Jennifer Baldwin at Musical Discoveries

Jennifer Baldwin

Musical Discoveries: How did you get involved with the Balligomingo project?

Jennifer Baldwin: I've been singing since I was able to speak. In fact, I can never seem to shut up. My dad and I used to sing together all the time. We had the Barbra Streisand/Barry Gibb duet thing down!

I have a song in my head at all times, and oftentimes don't even realize I'm singing. You would think this would be a pleasing thing to those around me, but I have a tendency to sing the last thing I've heard. Suddenly, my boyfriend will say, "Can you maybe sing something other than the Mattress Giant commercial?"

Garrett happened to be in Dallas last summer visiting a friend of a friend and we were brought together. We exchanged demos, and to be honest, I was really not expecting much. Doesn't everyone seem to have this GREAT project they're working on? But, I listened to the CD and was absolutely blown away. I love this kind of music. And the other ladies on the album are so very talented. I'm their biggest fan!

And what about your musical and vocal training?

I have sung in choir since grade school. My school was very musically oriented. I had terrific instructors. I have taken limited amounts formal training. Currently, I am enrolled at a college with a prestigious music department, and have taken some vocal performance classes there.

How would you characterise the songs that you have done on the Balligomingo album?

Wild Butterfly is a great song. When I hear it, I just feel GOOD. I think it adds a nice mix to the collection of songs. It is one song I can see as a pumped up remix.

Did you share any of the writing duties?

"Wild Butterfly" was a bit of a whirlwind event. Given that Garrett was only in Dallas briefly, and that he had a well-defined plan for the song, I just went with his ideas.

I felt so fortunate to have fallen into this project, I hated the thought of him leaving before completion and perhaps missing out on any involvement.

Can you compare the material to any that you have done on your own or with others?

This project is far different from any work I've been a part of. I sing for other projects occasionally, and merely provide a voice. I feel like this music is part of who I am.

And how was the project put together?

We went to work fast and furious on "Wild Butterfly," using Garrett's computer to nail down the song. Once we felt it was all there, we recorded at a studio I use here in Dallas.

What kind of music do you find yourself listening to all the time?

I'm obsessed with the great ladies of jazz: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn-I could go on and on. Living artists I enjoy include Fiona Apple, Morcheeba, and Jane Monheit.

Do you also work outside the industry?

I am currently finishing college as a psychology major. Upon graduation, I am still undecided whether I'll continue on to get my PhD or not.

What are your future plans as a soloist or with Balligomingo?

As far as my future goes, I have a long list of things I am passionate about, music being only one of them. I would love to be involved in future work with Balligomingo, including touring if that happens. Then again, I may end up buying a ranch with a bunch of animals, or practice as a Psychologist. Regardless of what happens, I will be very happy. That is, as long as there's a golf course nearby!

Why do you think it has taken such a long time to get the album released?

Plans change, and the path that Garrett was on kept leading to bigger and better things. This is a testament to the fine work he does. And these things take time. I have had limited contact with the folks at the label, but they seem to be a fantastic group of people.

Do you think there's any power in the web?

Absolutely. The Internet is a pivotal part of the business today. The sheer volume of listeners now within reach is really incomprehensible. To have the opportunity of this added medium generates immeasurable exposure.

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