Jessica Sonner: reviews

CLASS OF 2008
Jessica Sonner (www.myspace.com/jessicasonner) is another newcomer to the scene — new to the scene, but not new to Colorado. Raised in Denver, she earned a degree in music in Indiana, then headed to Chicago and did some modeling before kick-starting her music career. After releasing her first disc (which was lauded by the Chi-town press), she moved back to Denver and has now taken her home town by storm.

I checked out Sonner at the behest of my friend Suzanne, who gave me the hard sell. It's not hard to see why Sonner's already been embraced by Angie Stevens and landed an opening slot for Colbie Caillat next week. With a sultry voice somewhere between Caillat and Ingrid Michaelson, Sonner looks like a lock for Denver's next big mainstream breakout. Unfortunately, if you don't catch her at the Fillmore next Tuesday, February 12, you'll only have one other chance — on Friday, February 22, at the Oriental. Because after that, Sonner will on the road until at least May.

I usually don’t go to concerts by myself, but sometimes curiosity gets the best of me. And last winter, Jessica Sonner was a major curiosity of mine. Having listened to her music via her MySpace page for a few days, I was hooked; and luckily for me, she was coming to town. So while my wife worked a night shift, I saw her play an early set at Off Broadway in St. Louis, and I was gratefully rewarded with an intimate performance. It was just her and an acoustic, one that had been damaged on the plane the day before. She seemed concerned about it, and I don’t blame her – for most songwriters, a certain guitar is irreplaceable. Sonner seemed no different.



But as she played for a little over an hour, telling stories in between songs, I became convinced that she was a lot more than just a gal and her guitar. Her lyrics recalled past relationships, backyard hangouts, and curious love. She was soulful, country, poppy, and even though she didn’t blow any amps, she rocked. And for a guy like me who listens to a lot of “chill” music, Jessica Sonner became a breath of fresh air before my eyes and ears.

Now that’s not to say the Sonner can’t be mellow, because a few of her better songs like “Rescue Me,” “Fool,” and “Just You” don’t exactly fire up the party. It’s just that for most of the time, you’d probably envision her with a bright smile on her face.

She’s a beautiful red head, a strong vocalist who hails from Denver. And after a brief stay in Chicago, she’s back living in the mountains, and opportunities are many for Sonner – just this summer she played at Red Rocks for the first time. I’d imagine she’s having the time of her life.

But don’t ask me to define her music for you, because like I mentioned earlier, she’s all over the place. This is a good thing. Her most recent album, All We Need, is fantastic at switching genres, particularly because she’s got the voice to pull it off. Her range never suffers, because it’s got that special extra gear that we all love: it soars.

And really, it’s a shame I have to tell you all about her. If one of her tunes were to turn up on “Grey’s Anatomy”or “ER,” Sonner’s days playing an early set at Off Broadway would soon go away. For much as I would like that to happen for her, and I have no doubt that it could become a sudden reality, I believe in Jessica Sonner because she seems happy doing it her way. One day she’s at Red Rocks, the next in Los Angeles. While I’m writing this, she’s probably about to take the stage at The Living Room in NYC. And it’s all because Jessica Sonner has a talent and love for writing and playing songs. For some reason, I believe that will always be an honor for her to share, no matter the city or stage.

Last Friday, Denver-based Jessica Sonner (MySpace), as well as locals Holly Conlan (MySpace), Mandy Moore (MySpace), and Terra Naomi (MySpace) performed at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood....

With the release of her album, All We Need, Jessica Sonner has entered the long and distinguished line of female musicians striving to convey the varying facets of love. With her refined blend of country, pop and blues, she exudes a sense of distinctiveness that is rare quality in a genre full of repetitive melodies and predictable hooks.

Sonner's "every-girl" appeal is conceivably her strongest feature. Employing her golden-toned voice to transmit heartfelt emotions, this Colorado resident has created an album that revels in the universal theme of love. Being sure to avoid any pretentious analogies and cryptically expressed romanticism, All We Need is a delightful output of delicate beauty and captivating honesty.

