Jennifer Harper - Soul Alive (self-released)

I have to admit that when I saw the phrase “sound alchemist” in Jennifer Harper’s bio, something clicked. Of course, she makes music in the conventional sense, but there is more at work here, too. For most artists, songs are generally used to entertain, sometimes to inform, but rarely are they used for something as profound as to empower. However, that is precisely what we find in Jennifer Harper’s music and, indeed, a mechanism at work within her latest single, “Soul Alive.”

On the surface, her new one is a slice of sophisticated soul-folk, a blend of seductive grooves and pop accessibility, a deft and delicate, understated yet gorgeous piece of music, and that would be more than enough for most people. But, as is always the case with her music, that is just the sonic vehicle delivery system for a more poignant and unmistakably powerful message.

The message encourages an awakening to a more enlightened state, advocates the healing of old wounds, and encourages the listener to rise up, leave their old ways behind them, and embrace who they potentially can really be. It’s a key, really, a teaching rather than just a song. But then, her music is always that.

Sonic Alchemy is certainly at work here. And if the alchemy of old talked of turning base metals into gold, then Jennifer Harper reminds us that it was a metaphor at work in those ancient tomes, one that describes a transformation, yes, but a transformation of the soul, from the mundane into the miraculous. And that is exactly the same message being delivered here.

You generally don’t find such sacred truths revealed in your average music review, but then again, this is more than your average music—so much more.

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