Customer Reviews

Draw Them Near

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The airwaves seem to be full of female singer songwriters. You name the music from toddler pop to gangsa rap and women are finally getting the chance to show the world what they can do. And mostly what they can do is put out the same tired self absorbed junk that their male counterparts have been feeding us for decades now. And then there is Jess. Sweet voice, but with an edge that cuts into you. Lyrics that reveal, hide, allow the voice to play in the music. And thankfully some songs that are just fun, raw little tunes that are not meant to change the world or let us all know that she is a deep thinker who wants to save the world. Jess Klein doesn't take us or herself too seriously and I love her and her songs for that. Some music just makes you smile and smiling is good enough for me.

Imagine a female songwriter with a beautiful voice who sings songs that are NOT insipid and tedious, whose music has a touch of the traditional, and who is sincere enough that you'd want to sing her songs to someone you love, or listen to them frequently when alone. Work that comes without pretense of simplicity or depth, and thus achieves both. This describes Jess Klein's _Draw Them Near_, with some ommissions; her work has not yet acquired the cookie-cutter hollywood gloss--which means it's more raw, and certainly more genuine for the lack. For this price, the CD's a better bargain than any you've bought in the last few years. I do urge giving it a try.

When you think 'pop' in 2000, you usually picture pink and purple shiny things in syncopation. How often we forget what real 'pop' sounds like--well crafted, hard-to-forget albums like Jess Klein's 'Draw Them Near'. Klein has a voice that hovers somewhere between Natalie Merchant and Stevie Nicks, but these songs play like something different, a more aggressive folk-pop that stays with you. The lyrics are introspective and emotional, and make for an interesting contrast against the vigorous, well-produced guitars and rhythm section. If you've been sitting around wondering when that next singer-songwriter talent was going to show up, wonder no longer.

this is a change from the uplifting sound on "wishes well disguised." (mostly just jess and her guitar). this darker album has many of the same beautifully written songs now accompanied by a handful of talented musicians who complement jess beautifully. i can't wait to hear her next album which will be a culmination of her writing and singing styles on both cd's added with whatever experiences she has until then. Her lyrics are amazingly visual- jess klein is a rare talent that you should keep your eye on.

Jess Klein is a wonder! I haven't been able to stop listening to "Draw Them Near" because every time I hear it some different aspect intrigues me. At first I was simply enchanted by the honesty, directness, and power of her lyrics. In songs like "I Tried" she sums up all the frustration of trying to "bail out" a lover whose own behavior makes him miserably unhappy. Then, my atention was caught by the raw power of some of the rock tracks -- "Open me", "Good-bye, Good-Bye", and "I Sure Would". Most recently, I've been drawn in (drawn near, I guess) by the clarity and beauty of her voice on tracks like "I'll be Allright", "Song for an Angel" and "Draw Them Near". She's a seriously talented woman!

I first chanced upon Jess Klein at the New Bedford Folk Festival with Susan Werner and Cheryl Wheeler. When I saw the name on the billing, I thought to myself, 'Jess Klein - who's he? Never heard of him.' While the open air acoustics were less than perfect, she more than made up for it with pluck. (Pun intended). It was a real treat to see each of these three singer-songwriters in the various epochs of their careers. Ms. Klein has an unusually colorful voice, one that defies simple categorization. It's certainly without affectation or the blandness one encounters in much of today's 'digitally mastered' music. Her songs were in turn touching and electric. While some of the lyrics on her current CD are frank enough to make a grown man blush, I highly recommend it without reservation. If I have one complaint, it is that one of my favorite songs "On the Floor" did not make it onto this CD.

Who in the world is Jess Klein? Just one out of thousands of highly underrated, unknown artists who deserve all the props they get, and then some.

In an age where songwriters are being shoved aside for the next hot-stepping, talentless glamour girl, Jess Klein is fed to the wolves, so to speak, with her latest release "Draw Them Near," which brings us back to what we all would admit makes a great record - solid songwriting.

Fans of Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris will love this record. Hard-edged acoustic-based sounds make up most of the album. A little blues, gospel, rock - it's all in there. The lyrics are bold, non-compromising, and shameless.

Tracks to check out are "Little White Dove," "Goodbye," and "I Sure Would."

Jess Klein, who certainly has done her time in the local bar scene, will hopefully get some acclaim for this release.

I had never heard of Jess Klein before I aquired this album, so I had no idea what kind of music or songs to expect. But from the very first opening notes I knew that I would like it. She has a very nice voice, and the songs are all good. I particularly like "Little White Dove" but they are all easy to listen to. It makes me wonder why I have never heard her on the radio here in Canada. She certainly deserves to be known, if this album is anything to go by. Booklet includes all lyrics and a couple of photos.

This CD is great for an emotional girl's nite in. Listening to Jess makes you feel like your with a friend. You just need to listen.

I found this cd to learn more towards folk. There were a few popish tunes, but interesting for the most part. This was the first time I had actually listened to Jess and have been quite pleased with it. Worth a listen.