The album's title track, "All We Need" is an upbeat melody that serves as the perfect preamble for the following songs. The polished track shines with an effervescent chorus that is executed by the sweet country curve of Sonner's voice. Being one of the more mainstream pieces, this song has great potential of becoming an anthem for young women everywhere. However, my personal favorite was the blissfully bluesy "Let Me Go." Sonner's honeyed and purred vocals, which lift the drowsy lament of leaving a significant other, are gloriously simplistic and effective.

Despite the risk of putting my masculinity into question, I'll unabashedly admit to my fondness for this Lilith-esque album. The range of Sonner's voice is quite impressive as she flawlessly dives into differing styles of music. The varying tones throughout All We Need work collectively, giving Sonner's sophomore album a sophisticated and professional finish.

www.scenemagazine.info

SONNER PARTY
If the music business were poker, singer-songwriter Jessica Sonner would be holding a straight flush. Her sound is a polished, accessible blend of pop, country and blues influences, and she's blessed with a powerful, sultry voice that helps elevates her songs. It doesn't hurt that she's also a classic beauty with girl-next-door charm and an easy laugh. Complementing these natural assets, she graduated from college with a degree in music business. In the short time she's been back in Denver since leaving eight years ago, she's recorded an album, put together a promising backing band and generated a pretty healthy buzz. We caught up with Sonner during a brief break from touring to ask about her inspiration and plans for the future.

Westword: Have you been able to apply what you learned in school to your career?

Jessica Sonner: Definitely. I think the reason I went with that degree was I just liked all the classes. You should like what you do. When I got out, everybody was going to Nashville, L.A. or New York and trying to find a job with a label or a management company or whatever. I was like, "Well, I'm going to try my hand at songwriting." It's been really good. Probably the best thing somebody told me once was nobody's going to work harder for you than you. Having the education I had, I figured, let's go for it.

How long have you been writing songs and performing?

It goes way back for me. I started playing piano when I was in probably second grade. Mom always made us take piano lessons. I remember writing poetry and lyrics in junior high instead of taking notes. Those are probably my earliest memories of that. I didn't really put it together until my freshman year of college, [when] I started writing. I never played out until my junior year.

In your liner notes, you thank God in some depth. Is that an important part of your life and music?

It definitely is. I grew up in a church-going, God-fearing home; that's a huge part of who I am. I think that church and Christianity and God means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. You know, lyrically, I don't call myself a Christian artist, but I definitely am. I like to write in a way that people can relate to and apply in their lives. Religion means so many different things to everybody, depending on their experience. I like to write for universality — is that a word? — just stuff that anybody can relate to whether they are a person of faith or not, stuff that has hope and a message to it. It's not a Christian album, by any means, but there definitely is a background of that for me, and you can tell in the words if you are looking for it.

'ALL WE NEED' Album review:: glidemagazine.com
“I want to make an impact, I want to make a difference,” Jessica Sonner sings on the title track of her first album, All We Need. At this point in her young career as a singer-songwriter, Sonner is a little bit of everything. And on All We Need, all the goods are on display, and with good reason. Sonner excels at everything she flashes her listeners, whether it be the strong pop rock of the title track and “Be With Me,” the country rock happiness of “Forget You,” or the tender acoustic “Just You.” And with a voice that echoes the best of Sheryl Crow, Fiona Apple, and Over the Rhine’s Karin Bergquist, she seems to have it all.

But let’s be honest, Sonner does find herself in a field flooded with many talents, and will face the challenge of building a bigger audience. The good news is that All We Need is up to the task, very capable of establishing Sonner as a gifted songwriter, having the potential to catapult her into larger venues across the nation. For a burgeoning talent like Jessica Sonner, let’s hope her voice doesn’t fade away anytime soon.

ACOUSTIC - FOLK: Under The Lights - Jessica Sonner
The ultimate dream of any musician is to play on a huge stage under bright lights in front of a “gi-normous” crowd. Well on Tuesday, February 12th, that came true for a beautiful red-haired gal as she faced a crowd of almost 2000, and opened up the show for friend Colbie Caillat at the Fillmore auditorium with just a guitar, a microphone and her incredible talent.

