Jennifer Hartswick - Ocean Floor

Getting to play regularly with one of the world's best guitarists might be enough for most musicians, but not Jennifer Hartswick. This Vermont native isn't content serving as some one else's support. A dual threat with a powerful, soulful voice and both technical and improvisational proficiency on the trumpet, Hartswick is beginning to make a name for herself outside of Trey Anastasio's world, and her latest album, Ocean Floor, is another notch on her belt of independence.

Mostly r&b meets soul, her self-produced sophomore effort (and first of entirely originals) might not blow everyone away, but it will absolutely give a glimpse into the talent that is there for the taking. Joined by Nicholas Cassarino (guitar), Dezron Douglas (bass), John Davidian (keys) and Cory Healy (drums), Hartswick leads each of the eight tracks with confidence but also looseness, never becoming too rigid or structured, giving plenty of time to the band to showcase their skills.

Starting with a trio of fairly standard r&b tunes, the one thing that immediately stands out is Hartswick's voice. You hear it two and a half minutes into "Liar." There is no doubt this girl can sing. It's the title track though that gives Hartswick the chance to display some originality, as well as the softer side of her voice. It is also her first appearance on trumpet, immediately adding a new flavor to the standard set-up. A dip into freeform jazz, "Ocean Floor" is easily a highlight.

"On and On" is an around-the-horn standard, giving each of the artists a chance on the solo floor. But, again, it's the down-tempo "Possibility" that, like "Ocean Floor," seems to stand out. Highlighting Hartswick's vocals and trumpet, Davidians work on the Rhodes adds a soft and subtle touch, complimenting the tune nicely. The snap-funk of "Walk Away" serves as the juicy meat of a ballad sandwich, and is the most attention-grabbing of the up-tempo tunes with some blaring sax and back-up vocals.

A sharp departure from the hard r&b of the other tunes with the acoustic guitar and piano, "Let Go" is absolutely one of the best tracks. Closer to what you'd expect a female Dave Matthews to sound like, it's not a bad way to end the album. It may even give her a launching point for her next work.

Ocean Floor is largely a fine album, and definitely leaves us wanting more. It is absolutely clear that Hartswick has tremendous talent. You can hear it in her work with Anastasio, and it's obvious on Ocean Floor. Perhaps as she becomes more comfortable in the spotlight she will expand her reach, going beyond the traditional and creating a sound that is truly her own. We can only hope because she surely has a gift to give.

Rating
Overall: 3/5
Originality: 2/5
Production: 2/5
Listenability: 3.5/5