Artist: Jeanine
Title: Paris by Night
Genre: Alternative Rock
Label
Website

One look at the cover and title of this CD, Paris By Night, would seem to indicate that this could very well be a jazz CD, which was my first impression; then again, you cannot judge a book by its cover now can you? Jeanine Acquart is an alternative rock singer, nothing that is even close to jazz. I know many of you are probably thinking right now-thank God! I want to rock. You will have a great time taking in Jeanine's new outing.

Acquart's quirky vocals backed by above average musicianship won't blow you away like a metal or prog-rock recording would but it most certainly will catch your ear and make you want to hear it a few times before you put it away for another mood, another day, a different girl or guy, well, you get my drift. I found the juxtaposition of the lyrics to be very interesting. "Turned On Me" could have just as easily been it polar opposite "You Turned Me On," but its not, it is in fact dark and angry with music to match...

I can sit with my tormentors
And hold hard onto my wise tongue
A first for me but the only way
For me to get on.
I sinned, I am sorry
Stood there for the flogging
And never heard a word from you

No, these are not lyrics with sweet kisses and remembrances, they are that of an enraged lover that is dying to cut the chains loose that hold her down and lock her lips. She wants out of her little box so her persecutors and tormentors will be forced to face the truth. Ahh, so much anguish in one song, but wait, there is even more that awaits you in other songs. You see, this is why it works so well, the music is perfect for the vocals of Jeanine, and she sings each song as if she lived every moment, and perhaps she did. A quick guitar riff here punctuated by a tight rhythm section there, and viola, the singer has a stage set to let her vocals finish the job that the music starts.

This is some serious music that are meant to let your inhibitions run rampant as you shake your fist in the air and get ready to tell your partner in life what really is boiling inside that cauldron of emotions that nobody ever sees or bears witness to. Isn't music great? What a therapeutic way to have fun. Do yourself a favor, enjoy the sounds primarily then dive into the lyrics, and then listen again, only then will you come to understand what I have been talking about.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
June 16, 2004

01. Turned On Me (3:23)
02. You Element (2:55)
03. Last Door (4:36)
04. It Hurts You (3:24)
05. What Was (2:56)
06. Go Back (2:56)
07. Never Here (3:44)
08. Wanderlust (3:40)
09. Remember This Smile (2:05)
10. Where I Leave (2:43)

Rating-7.5/10

Credits:

Jeanine Acquart-Vocals, electric, classical guitars & keys
Matt Gilmore-Lead guitar except for "The Last Door" & 'Remember This Smile"
Robert Fields-Bass guitar
Vance Kowalik-Drums
Special Guest- Alexandra Townsend-Violin