Jessica Sonner, who grew up in Lakewood Colorado, started playing piano in the 2nd grade... After graduating high school, she moved to Indiana and got her degree in music business from Anderson University, worked as a model, then moved up to Chicago and entered the studio to lay down her music, and after that started touring the country - playing her music while living out of her car. Now it’s mostly airport-to-airport as Sonner criss-crosses the country, playing up to seven shows a week at colleges, universities, coffee shops, bars and churches. She recently moved back home to Colorado to finish her second album All We Need, which will be released at the Soiled Dove Underground on April 5th. That same day she will take part in a special concert in City Park as part of the Human Rights Torch Relay with dozens of Colorado’s top musical acts.

I met up with her a few days before the Fillmore show at the Lifespot in Littleton. This venue was set up to provide the under-age crowd the ability to congregate and see live music. It’s also a place I have dropped my daughter off at least half a dozen time to see local bands. Right before she went on, the 16-year-old singer from the last band announced “Hey, this next lady looks like she shops at Old Navy, but I’m sure she’s cool.”

Jessica busted out a smile and said, “What did that kid just say?” shook her head and hit the stage. The lights dimmed and before the first song was a fourth done, she had the entire audience from the front of the stage to the back of the room entranced: Not an easy feat with teenagers I have to admit. A few days later she would have the same effect on a room with thousands hanging on her every syllable.

Her songs are sultry, passionate and down-to-earth. They carry genuinely soulful lyrics and music that resonates within the heartstrings of anyone who has ever longed for a true love and/or a trusted friend to share your inner most feelings with; a friend to seek refuge with from a world that sometimes can be cruel and unforgiving.

Akin to early James Taylor, her music is imbued with the emotions and messages for a brighter future filled with hope, love, and fulfillment of ones dreams. Quickly becoming one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Jessica Sonner will no doubt emerge as one of Colorado’s brightest new talents.

insidestl.com 12 Questions with Jessica Sonner: Live at Off Broadway, February 16th


It’s a good time to be a female singer-songwriter. Case in point: Feist at The Grammy Awards. Her simple, stripped down performance of “1234” wasn’t decorated with hype or indulgence. In my opinion, it stood out in a show that featured more than a few egos on display (props to the witty Vince Gill…who knew?).

This leads me to another emerging singer-songwriter, Jessica Sonner . She’s in her mid-twenties, already confidently barreling down highways, finding stages and audiences to unleash her smooth voice and catchy, smart songs. And here’s the good news: She’s in town this Saturday, February 16th, at Off Broadway, taking the stage around 7pm. It’s the early slot, so don’t be late.

Jessica kindly answered 12 questions for insideStL about her upcoming St. Louis show, her new album, and her life as a singer-songwriter.

1. Tell us a little bit about what brings you to St. Louis and Off Broadway.

Well...this time around, I'm there showcasing for colleges at a big national convention. I love playing colleges. I've been through St. Louis a lot, actually... most recently, working at rock and roll band camp called Power Chord Academy at Wash U.

2. What should one expect if they come see you this Saturday?

Well, I'm a songwriter and play live mostly me and guitar. I love to play with a band, but right now, it doesn't happen unless I'm in Chicago. So it's acoustic pop.

3. You have a new album coming out on March 28th. Tell us a little about that.

Oh man, I'm so excited about it! It's been a year in the making and definitely well overdue. This is one of the coolest things I've ever done/made. :) It's going to be VERY different from the first EP; the first EP was a collection of recordings I have done in the past 5 years...lots of acoustic tracks.

The new CD is the first album I've ever done. I have been writing and recording all year long, with the help of some great friends in Chicago, including a very talented producer in Aaron Ruse who really helped these songs come alive.

4. What's it like starting out a career as a singer-songwriter?

Tough. I'm not sure I could have done it without a loving and supportive family, and a lot of help along the way from good friends. I worked part time for a long time at Starbucks and then waiting tables when I lived in Chicago. I would work as much as I could and then take off and tour for a week, or a couple days, or a couple weeks, and then work, work, work…and then play, play, play, and eventually it kinda took off. I will say though, the term 'starving artist' didn't come from nowhere.


