Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival

Retrograde

J&R Collective

Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival launched their first release with the 2021 EP “Nothing Holding Me Down”. That short debut reached #4 on the Billboard Blues chart. Their raw soulful sound paired Lyn’s powerful vocals with Richard Torrance’s searing guitar. Rounding out their talented ensemble was Barb Jiskra on keyboards, Nolyn Falcon on bass, and Jim Anderson on drums. The group has garnered an impressive seven Independent Blues Music Award nominations, and also one for an International Songwriting Award. In 2022, they followed up with another EP called “Gypsy Soul”, and a full album, “Astro Gypsy”, in 2023.

“Retrograde” inspired by the raw energy of ’70s rock and blues includes ten original songs written by co-producers Lyn and Torrance. The lead off track “Light The Fire” is a bold anthem “In the darkness where our secrets lie, whispering dreams in the midnight air, we’ll ignite a little spark in the dark…light the fire”. On the introspective ode “Searching for Solid Ground” Lyn sings “I’m lost in the whispers of my own mind, I’m tired of just walking around half blind…I’m searching for solid ground”, with some soft Hammond organ from Jiskra.

“Sucker for the Pain” is another bit of self-reflection with some boogie-woogie piano from Jiskra as Lyn groans “it’s like a needle in the vein, it ain’t the world gone wrong, you’re just a sucker for the pain”. “Refuge” is another poignant plea “cause if the walls start falling down and there’s no one else around and I’m standing at your door, will you be the refuge…for my soul?”, featuring acoustic guitar and more Hammond B-3.

“So Bad Things to You” opens with a simmering hypnotic drum groove as Lyn chants ‘there are things that you do, that make me want to, I want to do bad things to you”. On the jazzy “Soul Saver” with more warm organ and fluid guitar Lyn cry’s “I was lost, but not anymore, you’re a soul saver, now I see what I’m here for”. My favorite “Baggage” has got a New Orleans second-line beat and a captivating exchange between Jiskra’s piano and Torrance’s slide guitar, “you’ve got baggage, lots of baggage, as much as I’ll miss your lovely face, your baggage won’t fit in my suitcase”.

On the funky “’59 Cadillac” Lyn steers the wheel, as she takes charge with her guitar, “He said he’s leaving, going with the guys…I don’t care if he’s coming back, I got his ’59 Cadillac”. On “Breaking Chains”, with a fine guitar dual, Lyn celebrates liberation “I’ve got a pocket full of money, and nothing but time, I’m done with gritting my teeth, instead of speaking my mind”.

On the closer, “Do It All Again”, Lyn embraces love with no regrets, “I’m just the dreamer who got nothing in return, standing in the ashes where our love burned, if I could do it all again, I would”.

On “Retrograde” Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival infuse the rich essence of rock and blues with a fresh untamed energy. Like a planet in retrograde, it appears to move backward as it continues forward. Listen to this take on it, and then do it all again.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter