Jennifer Grassman is a uniquely gifted artist whose performances have captivated audiences of all ages at numerous venues in the Houston/Austin area. Her creativity and eclectic persona offer a vivid and artistic array of piano/vocal music to you and your guests. Not only does Jennifer perform her own original music, but she also has the ability to perform exquisite arrangements of many popular standards. This can be a valuable asset to any host, as a wide variety of standards adds familiarity and nostalgia to an otherwise unprecedented performance.
When she was eight years old, Jennifer began taking piano lessons. Though very young and reluctant to regularly practice, a deep love for music had been kindled and she began the difficult evolution from playful adolescent to mature artist. Nine years later, when Jennifer’s family moved to Houston, she had the privilege of studying with Mr. Timothy Hester, a renowned classical pianist and professor of the University of Houston (U of H), Moores School of Music. This was one landmark in a series of events that inspired over 400 songs and 200 live performances. Mr. Hester introduced Jennifer to a world of classical composers, and brought to life an elegant language largely unappreciated in modern American pop-culture. It was composers like Mendelssohn, Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy that inspired Jennifer’s first songs and continues to influence her piano and vocal melodies to this day.
Jennifer’s vocal skills were also honed while studying as an opera major at the U of H, Moores School of Music, where she first began networking with other musicians and putting together a band. While most of Jennifer’s performances are solo piano and vocals, she has a group of “musical friends and colleagues” who are on call whenever an opportunity to play arises.
In addition to her live performances, Jennifer has appeared on Houston PBS, The After Party with Ernie Manouse, performed at many private parties and weddings, organized and performed several benefit concerts for CRIME STOPPERS Houston, and recorded an original full length debut album entitled At the Back of the North Wind, which was released December 9, 2006. Jennifer is currently working with producer Dan Workman on a full length Christmas CD which will be released in Winter, 2007, and is signed to Truth Love Music, an independent record label based in Brenham, Texas.
Jennifer’s determination and spirit are reflected boldly in her music. They are the finished product drawn from a seemingly exhaustless well of creativity. Her stunning vocal melodies and classically inspired piano accompaniments intertwine to communicate feeling, intelligence and strength to her audience, while imparting a message a passion and dedication to all who hear her.
Copyright Ó Jennifer Grassman 2007
“Jennifer strikes me as a very uniquely gifted artist. She crafts her own blend of classical and even folk music into the pop medium resulting in a dramatic and moving performance. In all, a very mature artist – especially for someone her age. Her lyrics are full of imagery and are both playful and deep.
I have been consistently impressed with her prolific abilities as a songwriter. On many occasions, she has shown the ability to create new, viable material in a very short period of time. Especially impressive in light of the fact that much of our work together at this point has been in pushing her writing even further and many of the songs I have seen her write were in response to new challenges I have given her.
Her voice stands up well to the size of her music. Big and powerful but with a delicate air, her voice is delightfully complex. Her classical training shows in both her playing and writing.
I see big things ahead for Jennifer and urge anyone interested in following new, up and coming artists to give her a listen.”
~ Michael Thompson, Independent Producer, Ivory Tower Realizations
“Jennifer has a remarkably unique voice which is powerful both in range and emotionality - transcending genre and classification. Her prolific writing style, enchanting performance and proficient musical ability only add to her credibility as an artist. Furthermore, divergent to the majority of today's top selling female artists, Jennifer brings substance and integrity to her lyrical work and a classical feel to her compositions which is refreshing and tasteful.”
~ Tyra Danielle, Promotions Manager, IMG Music Promotions Inc.
“Hi Jennifer, I got your CD, and I'm now listening to it. Sounds excellent! Very modern, great sounds. And yes, you are a good singer indeed. Do I detect some Kate Bush influences here and there? I'm a big fan of ms Bush. Having said that, I do think your voice and music is quite unique, well done! Love the Scarborough Fair version, one of my fav folk songs. However, I'm not looking for singers at the moment. Maybe in a couple of years, when I will probably be recording another Ayreon. And then it will depend on the concept and music what kind of singers I will need. So if you're not a huge unapproachable star by that time, who knows we'll speak again then? ;-) Good luck with your singing!”
Cheers,
~ Arjen Lucassen, Producer & Musician
The Netherlands
Arjen Lucassen is the mastermind behind many progressive music projects, including Ayreon
