Jennifer Lynn
by Claes Almroth
Whimsical sandcastles were the backdrops for Jennifer Lynn’s
appearance at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Saturday the 12th of July.
Lynn’s appearance was part of a festival called "Sand in
the City;" a benefit fundraiser for "Kids on the Block".
As people admired the sand structures or sampled the food and beverages
from the many food carts, Jennifer Lynn and her band entertained the
crowd. Lynn, a relative newcomer to the music scene, is an excellent
country and honky tonk singer.
Lynn and company started off their set with several crowd-pleaser
country standards from the ’50s and ‘60s such as Crazy,
Your Cheating Heart, Abilene, Jackson and so on. This was followed
by a set of Lynn’s original songs, which were more in the country
rock or contemporary country mold. Her songwriting shows a lot of skill
and promise.
The crowd who gathered around the stage on this beautiful, afternoon
were clearly enjoying the music. Lynn’s strong alto voice was
backed up by some of the members of the traditional country band Bunco
Kelly, plus a few extra sidemen. Bunco Kelly lead guitarist Morgan
Pintarich contributed spare, but in the pocket, Telecaster licks, in
addition to lending his country baritone vocals. He and Lynn dueted
on Jackson. Pintarich also contributed a lead vocal on a self-penned
children’s song. The many children in attendance obviously appreciated
the song and the attention. This was a benefit for children after all.
Harley Cowan, also of Bunco Kelly, was on bass, with Vince Adame providing
the backbeat on drums and Tim Cowan played on acoustic rhythm guitar.
Lynn grew up in rural Washington, but today calls Portland home. As
a child, she was exposed to the music of the Everly Brothers and musicals.
Lynn cites influences ranging from Elvis to Sarah Vaughn. From the
country field, her style has been shaped by singers such as Patsy Cline,
Trisha Yearwood , Tammy Wynette and her namesake Loretta Lynn. Lynn
has been making the rounds of open mikes and taking opportunities to
sit in with bands such as The Countrypolitans and the above mentioned
Bunco Kelly. Lynn has also been making the festival and benefit circuit
rounds.
Lynn has worked hard to get exposure for her singing and songwriting.
Recently, she made a pilgrimage to Nashville, where she performed at
the legendary Nashville club Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where she
appeared with country artist Jimmy Snyder. Lynn has also launched a
web site, where you will find a biography, information on upcoming
gigs and photos. The site is very attractive, informative and provides
lots of cool links. Her web site is www.jlynn.com .
"Sand in the City" serves as an annual fundraiser for "Kids
on the Block," an organization that brings education about health
and social issue into public schools through the use of puppet shows.
People visiting the event can vote for their favorite sand sculpture
by purchasing a sand dollar. There is also a donation barrel.
Look for Lynn’s upcoming shows on her web site or in club and
event listings. You will not be disappointed.
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