5. How long have you been touring? I see that your tour brings you to many college towns.

I started touring with a couple friends of mine. One band called 'Fair June' and another friend named Meg Allison. Those first couple tours were a real learning experience, as it's really hard to tour and not go into debt. I told myself from the very beginning, I wouldn't go unless music paid for itself; eventually it started paying for me, too.

I love colleges. I love playing colleges. I love college kids. It's such an awesome time in life to grow and work on figuring out who you are and deciding the kind of person you're gonna be. I really love being a part of that somehow by writing music that so many people can relate to.

6. The best venue I've ever played is...

Oh man...well, I just got done playing The Fillmore in Denver with Colbie Caillat. That was incredible...not only the venue, but Denver is my hometown. It was wonderful to go back there having made a little something of myself while I was away, living in Indiana and Chicago for a while.

7. When did you learn to play guitar? Who are some of your favorite guitarists?

I learned to play guitar in college. My dad always used to play for church; he was the pastor, and the worship leader all in one. He knew like 7 chords. My brother picked up the guitar and learned those 7 chords in about 3 days, and then started making up stuff and coming up with these new chords I'd never heard. He got really good at playing…and being the competitive spirit I am, I thought, ‘Well, if he can do it, I can do it’ So, my dad brought me a guitar my freshman year, and I started writing music almost immediately. It felt really natural.

My favorite guitarists...um, well, I always love a chick that can write and rock. Patty Griffin is my favorite, hands down. I really like to listen to people's writing more than their musicianship. Is that weird? I don't know, I always, even when I was a little girl, would really pay attention to the lyrics of a song, or words in a poem and had some crazy appreciation for well written and well placed words.

8. What music are you listening to at the moment? What's on your iPod?
Right now, I'm sorta stuck on Sarah Bareilles’ new CD. I love all kinds of music, from The Fray, to Jessie Baylin, John Mayer, Patty Griffin, and Sheryl Crow. I listen to just about everything, even country!

9. What's the best concert you've attended lately?

Best concert...it was actually a local concert in Denver. Some up and coming artists... Gregory Alan Isakov, Dan Craig, Ian Cock, Blue Light. I really like some of the music that is coming out of Denver these days.

10. You've lived in Chicago and Denver. Tell us about those cities.

I grew up in Denver; I think there are some really great acts coming out of there. There's a lot more of a sense of community there in Denver than there is in Chicago. It felt like I was all alone out there in Chicago, trying to fight my way into some sort of recognition. It's a big city. I think that's what I even liked about it though, if that makes any sense at all. If you can make it in a city like Chicago, you can make it anywhere.

11. If you could tour with any musician, who would it be?

Right now, I would be honored to tour with Colbie Caillat, or Sarah Bareilles. They are really poppin’ right now, but truthfully, Patty, or John Mayer, or even bands like The Fray or Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s. They are awesome. I that's very vague, I realize. I think the truth of the matter is that I really just want to do this all the time. I love making music and collaborating with other artists. I can't even believe I get to do this as a living right now.

12. Share a crazy road story with us…

Crazy road story...I almost got mugged in Phoenix. I don't do this anymore, but I was traveling alone, and after a show, I didn't think anything of it, but I took a load of stuff out to my car. This guy was waiting by my car, and as I unlocked my car and started putting stuff in there, he came up behind me. It scared me and I turned around really fast…when I did, he took off, and I didn't see where he went. It scared me so bad, I went inside, and never walked to my car alone again; even to this day, I don't. Anyway, when I came back to the car, it had been broken into and my iPod was gone... but my guitar and amp was still there. That didn't make any sense to me, but I was thankful, nonetheless.

Converging on Denver, Friday, February 22nd is a trio of performing songwriters, Angie Stevens, Jessica Sonner, and Matt Jones, each with style and attraction each their own. Billed together, they make a synergy of song-sensation.

