Together" and "When You Need Me." These songs hit me quickly and are the heaviest on a personal level. I re-wrote some of the other tracks several times before they felt complete. "Slow Motion" has become a favorite of mine to play live. It's a liberating song, where the verses tackle the everyday grind that we put ourselves through in our lives while setting up a fun, free-spirited, therapeutic chorus that tends to lead into a sing-along outro of "la-la's." Some fans that supported the Kickstarter fundraiser are singing on the "la-la's" of the recording. That was one of my favorite parts of the recording process. I've never been more proud of a record than this one ("Together"). I think it's the most natural, honest, straight-from-the-soul album that I've recorded. Having the motivation of the supporters behind me made me want to put out the best songs possible.
RC: What is your vision for 2012?
HJ: My focus right now is on touring with the right acts and continuing to license my music for TV and film. I'd also like to increase my online presence by developing even more interaction with fans.
RC: What upcoming engagements are you excited about?
HJ: I'm excited to be performing with a full band this summer. There is a big show in the works right now for Plattsburgh (details should be confirmed in the next couple of weeks). There will be a couple of other big festivals announced shortly, as well.
RC: Why the revisit, so soon, to the Cadyville Concert Hall?
HJ: There is no better place to play than your hometown! I had so much fun the last year, I am honored and excited to return.
I know that there were some folks that couldn't be there last time because tickets were sold out, so hopefully they'll be able to make it in this year. It's such a unique listening venue. Tom (Gerner) has created an atmosphere that is rare; it's really special.
Email Robin Caudell at: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com
