JACKIE VENSON "THE LIGHT IN ME"

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Venson further proves her endurance on her latest set, The Light In Me, which bursts with traditional blues aesthetics but upholds melodic soul for a rich blend that is tailor-fit for her spunky and witty style. As a fellow South Texan myself, she's pretty much kinfolk as she's knows that everything is in fact bigger here, and her sound reflects it in pounds as numbers such as the pew-stomping "Always Free," horn-peppered sway of "Best For Last" and her single "The Love I Give," are bold and infallible entries. And if it's subdued that you want, then Venson can whisper loving poetics this side of "Beauty Of Your Love" and the cushy acoustic title track to place you in the calm of her storm. Though there are many vibrant voices that come our way daily, a lot don't get to stand on a table and shout out loud, but Venson, on the other hand, has the boisterous attitude as well as the creative drive to create tunes her way without bending to any so-called rules, and those elements will spark and have her elbow her way to the front of the line without a misstep. JACKIE VENSON
 

JACKIE VENSON "ROLLIN' ON"

When I began writing the Rollin' On compilation I was buried in stress over the fact that I had decided to essentially start over playing a new instrument, the Guitar. Originally a piano player, I had grown tired of the instrument and wanted to explore writing a new kind of song. After months of jamming with my friends and exploring new styles of music, my first original on guitar, "Oh Na Na", hit me like a ton of bricks. The flood gates were opened and the rest of the album practically came over night. Writing my own stuff on guitar has been the most exciting experience to date since I learned my first classical song on piano as a young kid. Writing this album breathed new life into me and I hope it does the same for anyone who listens. JACKIE VENSON