The Oriental Theater at Tennyson and 44th offers the finest entertainment, and stars shining bright this night, ‘Stand Up Girl’ Angie Stevens, homegrown Denverite, Jessica Sonner, and ‘The Real’ Matt Jones will deliver music to touch your heart and soul like a defibrillator of lyric and emotion.

Jessica Sonner spent free time and summers under the influence of Christian and Oldies stations, wandering the smooth, warm stone of Red Rocks, imagining herself singing there one day. Discovering Top 40 radio, she listened intently until finding KBCO artists like Jewel, Sarah McLaughlin, and Shawn Mullins. At Anderson University, she crunched down on songwriting and savored the taste.

“The first time I knew music and songwriting were goals was when a dear friend asked, “If money wasn't a determining factor, what could you do for the rest of your life and be totally happy?" I never wanted to be an artist. I wanted to be a songwriter. I had all these songs nobody was hearing so I started playing them and one coffeehouse gig after another, fell into being an artist.”

2008 promises college gigs and traveling, showcasing NACA, a college talent organization, and hopefully bigger tours. “I just moved back to Denver, and’d love to get to know musicians. There are cool things happening with the Denver music scene.”

Say it again, Angie Stevens, Jessica Sonner, and Matt Jones, Friday, February 22nd at the Oriental Theater.

Google them at My Space, You Tube, and Sonic Bids, Angie - angiestevens.com / Jessica - jessicasonner.com / Matt- therealmattjones.com

www.theorientaltheater.com - 4335 West 44th Avenue - Denver, CO 80212 - (303) 455-2124

The Woods

The Student Activities Committee once again hosted a musician in Sullivan Parlor. At 8 o’clock Thursday Jan. 17 Jessica Sonner begins adjusting the lamps in the parlor to suit her mellow sound. With her tall frame and natural red hair it’s easy to see why Jessica started off as a model, a story she later recounts for the audience. After finally achieving the right ambience, she picks up her guitar and settles onto the stool provided for her. “Hi there,” she begins. Her voice and manner add to the already intimate atmosphere; she could be talking to some of her friends. After apologizing for her husky voice (she’s sick), Jessica opens with “Took Your Love”, a song off her upcoming album. Her music is soulful with a girly edge. After the applause, she removes her boots and socks. “I hope this doesn’t bother you guys. It’s really hot in here.” She adjusts her feet on the stool and begins telling the audience about the premise for her next song, which is about being lost after college and searching for what she wants to do with her life. Throughout the evening she alternates between self-disclosure and her music. She was raised in Colorado, but attended college in Indiana at Anderson University. After college she began modeling in Indianapolis and eventually moved to Chicago to pursue it. After struggling with self-image issues and a stint with an eating disorder, Jessica quit modeling and began working on her music. She put out an EP, which was available at her performance, and began traveling and playing shows. She has spent the past year working on her new album, which will be available soon. Every song Jessica performs on this night is an original with the exception of her cover of John Denver’s “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane.” Jessica explains that her songs come from varying influences, but that God has always been important to her. She was raised in a Christian home and maintains strong Christian beliefs. “I’m not a Christian singer/songwriter. I’m a Christian who happens to be a singer/songwriter.” Jessica ends with a heart-achingly lovely song entitled “Save Me.” Her manager hates the song, but Jessica says she is considering putting it on her new album as a hidden track because several people have expressed to her that it is their favorite of her songs. Before ending the evening, she plays a song off her new album that no one has heard before. The song is about a friend she stayed with who was going through a divorce. Jessica says the time she spent with her friend taught her a lot about relationships. After pushing play, she sits in a chair to the side and fidgets nervously. The lyrics to all of her songs are genuine and reflect a part of herself, so it was a leap of faith for Jessica to share this song with an audience for the first time. When the song finishes she thanks those in attendance for being there and tells them to check out the EP in the back of the room. She sticks around to talk to anyone who wants to chat. Her down-to-earth manner makes her very approachable and she shows a real interest in the musical talents of those speaking with her. After signing several EPs, Jessica turns to help pack up and prepare to leave. She will be playing in Joliet, IL on Tuesday and will continue to travel and sing for those who are willing to listen. For more information about Jessica Sonners, a schedule of her upcoming shows, and a chance to listen to her music if you missed the show or didn’t buy the EP, visit her Myspace at: www.myspace.com/jessicasonner


by Kaiti Nease

Kings and queens of the caffeine scene
By Andy Downing
Special to the Tribune

November 24, 2006

The term coffeehouse musician conjures up images of a lone singer, camped out on a sofa, passing the hat for donations while listeners sip java and bob to the beat.

