Jen Chapin’s music is jazz-tinged urban folk — story songs that search for community and shared meaning, powered
by the funk, soul and improvisation of the city. Critics have hailed her work on albums Linger (2004) and Ready (2006) as “thoughtful.. worth-savoring” (People), “smart, observant, lyrically deft, politically aware and emotionally intuitive” (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel), “addictive” (Boston Globe), “supremely confident, slightly off-center, and instantly compelling.” (River City Reader) and “brilliant.. soulfully poetic” (NPR). JazzTimes has called her “a first-rate storyteller” while Relix regards her as “one of the freshest voices singing today.” She has been featured on “Late Nite with Conan O’Brien,” honored by the USA Songwriting Competition, appeared on stage with Bruce Springsteen, and opened up for Bruce Hornsby and the Neville Brothers.
The daughter of the renowned singer/songwriter Harry Chapin of “Cats in the Cradle” fame, Jen’s recent work has highlighted her gift for interpreting classic songs — notably those with a message. Her 2008 CD/DVD Light of Mine featured songs from Van Morrison, Radiohead, Joni Mitchell and others, as well as live performances filmed at NYC’s Joe’s Pub. In 2010 the audiophile label Chesky Records released Jen’s ReVisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder. Both albums were built on the strength and intimacy of live performances from small ensembles: Light of Mine was a collaboration with her husband, acoustic bassist Stephan Crump, and his “Rosetta Trio” with Liberty Ellman and Jamie Fox on guitars. ReVisions had Jen joining forces with Stephan and Chris Cheek on saxophones. The Jen Chapin Trio as well as Jen with Rosetta Trio have toured over this time throughout the US and UK. A new EP recording, tentatively titled “5 songs,” will be released in Spring 2011.
Jen’s music reflects a diversity of experience. She is mother to 5 year old Maceo and 18 month old Van Crump, who most often accompany their parents on tour. She is an activist, with a life-long involvement in WhyHunger, an organization that champions innovative, community-based solutions to hunger and poverty; and is also active in the local and sustainable food movement. She is an educator, leading workshops and presentations to college, community and church groups, with a background teaching full-time in Brooklyn classrooms. And she is a student, with a BA in International Relations from Brown University, additional studies at Berklee College of Music, extensive travels and studies in Zimbabwe and Mexico, and an ongoing passion to learn more about the world, and its emerging pathways to greater social justice.
For more information contact jen@jenchapin.com or call 347 432 0283.
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