Jesse Lynn Madera - Speed of Sound (2024) Hi-Res

Jesse Lynn Madera is a singer/songwriter from West Virginia who shouldn’t go unnoticed. A natural, soulful tone, Jesse’s music combines the traditional sound of country music with modern and a little taste of 90’s country added. Her music also flows into other genres such as Folk, Americana, Soul and Jazz. In 2022, Music Connection recognised Madera in its Hot 100 list of the Best Unsigned Artists, and she emerged as one of twelve finalists in the Americana category in the Unsigned Only 2023 competition.

This artist starts out sounding like a sugary pop chanteuse. Then, surprise of surprises she unleashes a full-throated country-bluesy rawness that’s exceptional. The tune “Austin” then slides into a masterful Hammond organ that supports her superbly. I like surprises. This qualifies. This is Jesse Lynn’s sophomore LP produced by 3 talented knob-twisters & button pushers with Dan Navarro (the great Lowen & Navarro – “Cry”), 7-time Grammy winner Jim Scott (bell tree/tambourines/percussion), & Grammy-nominated Ryan Hadlock. 11 tightly constructed lively performed pieces make up the expressive Speed of Sound.

There’s a catharsis at work in each composition. Serious lyrics embody some meditative melodies that have a Lowen & Navarro touch. Especially a tune like “Ten Miles Down,” with its piano-driven class & Jesse’s emotive vocalizing. She doesn’t merely sing the words she adds the necessary drama that fleshes out the scene in the lyric. A strong mix of tonal subtlety & wounded voicings. Never overdone, or with any unnecessary gutsiness.

There’s a flair for Lucinda Williams’ hard-lived drizzle in her choice but with tunes like “Sweet Pretender,” there’s a controlled early Sheryl Crow-type pep in her intonation & phrasing. Jesse (piano/Casio SK-1 keys/Omnichord/Wurlitzer electric piano/cabasa/percussion) is safer in her environment with her limits in exhilaration & instinctively possesses a crossover appeal her producers provided. Her voice soaks the words up like a sponge like a good jazz singer. “Waving,” offers that impressive delivery.

“Unchained,” is another fine example of her wide array of genres. Almost spiritual with an optimistic foundation. Laid bare. She’s a vocalist who could’ve sung well with all the members of The Band, especially the late Richard Manuel.

Jesse manages to switch roles in songs & this is what’s appealing & entertaining. “What We’ve Become,” is a near-Broadway show quality bordering on the quirkiness & beauty of singers with solid material such as Annie Golden (Golden-Carillo – “Fire In New Town”). Jesse’s tune is a beauty.