Jean Lenke - Restless (2019)

Crossover Jazz, Folk & Fusion artist Jean Lenke has been creating diverse live music for many years in the Philadelphia area with the Jean Therapy Music projects and is now setting out on new adventures in Washington's great northwest. As a performing artist, composer, lyricist, and bandleader she brings the joy of her parent's music of the 1940's together with the spirit of the Folk & Jazz-Rock Fusion soundtrack of her own youth in an eclectic mix ~ familiar, yet slightly off center, with haunting appeal.
"I started my musical career late in life, so there's never been any time to waste! My love of music had always been there - I just needed to tap into my own voice. Life is about discovery! Over the past 10 years I've learned that it's never too late to recreate yourself, embracing change, and take risks. Listen to your restless heart, stop wondering, and just go for it!" ~ Jean Lenke
Musically, Jean Lenke's approach is free spirited and bold, crossing boundaries and mixing genres with a wildly creative hand. Artfully blending the magic of the past with a fresh perspective, Jean's artistry is unique and her voice melts hearts with sultry warmth and crystal clear tone.
Jean Lenke's debut album, RESTLESS is as diverse as Jean is and highlights her musical creativity brilliantly! Carefully curated into an epic tale of love's ups & downs, these songs take the listener on a journey sure to captivate.
"RESTLESS speaks to the restlessness we all feel at some point in our lives - especially as we age. We reflect on our lives & loves, our wins & loses, our adventures & missed opportunities. and our blessings of course. What pulls us along and pushes us forward is often a mystery. Sometimes it's a joyful journey, and sometimes it's a really tough one. Whatever's going on in your life, I hope my album carries you along for part of your journey." ~ Jean Lenke
Recorded at Morning Star Studios, by Glenn Barrett, Jean and her studio team have created a have created a unique piece of work, infuse with rhythm, energy, playfulness, and unexpected surprises. Studio musicians include acclaimed Jazz pianist Tom Lawton, contemporary Jazz saxophonist, Fostina Dixon, and sophisticated Jazz-Rock-Alternative team; Kevin Hanson, guitar, Jim Stager, bass & Erik Johnson on drums.
"Everything I know about music, I learned in Philadelphia. Philly tough me to sing, to write, and to fly free. When I realized earlier this year that I was moving west to Seattle, I knew I had to record my musical experiences before I left. Sometimes you just need to get off the couch and go for it!" ~ Jean Lenke
Completely self produced, RESTLESS includes Jean's original lyrics & music, out-of-the-box standards, unexpected covers of Joni Mitchell & Steely Dan tunes, and a beautiful Bossa Nova by Canadian composer David R. Miller, that Jean penned lyrics to in a camp workshop! Highlights include collaborations with the wonderful Philadelphia songwriter James Solomon, reinventing two of his songs from the 70's into "new standards" that others will be lining up to cover as well! Singer-Songwriter Danie Ocean wrote the title song for Jean, Restless Wondering, which caps off the album brilliantly and aptly sums up Jean's eclectic statement about this stage of her life.
"We never know where life will take us. Things stirring within us that we cannot always identify right away - bursting forth in unexpected moments. Over time they can grow into miraculous things! Recording and producing my first album at this late stage of my life has been such a challenge, and also a very freeing experience. Whatever is pulling you forward, don't settle. Give in to your own restlessness. Be brave. Shoot that arrow and see where things land! You'll never regret it." ~ Jean Lenke