Album Review: Makin’ History by Jennifer Getz

Album Name: Makin’ History
Artist: Jennifer Getz
Year/Label: 2005 / Independent

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Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

The voice is everything. I am very aware of vocals in music, more than I am of the music. When an artist has a vocal style that is unique it really stands out to me. In this case, the voice is one I am not very keen on. Jennifer Getz has an extremely nasal, bordering on whiney voice. Lots of “eeeee” sounds. So my first thought was ‘oh no’. But I kept listening because something really drew me in.

Once I grew accustomed to her voice I realized these songs are nicely written and they do draw you in. They are hooky without being too mainstream, just enough to catch you. Some have a bit of an Americana edge to them, but mostly I’d call this acoustic guitar pop.

This recording is very professional all around. The packaging is classy and looks like someone put a lot of thought and effort into the feel they wanted to create with it. The production is also very professional sounding. Composition of the songs is first rate as are the musicians playing on the recording. She’s surrounded herself with some great musicians.

I just want to get her a Kleenex and tell her to sing from her gut instead of the back of her throat. It’s distracting to me. But if vocals are not something that you concentrate on when listening to music or if you like that type of vocal styling this is great, because like I said the music is stellar. Jennifer Getz is one talented songwriter.

Posted on January 7, 2005

Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Me In Your Bag
2. Universe
3. You
4. Rambler
5. Keep On Comin’
6. Leave It Gone
7. On a Plane
8. Just enough
9. 45
10. Beautiful Without Me
11. John’s Song (bonus track)

[Jennifer Getz Official Site]

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Comments:

Hey since it seems we have lots of difference of opinion regarding this CD. I normally don’t comment on the comments but you didn’t all leave your email address, though you asked me questions so this was the only way to answer you.

Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: I dig this CD. Got it off CDbaby and I really dig the writing and her voice-theres something different about it. Before I bought it I read a review where she was compared to Dylan numerous times and hear that more than I would hear a “whine.” Do you think Dylan is whiny aa? I find it interesting that her voice is perceived as a “whiny nasal voice”. Cant wait to see her play next month.
name: Ray Vasquez on Saturday, January 15, 2005

Ed note: Do I think Dylan is whiny?, hell yeah, I do. So does most of the population. Yet he’s well, loved. Which is why I never said her voice was bad (not that I would ever make that judgment. If I thought she was bad, I would not have reviewed her CD). Just that it was nasal and that I know folks some like that. However, I realize that maybe should not have used the term “whiny” (which if you look, you’ll see I say it was only “bordering on…”) but should have just stuck with nasal. My bad.

Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: I suggest you see Jennifer Getz perform live, as I have. She has a very individual sense about her and totally draws you in when performing. I love the CD and plan to see her next show. She has heart and an unusual sense of charm.
name: Michelle on Saturday, January 15, 2005

Ed note: I would see her live if she ever played anywhere near me! Keep in mind, I am reviewing the CD not a live performance.-aal

Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: I agree with your comments about great song writing. She has a way of pulling the listener in. It’s so much better than all the predictalbe stuff that so many songwirters put out there. She often twists phrases and words that make a point or decribe the emotion but in a way that actually inspsires me to pay attention to the lyrics. Like you said, there are a lot of good hooks. I found some of the songs playing over in my head right after the hearing it for the first time. But here is where I totally disagree with you…..about her vioce. I think it’s amazing! Perfect for her kind of music. I really like the wraspy breathy way she edges out some of the words. You can totally feel the emotion as she is singing it. Thanks for bringing her CD to us. It was a great find! Regi
name: Regina Ihler on Saturday, January 15, 2005

Rating: 5 Stars
Comment: I totally disagree about her voice. This record is not only amazingly written, but Jennifer’s voice is the best thing about it. I bought this record about a month ago after seeing her live, and it is a breath of fresh air from the crap that’s out there. I strongly recomend seeing her perform live, as this record does her justice, but you can really feel her when seeing her live. This album is definatly a 5 star!!!
name: Gregg on Saturday, January 15, 2005

Ed Note: I find it interesting that all of you are disagreeing with me regarding her voice, I played this CD for several friends without saying anything first and every one of them said, ‘wow nasal voice!’. Interesting how we hear different things. This is why I like to have other opinions here!-aal

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