“Jennifer Hill dials in a bluesy torch sensibility on Love Bomb.” –Eric Danton, Freak Scene JENNIFER HILL’s new album Love Bomb is about withstanding and becoming stronger from adversity—gun violence, abuse, bullying—and using it as a Phoenix from the ashes to fulfill one’s dreams and destiny. The album also displays Hill’s versatile musical abilities; her songs and performances will sometimes remind you of Tori Amos, Amy Winehouse, or Fiona Apple, but the sound is distinctly Jennifer’s own. A 10-track collection of hard-won wisdom accrued over the years, Love Bomb sounds like Hill has the right to be angry or vengeful, but instead, she tilts toward a spirit of defiance and resilience.
Joining Jennifer Hill on Love Bomb are an impressive array of seasoned performers, including horn player Bill Holloman (Chic, Gatlin Bros., Bruce Springsteen), guitarist Tim Palmieri (Lotus, Kung Fu, Karl Denson), guitarist June Millington (Fanny, Wild Honey, The Svelts), multi-instrumentalist Bob Schwecherl (Few Cents Short, Grandpa’s Grass), bassist Bobo Lavorgna (Aztec Two-Step, Batu), cellist Jeffrey Chen (Cargo Cult Revival, Ernest Hem ‘n’ Haw), and backing vocalist Stout (Alicia Keys, Santana, John Mayer). The album’s sonic brilliance is directed by legendary producer Vic Steffens, who has worked with artists like Rolling Stones, Harry Connick, Jr., and Bobby Brown.
Jennifer Hill has a dramatic streak that manifests in her strong, bright voice around musical arrangements based on piano and steeped in horns and guitar. Her vocals ring through the rafters on “Made of Candy” over guttural, burlesque-show trumpet and a rolling piano vamp. On “Erased,” one of a handful of slower jams, restrained piano accompaniment contrasts with wringing emotion in her voice as she recounts a destabilizing relationship. Besides focusing on her own music, Jennifer Hill in 2008 founded SWAN Day CT, an annual music & arts event to Support Women Artists Now. More than 1,000 musical acts & artists have participated in SWAN Day CT, which is part of the international SWAN Day observances.
