Livestream New York, NY
Contact: [email protected]
Web: jessicalynnmusic.org
Players: Jessica Lynn, vocals, guitar, keyboard; Steve Sterlacci, guitar; Peter Calamera, bass; Andy Harts, drums; Matt Bauer, percussion; Bob Riedel, pedal steel guitar; Victoria Calamera, background vocals
Material: “I didn’t find country, country found me,” explains Jessica Lynn in her recent livestream. For a homegrown New Yorker, she captures the genre as if she has been ensconced in it most of her life. There are instances of crossover into pop rock, and although she doesn’t speak with a twang, it’s clear she has made this style her trademark. In a full band set, Lynn performs songs from her growing repertoire, four of which she has released as acoustic versions on her new EP, Reimagined. In “Now Or Never,” we hear an uptempo plea to cement a relationship that’s hanging in the balance. The song “Run To,” a reflective ballad in 6/8 time, deals with missed opportunities in a relationship. Lynn closed her show with a more than respectable version of “Hey Jude.”
Musicianship: It’s a family affair, with her dad Peter Calamera on bass and mom Victoria Calamera on backup vocals. The remaining non-family members complete what is a top-notch support band. Lynn’s vocals are pitch perfect and imbued with power and warmth. Her training as a classical pianist has served her well as she is proficient on keyboards and guitar.
Performance: Lynn already possesses the confidence and chops of a veteran performer. A lot of attention has been paid to marketing and image, but the performance stays at a certain reliable and consistent level. Not until she dismisses the band to perform her song “Pretty,” as a solo piece on keyboard, that you get to experience a deeper side to Lynn. Though there was a lot of the Jessica Lynn experience, the show ran long for a streaming performance.
Summary: Jessica Lynn is a good fit for the country market. Her songs are well-crafted, with attention to the lyrics, something Nashville holds in high esteem. All the career pieces of the puzzle are in place, so the more complexity Lynn reveals will only help to make her an enduring artist.
