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Jess Klein
Austin, TX / NYC
After independently releasing her first two albums, winning the Telluride Troubador Songwriting Contest, and garnering several Boston Music Award nominations, Jess Klein was signed to Rykodisc in 2000. Her first Ryko release, Draw Them Near [3 1/2 stars USA Today], launched Klein on a worldwide tour where her relaxed confidence and rootsy soulfulness charmed European audiences and wowed 12,000 attendees at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. In 2001, Klein helped form the songwriter collective Voices on the Verge, along with Erin McKeown, Rose Polenzani, and Beth Amsel. The foursome was featured on Good Morning America performing Klein's song "Little White Dove," and brought crowds in small theaters across the U.S. to their feet nightly with their blend of harmonies and eclectic styles. Klein followed her muse to New York City where she recorded 2005’s Strawberry Lover, the sensual title track of which was named one of the “Ten Sexiest Songs of the Year” by the NY Daily News. Klein’s latest album, City Garden [*****5 stars Mojo Magazine] was released on United for Opportunity in October, 2006. With her soulful, passionate voice up front, and lyrics that alternate between searing and heartbreakingly vulnerable, Klein went for a gritty, primal production style reminiscent of early blues albums. As a result, City Garden exudes the emotional intimacy that has captivated audiences at Klein's much-lauded live shows, an intimacy which, coupled with Klein's powerful voice, caused the Boston Globe to describe her as "Quite simply one of the most gifted performers this area has produced."
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