Jen Ambrose blends folk, blues and world music into an earthy style that is in one moment melodic and subtle, and in the next deep and gritty. Her vocals are strong, soulful and penetrating, supported by a guitar style that ranges from driving rhythms to intricate finger and flat-picking. The poetry of her lyrics speaks to a changing humanity within a changing world, they sing to what is real, natural and raw. Jen has been heard in a diversity of settings from performing her bluesy originals for the Ashland Blues Festival to accompanying local belly-dance troupes with vocals, flute, and percussion. This range of technique creates a unique signature sound that Jen cultivates in her music. "From a gentle demeanor Jen unleashes the surprising power of her voice which easily covers a wide range both vocally and emotionally. Her live performances are charged with a vibrant energy that transforms the simple boundaries of song to carry the audience into other realms." - Laughing Raven Music "Jen Ambrose's music inspires within us a reverence for living, and a deep hope that humankind can live and love in peace. Her mystical soul and vibrant sound blend with powerfully poetic lyrics, transforming the audience to a magical place, where life is sacred." Steve Traisman: Producer, Ashland Country Fair, Ashland, OR "It is so rare to hear such pureness in a voice, but then to add innocence, raw emotion and sophistication to that voice makes an incredible piece of work and I haven't even mentioned the poetry, which can stand by itself." - Janet Brown, Horseheads, NY Biography: I was born and raised in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State - influenced by the colorful rolling hills of deciduous trees in Autumn and the snowy winters. My love of music humbly began in the church choir at 4. There I learned to sing and read music. Then, after my folks salvaged an old piano from a recent flood, I started teaching myself piano and begged for piano lessons. In grade school I started playing flute, oboe and continued singing. I would write small solo and duet pieces for woodwind and piano, inciting my sister to play along (but to no avail). I loved practicing for hours on end and, being a very shy child, I found music to be a natural expression for so much deep emotion that I felt inside. The changing and challenging teenage years brought more focus to singing and I was introduced variety of choral arrangements and styles from jazz classics of the 30's to school musicals to Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Then I entered college and my world was blown wide open. I became shockingly aware of social, political and environmental injustices in the world. I studied Anthropology - I was a teacher's assistant at a BIA school in Arizona, I went to the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador and studied deforestation. These experiences profoundly deepened my awareness of a world out of balance. Finally, I saved up money for a guitar and started writing songs about the world I was a witnessing around me and within me. As the guitar playing improved and the song-writing deepened, life continued. I developed interests in holistic healing. I moved to Oregon and studied massage therapy and herbalism. I worked on organic farms. I became a lover, a partner, a step-parent. I became passionate about creating healing upon this challenged planet. Through it all, I came to realize that the most authentic way for me to express this passion is through my love of music. From a shy child I discovered my courage and I fell in love with performing. The songs I sing are the mirrors my world, my heart, my prayers and my dreams. They are from the soul and belly of a woman. I release my first CD, "Nectar Of Your Dreams", as a tribute to walking boldly into a life of passion and healing! I challenge each of us to be as bold and true as we are meant to be!