Anderson (drums), Barb Jiskra (piano, keys), and Nolyn Falcon (bass), Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival construct a dynamic soundscape that shifts fluidly from anthemic rock to heartfelt blues ballads, forging a timeless yet forward-looking musical journey.
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Track Listing:
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The album erupts with "Light The Fire," a scorching opener that sets the stage with searing guitar work, bold, anthemic lyrics, and exhilarating dual-guitar interplay between Lyn and Torrance. "In the darkness where our secrets lie / Whispered dreams in the midnight air / We'll ignite a little spark in the dark ... light the fire." From there, "Searching for Solid Ground" digs deep into introspection, riding a galloping, rock-solid groove. "I'm lost in the whispers of my own mind / I'm tired of just walking around half blind … I'm searching for solid ground."
Bluesy and raw, "Sucker for the Pain" delves into self-reflection, with Lyn’s fiery vocals capturing the emotional highs and lows of life’s journey. The song is further enhanced by boogie-woogie piano from Jiskra and expressive slide guitar work from Torrance, adding grit and depth to its blues-infused sound. "It’s like a needle in the vein / It ain’t the world gone wrong / You’re just a sucker for the pain." The evocative ballad "Refuge" showcases Lyn’s soaring vocal delivery over razor-sharp guitar, offering a poignant plea: "Cause if the walls start falling down / And there’s no one else around / And I’m standing at your door / Will you be the refuge … for my soul?"
Opening with Anderson’s simmering drum groove, "Do Bad Things to You" smolders with undeniable desire, building into a sultry, hypnotic rhythm: "There are things that you do / That make me want to / I want to do bad things to you." Meanwhile, the smooth, jazz-tinged "Soul Saver" highlights Lyn’s vocal finesse against warm organ and fluid guitar. At one point, Falcon takes center stage, delivering a brief, but expressive bass solo that showcases his improvisational finesse before the song builds toward a climactic finish. "I was lost, but not anymore / You’re a soul saver / Now I see what I’m here for."
A second-line rhythm from Anderson propels "Baggage," adding a lively pulse to Lyn’s declaration of self-reliance. The song also features a captivating solo exchange between Jiskra on piano and Torrance on slide guitar, intertwining effortlessly to elevate its bluesy swagger. "You’ve got baggage / Lots of baggage / As much as I’ll miss your lovely face / Your baggage won’t fit in my suitcase." Driven by a funk-infused rhythm, the hard-hitting "'59 Cadillac" radiates confidence, with Lyn taking the wheel of her own destiny: "He said he’s leaving / Going with the guys … I don’t care if he’s coming back / I got his ‘59 Cadillac." Rooted in the defiant spirit of classic '70s rock anthems, "Breaking Chains" is a triumphant celebration of liberation, its soaring chorus and electrifying riffs amplifying the rebellious energy of the era. The song also features exhilarating dual-guitar interplay between Lyn and Torrance, intensifying its anthemic power. "I've got a pocket full of money / And nothing but time / I'm done with gritting my teeth / Instead of speaking my mind."
Closing the album, "Do It All Again" swells into a powerful crescendo, embracing love and its lessons with no regrets. Torrance’s smooth, tremolo-rich guitar work weaves through the track, creating a hypnotic, dreamlike state that pulls the listener deeper into its emotional core. "I'm just the dreamer who got nothing in return /
Standing in the ashes where our love burned / If I could do it all again / I would." With Retrograde, Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival channel the rich essence of rock and blues history, infusing it with a fresh, untamed energy that keeps their sound moving ever forward. This is a sonic orbit you won’t want to miss. Jim White
BIOGRAPHY
Since Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival launched their first official album release in 2021 with the EP Nothing Holding Me Down, they have blazed a remarkable trail through the modern blues scene. The band quickly gained momentum, reaching #4 on the Billboard Blues chart and earning accolades that firmly established their place in the genre. Their raw, soulful sound, paired with Jennifer Lyn’s powerful vocals and bandmate Richard Torrance's searing guitar work, has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Backing Jennifer Lyn is a talented ensemble of seasoned musicians: Richard Torrance on lead guitar, Jim Anderson on drums, Barb Jiskra on keys, and Nolyn Falcon on bass. Together, they create a dynamic and cohesive sound that bridges modern blues-rock energy with deep roots in classic blues traditions.
The group has garnered an impressive seven Independent Blues Music Award nominations, recognizing their talent, originality, and contribution to contemporary blues. Additionally, their songwriting prowess earned them a nomination for an International Songwriting Award, further solidifying their reputation as both gifted musicians and storytellers.
Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival have achieved consistent success on the blues airwaves, with all three of their album releases landing in the top 10 on Blues radio music charts. With a reputation for electrifying live
performances and a steadily growing fanbase, Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival continue to carve their path in the blues world, blending authenticity with a fresh, contemporary edge.
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