"The Quiet Mile," 2010
Her versatile vocals sound so present, it's like she's singing low in your ear -- how can you not listen? Her emotionally moving songs are complimented by simple arrangements of acoustic guitar, cello, keyboards, percussion and bass. It all has a pleasant organic feel like the musicians woke up today and said, hey let's cut a song. "Texas" has a dreamy slide guitar that underscores the unsettled emotions of the singer. There's someone she's left behind in Massachusetts but there's a draw in Texas too -- what to do? "Hold Me In" has a solid piano like an anthem while "This Quiet Mile" features a huge sounding acoustic guitar, perhaps in an open tuning. In "The Morning," she pours out her grief, telling us how hard it is to wake up without that certain someone. There's a rolling piano in "Hiding Out," a great contrast to sharp words like "I cling to my anger like it's the one thing that defines me." The stand out cut is "Breathe Child" where she gives comforting advice to a friend, or maybe herself, about remembering to take care of yourself. Her voice sounds more breathy than on other cuts, suggesting a fragility that really enhances the song. A heartbreaking cello completes the picture. Beautiful. © Jamie Anderson
Jess Yoakum: Press
By Jarod of Chicago Acoustic Underground
Jess Yoakum has a voice fit for radio; emotive, strong, and confident. So adept is she at manipulating her instrument, she could easily slide her way into the latest pop fad and sing 11 year-olds to sleep every night. If her mature lyrics and haunting sensibilities are any indication, nothing could be further from her interests.
Yoakum’s sophomore venture, This Quiet Mile, finds her exploring a sound that lends itself well to those late-night notions about who we are, and where we‘re headed. She establishes herself firmly in the pantheon of darker, more confrontational songwriters who harness longing by threading it through minor keys (Ani Difranco, Fiona Apple, and Keren Ann spring to mind).
On “Hiding Out,” Yoakum proclaims, “I cling to my anger like it’s the one thing that defines me,” displaying an unwavering self-awareness that, try as it might, can’t act as its own cure. Against the willowy twang of “Texas,” Yoakum ponders, “Maybe I’m just tired . . . maybe I’ve grown too old for this . . . maybe I’ve had too much to drink.” This could be the undying dilemma of every adult on the planet. While there are lighter indulgences near the album’s midsection, Yoakum’s ominous efforts remain her most affecting. On the opening “Triangles,” Yoakum combines a fiery tirade with lo-fi vocal effects. Amidst the worldly flair of “Unrequited” the listener is offered a haunting glance into the altered state of a burgeoning nightmare.
Special credit goes to the backing musicians, minding their roles and calling attention to their capabilities without overstepping their boundaries. Cellist Ira Ochs shines brightly on “The Morning,” painting a thousand pictures with his understated accompaniment. Backed by impeccable talent and studio quality, This Quiet Mile pursues a theme of constant doubt, and an obsession with finding some justification for pain. Sparse without being modest, and direct without being brash, Jess Yoakum has found a diamond in the rough: a sound she can grow old with.
Folkster Jess Yoakum is one of the featured performers this afternoon at the 2d Annual Lawn Concert sponsored by JP Unplugged, a Jamaica Plain series showcasing local musicians. Yoakum, the founder of the series, will be joined by a few of the musicians who helped her get the Unplugged series going including Denise Barbarita, Mike Delaney, and Terry Kitchen. Watermelon will be served, and the event is rain or shine. Listen for Yoakum's Ani Difranco-esque song "Triangles." 1 to 5 p.m. Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St., Jamaica Plain, jpunplugged.org
Metro spoke with musician Jessica Yoakum from the Berklee admissions office and the Women of Valor planning committee.
Click below for the complete interview (p. 18)
Folks, kick back and enjoy
Music series makes a house a village home
"The idea that we're able to host the series in a house is an important thing," says its founder, Jess Yoakum , a Jamaica Plain resident who spent years booking acts for the Midway Cafe on Washington Street.
For full article, click below.
New JP concert series opens with guitar virtuoso
JP Unplugged is a new acoustic music concert series that will be presenting its first concert on Fri., Feb. 23, at the historic Loring-Greenough House at 12 South St. Appearing will be New York’s guitar virtuoso Vicki Genfan, and opening the show will be singer-songwriters Patti DeRosa and Denise Barbarita.
Full article below.