Chicago based Singer/Songwriter Jen Porter blends pop melody and soul inspiration on her new release, Closer to the Surface, on Stonecutter Records. Porter is a Chicago mainstay with a powerful, throaty, voice. On this release her pipes are backed by top level production and quality musicianship.
Porter's voice takes center stage on this album; she has a singing style reminiscent of Janice Joplin or Melissa Etheridge, and her voice drives each song with authority. She shows the influence of Ani Difranco and The Indigo Girls in her songwriting at times, but for the most part she carves her own niche from a myriad of genres; we hear strains of gospel and blues, folk, rock, and reggae. While the string synths which back many of the tracks seem superfluous, and certainly won't be to the taste of purists, there is much in the way of organic instrumentation in the arrangements that add authenticity to the album; accompanying Porter's acoustic guitar and piano are, variously: funky Hammond organs, overdriven electric guitars and a soulful horn section.
The arrangements and the emotive power Porter puts into her singing are the strong points on this release; but the lyrics can be a weak point. For the most part these lyrics follow a simple, heart on your sleeve aesthetic. This can be effective, as on the chorus of the opener when Porter sings: “Can you love if you won't let / anybody love you / can you grow if you won't let anyone / nurture your soul?” There are times, however, when Porter gets stuck in some quasi-metaphysical mud, such as on the power ballad “Now Is Then” when she sings the lines: “Without hatred / there would be no hate...”
Jen Porter is a hard working and talented musician, who, with Closer to the Surface, has created an album that is a pleasure to listen to. With three other albums already under her belt it seems she has staying power that will keep her on the scene for some time.
Tim Madison – MuzikReviews.com Staff
November 3, 2009
