Jess Klein - Back to My Green (2019)

Over a career that spans more than a decade and a half and has won her a devoted worldwide fan base, Jess Klein—who possesses what Mojo magazine calls “one of those voices you want to crawl up close to the speakers to listen to” has pursued a remarkable creative evolution that’s seen her dig ever deeper for resonant emotional insights, while continuing to refine her eloquently melodic, effortlessly accessible songcraft. Jon Pareles of The New York Times calls her “a songwriter with a voice of unblinking tenacity…who finds parables in the everyday and also finds humanity behind the archetypal.”

Klein released three albums with former indie giant Rykodisc (2000-2005) which launched her career around the world. She has since toured the U.S., UK, Europe and Japan on her own and with such artists as Arlo Guthrie, John Fullbright, Damien Dempsey, and Carlene Carter. Her 2014 release, Learning Faith was described by Folk Radio UK as "Unquestionably the finest album of her impressive career." Klein spent eight years soaking up the live music culture of Austin, TX before a recent move to tiny but vibrant Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Following the cross-country move, Jess joined forces with Producer Mark Simonsen (The Old Ceremony, Weems/Gerrard Band, film scores: Elephant Sighs, Radiation Veterans and Rareified) and Engineer Thom Canova (Amy Ray, 4 Non-Blondes, Oranj Symphonette) at Studio M in Durham, North Carolina to record a new album entitled "Back to My Green".

On this striking collection of ten new originals, Klein’s incisive lyrics address living in uncertain times and the resilience that carries us through. Songs like “New Thanksgiving Feast”, “Tougher than I Seem”, and “Kid” look through the lens of a world-traveler and granddaughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, to celebrate the human capacity for healing and redemption during dark times. Guest vocalists include Gaelynn Lea and Jonathan Byrd. Simonsen and Canova’s deft production calls on influences including Motown, Classic Rock, Tropicalia and 70's folk and creates a stirring backdrop to Klein’s passionate mezzo soprano on this timely and powerful album.