LA Weekly
March 7-13, 2003

Jennifer Nash is into her third (fifth?) band lineup in seven months. In others this might seem like floundering, but in this notable arrival it seems like focusing and even flowering. Adjustments are inevitable, since she can't be plugged into any formula -- after stewing for some comparison, the best I can do is a lame hookup to Stevie Nicks, based on the adenoidal penetration of her voice and the baroque quality of her very consistent songwriting. But I like Nash a lot better, because her mystery is earthier and realer, yet she's completely modern. I saw her at some Hollywood nook a few months ago, and got hit once again by the way she takes you on unusual journeys where the melodies curl back on themselves and the emotional narratives, though personal, feel universal. The new format: keyboards, electric cello, bass and drums. (And when Nash plays the accordion, it doesn't come off as a gimmick.)

- Greg Burk

Music Connection
02/17/03 - 03/02/03
Club Reviews: Jennifer Nash
The Mint - Los Angeles

The Players: Jennifer Nash, lead vocals, keyboards; Billy Malpede, keys, musical director; Woody Aplanalp, guitar, backup vocals; John Avila, bass, backup vocals; Guenevere Measham, cello, backup vocals; Svend Lerche, drums.

Material: Jennifer Nash's brand of pop, rock, jazz and cabaret flawlessly fuses to create what is truly original alternative music. A stunning accomplishment by a gifted artist, Nash's material has as many nods to Josh Groban as it does to Tori Amos. Her songs are never boring, much less predictable; instead, they courageously explore new territory that often surprise the listener.

Musicianship: To execute this unique approach to music composition, Nash assembled a pro group of players. With exotic strains of Measham's cello and Malpede's luscious keyboard work, each song has a signature sound. Nash has the ability to combine styles as she sings, projecting near-operatic pitches and then nicely making a transition to falsetto with a rock edge. When Nash sits at the piano, she transforms into an intimate songstress with engaging results that keep the crowd captivated.

Performance: Nash created an image of constant energy and motion. Moving from one side of the stage to the other, she seemed almost out of control -- but yet, totally contained. This contrast brought an excitement to her performance that matched her music. A beautiful young nymph, Nash also projected a vulnerability that made everything she did endearing.

Summary: Jennifer Nash is one of a kind. An artist of immense talent and vision, she will cleanse your musical palate. Her ingenious combination of styles and genres, from show tunes to soulful ballads, creates an unforgettable experience. She is an artist with an inspired imagination, who presents a show that is a must-see for anyone who might appreciate a new musical attack.

- Bernard Baur

LA Weekly
July 12-18, 2002
Jennifer Nash, Act of Faith at Rocco.


For a young singer who's played only a few gigs (for anybody, really), Jennifer Nash has a lot together. The basics: a distinctive version of modern, sinus-cavity vocal resonance; a mess of strong, variegated melodies; a great face with big teeth. What puts her over the top is a rather amazing chamber orchestra led by keyboardist David Francis, which wheezes through tangos, gentle meditations and soaring ballads with decadent ease. As her waving fingers accentuate passionate pissed-off takes on the love experience ("I'm choking on your exhaust"), Nash emits a perversely attractive air of maculated privilege; you may feel the urge to spank her. But you'll definitely feel something. She goes first, sometime after 10; then comes Act of Faith, a pop-rock unit that shares Oingo Boingo bassist John Avila and universal guitarist Wooody Aplanalp with Nash. Singer Rick Garcia and friends distinguish their snappy, hooky energy with smart touches of noise -- worth sticking around for.

- Greg Burk

LA Times
February 2002
Paul Andersen
Burbank singer songwriter takes a unique journey to first live performance

BURBANK -- If Jennifer Nash seems a little wary lately, she has good reason. The Burbank singer/songwriter will debut songs from her recently completed CD, "Lay It On," on Sunday night in Hollywood, at her album release party. It will also be the first time she has played her music in front of an audience. "I guess I've gone about this backwards," she said between laughs over the phone. Most musicians start playing in small clubs, restaurants or weddings. Then, if they gather a following and enough songs they might go into the studio and record a CD. However, Nash went into the studio first and, over the course of a year, made a recording that has made believers out of those who have heard it. A melodic mix whose genre is difficult to pinpoint -- touches of classical bump up against rock and bounce back -- it also has been her calling card in putting together a band to help her play her music live. John Avila, who played bass for Oingo Boingo, heard the CD and couldn't believe Nash had never played live. He has signed up for her band, and is helping guide the singer in the transition from recording artist to performing artist.

Nash has found having the right people around her is making a big difference in dealing with stage fright. Pressure is nothing new to the young artist. In her day job as a film-music editor -- she has worked on "pearl Harbor," "runaway bride," and "high fidelity" -- she has had to work under tight time constraints and long hours. "Sometimes at the end of a project, I feel like moving to Ojai and running a coffee bar," she confessed, giggling.

Born in Texas but raised all over Southern California, Nash began playing on a neighbor's piano when she was 12. Eschewing lessons for picking her own way around the keys, she came home one day to an old upright piano in her living room. Her neighbor thought the young girl had talent and decided to buy Nash her own instrument. "I couldn't believe it," she reflected. "She died of cancer a year later, and the night I found out I made a pact between myself, that piano and Arlene (her neighbor) that I would keep at it." When she takes the stage Sunday night, there might be an unseen audience member, smiling and proudly swaying in the wings. Angel wings, that is.