Not so much, what with those ubiquitous coffee chains popping up on every corner and sending the singers packing. Today, you're just as likely to find those aspiring singer-songwriters plying their craft in a smoky bar, where the libations are different, but the vibe remains the same.

We profile standouts from the local scene--all of whom offer music worth savoring on a slow Sunday afternoon, no matter what you're having to drink



Jessica Sonner

Age: 24

Experience: 1 year

Since moving to Chicago last year, Jessica Sonner has supplemented her musician's income with a series of part-time jobs as a barista, a cocktail waitress and (currently) as an office temp. As in "Factotum," a movie based on the Charles Bukowski book of the same name, these jobs serve as more than a modest means of income; Sonner draws from her day-to-day experiences in her songwriting.

"I'm able to meet people from all different walks of life," says Sonner. "And a lot of my songs come from the different situations and moods I experience with that."

Sonner, originally from a suburb of Denver, Colo., grew up playing the piano ("In our house it was math, science and piano"), picking up the guitar for the first time in college to keep pace with her younger brother. She soon found the instrument to be a better, more portable outlet for her songwriting. Curiously, Sonner never envisioned herself as a performer, harboring dreams of becoming a songwriter so that musicians from all walks could croon her words. "I never wanted to be in the spotlight," she adds. "But I hope people can connect with what I'm doing."

::See Sonner live::

Jessica Sonner is OK with the inclement weather that rolled into town Thursday night. Splitting time between homes in Chicago and Colorado has toughened her.

But this summer, she was able to enjoy the warmth that's known as a St. Louis July with a three-week stint as a counselor and songwriting coach at a teen rock 'n' roll camp at Washington University. However, the gig didn't leave her much time to perform locally.

"I didn't really get to venture out much," she says. "But if I'd have planned things better a few months out, I could've played the area before and after those three weeks."

Tonight, at St. Louis University's Billiken Club, she'll get that opportunity, headlining a show that features SLU students Paul Flo and Morgan Gray. That's a campus gig she enjoys.


"My market is with college students," she explains. "It's so fun to hang out at college and meet the students. There's usually a built-in crowd of people that know what you're about, 'cause they've been expecting you for weeks. Plus, colleges do a really great job of promoting."

Sonner's debut, 10 tracks simply titled "The EP," showcases a singer-songwriter who doesn't employ a great deal of studio trickery. It's generally just the artist on vocals and guitars. There's a touch of overdubbing and some harmonies but little in the way of electronics, beats or other add-ons that many of her contemporaries use. It's the same approach she uses onstage.

"Just me and a guitar the first time through a city," she says. "I'll bring more (musicians) the next time."

For those unfamiliar with Sonner and wanting to know more, plenty of background information is available at her website, jessicasonner.com.

And for those not yet acquainted with the Billiken Club, it's a midsize venue on the ground floor of SLU's remodeled Busch Student Center. There's good sound, a modestly appointed bar and and most shows, including tonight's, don't have a cover charge.

So your ability to check out both a rising performer and a new music room comes with few obligations along the way.

These words go out to all who have seen or heard JS on-line, but have not yet had the pleasure of seeing and hearing her in person:

Jessica Sonner must be seen and heard live to be believed. And once you've seen her,it's over--you'll be mesmerized, swept off your feet, and addicted.

If you've never seen her live, find a bar that will book her, beg a promoter, call everyone you know and start a petition to get her a show in your town--whatever it takes. Now. You'll thank me for it.

And when she does play a show in Detroit or Fresno or Austin or the Netherlands or wherever you're from and Jessica Sonner seems to good to be true, pinch yourself, remind yourself that you are not dreaming, and enjoy every second.