Jeni Wren is powerful vocalist and songwriter whose originals experiment in funk, jazz soul and hip-hop, the love child of Nina Simone and Betty Davis; Adele and Jill Scott. "Jeni's voice is captivating.. when combined with the heart behind her lyrics, they're downright moving."(PDX Pick).

Her debut EP North Star, due September 19th showcases her vocals within a tapestry of sexy jazzy soul, produced by Matthew Flowers(Feist, The Visitors) and featuring strong support from many of Portland's fastest rising artists including Bill Marsh, Tim Snider, Farnell Newton, Noah Bernstein and Ben Darwish.

Backed by a full band including Akila Fields(Shy Girls), Michael Dougherty(MRB), Catherine Mehta(De La Warr), Teddy Presberg(Fu*k Monster) and Tom Goicoechea and Josh Thomas(1939 Ensemble), the live experience is a beautiful sight driven by soaring harmonies, tight grooves and strong lyricism. The CD release show will feature her biggest band yet, with an 11 piece band, including a full horn section and background vocal duo.

This show is the launch of her fall monthly residency at Secret Society, which will feature such notables in the Portland soul scene as Magic Mouth, Satin Chaps and Brownish Black.

Since debuting the songs a year ago after organizing a benefit for Blue Room music, she was a member of Shy Girls, who were voted Best New Band in Willamette Weekly's 2013 poll and has been recording her debut EP. She has also performed regularly as a guest with numerous artists including Nicole Berke, Tom Grant, Just People, Tim Snider, Redwood Son, Wil Koenke, Ruby Pines and Garrett Brennan.

Jeni, as former elementary Montessori teacher, continues to be an advocate for music programs, currently working as a vocal instructor at School of Rock. In addition, half of the sales of her debut single through reverbnation go toward providing instruments in school music programs through Fender Music Foundation.


Portland, Oregon-based duo Goose & Fox (comprised of Noah Woodburn and Allison Hall) have created an ambitious debut album stocked with big vocals and lush instrumentation. From upright bass and horns, to flowing piano and pedal steel, each track takes you on an effortless journey. The progression is ever-evolving as the music tells a story of love in all its intimate forms.

My Mouth, the Sea is an album rich with texture and mood, driven by Hall’s distinct luxurious voice and Woodburn’s folky acoustic guitar. Orchestral pop influences can be heard throughout the production, but the pair never strays from their heart for the kind of raw melodic passages that stay with you.

"We have been performing as a duo for a couple of years now, and are excited to start playing with a full band,” says Hall. “This will offer performances with a different kind of energy. We always felt like there was something more to our sound that we wanted to create. For the album, all the instruments we had been hearing in our heads were finally able to come to life.”

With Woodburn doubling as the producer by recording at his Portland-based studio, New North Sound, the two decided to go big. “We have been working in the studio for over a year,” Woodburn says. “The outcome is an album that has been thought through every step of the way. All the fat has been trimmed, and what we’ve left for the listener are highlights collected from three years of songwriting.”

The album has a wide array of arrangements, but the duo felt it necessary to keep a couple tracks for showcasing the vulnerability that their original following connected with so well. “Fearless” and “Rich As Can Be” are just two examples.

"We are eager to see what our support community thinks of some of the bigger, more upbeat tracks, such as ‘The Stone,’ and how they fit into the popular musical landscape of today," says Woodburn.

"The title track, My Mouth, the Sea, comes from a bit of a broken place, but a place which is also very sincere,” Hall adds. “All my life I have been accused of being overly sensitive. I say how I feel and what I think with a person, particularly a lover. This leaves me completely transparent, but often leaves the other opaque. To allow yourself that kind of freedom and comfort with another is beautiful, but mostly…and sometimes only…when it is returned, do you at last become equals.”

This explanation also greatly applies to the name of our band, Goose & Fox,” she continues. “It’s about an age-old relationship, and about questioning who truly has the upper hand.”

When asked if there is a theme or message throughout the album, Hall is quick to answer.

"Definitely love. Communication, trust…lack thereof. It’s really all of the good and the bad that comes from loving."

My Mouth, the Sea will be performed live with a full band, for its release on September 11th, 2013 at the Doug Fir Lounge.

Goose &amp; Fox is following

Goose & Fox is following