Jennifer Getz – Makin’ History (CD)

Starting off shakily on “Makin’ History” with a set of vocals mixed well above the level they should, “Me in your bag” has vocals reminiscent of Dolores O’Rierdan (Cranberries) and Andrea Corr (The Corrs). Continuing the inoffensive acoustic-led rock during eir second track, “Universe”, the belting out of vocals by Getz seems to find an analogue in the country of the late 70s and early 80s. Getz’s veteran move of incorporating bandmates with a storied past (playing in Bob Dylan, Juice Newton, and Warren Zevon) puts success squarely in eir hands; the bandmates do not fail in their rendition of Getz’ music. Each track on “Makin’ History” is focused on one specific goal, and as such, there are moments on this disc where this focus can be misconstrued as a lack of innovation. While each of the songs are well-crafted pop-rock tunes, nothing really strikes me as being ready for primetime (Clearchannel radio). Each subsequent track is solid, but nothing is present to push the track into something great.

“Keep on comin’” has a Rufus Wainwright-esque (think Rufus’ cover of The Beatles’ “Across The Universe”) vocal delivery, in that eir achieves not necessarily the tenor but rather the arrangement of vocals. “Leave It Gone” is standard Getz fare, taking up a piano to provide some sort of distraction from the rest of the track. The only bad thing one can levy against the track is that at the mid-point of this disc, a rut has been created in which the tracks become increasingly episodic. Any achievements found on a track are wiped clean, and as such Getz starts over at the end of each track. Getz can be compared with a Stevie Nicks in a number of ways; but the key distinction that needs to be made between the two is that Nicks knew how to create a differing enough style between eir tracks and had some sort of idea on how to craft a hook.

When one gets done listening to “Makin’ History”, chances are that the only thing that they can recall are the absolutely beautiful musical arrangements present on each track, instead of the mediocre vocal arrangements found. If Getz could be set up with a strong, older hand in terms of vocal creation, chances are that the impressive music found on this disc can be coupled with equally impressive music. This time out though, something is missing in a large way.

Top Tracks: 45, Rambler

Rating: 4.3/10

Jennifer Getz – Makin’ History / 2004 Self-Released / 11 Tracks / http://www.jennifergetz.com / Reviewed 18 February 2005