Jeni Grouws: Music House Review

Every once in a while, an artist comes along who has not crossed my musical path yet, and that’s perfectly fine with me because I enjoy surprises. That’s exactly the case with Jeni Grouws and her brand-new release, Music House, which, by the way, is also her first solo release.

For a little background, since I’m guessing that there are others out there, like myself, who may not be familiar with this artist, please allow me to share a little information about her.

Jeni Grouws was born in Wisconsin but spent most of her life growing up in Fargo, North Dakota. She developed aspirations of becoming a singer while in kindergarten. After graduating from school, she played in local bands and worked as a radio station manager while being married and raising three children.

Grouws played a blues jam session with Chris Avey that resulted in the formation of the Avey Grouws Band. The group played together for about ten years, releasing two well-received albums. The band was also the recipient of awards and charted high on Billboard’s Blues Charts.

Eventually, Chris Avey decided to go in a different direction, which ended the Avey Grouws Band, but not the career of Jeni Grouws. She was going through various personal issues, and while speaking with a therapist, she was given a prescription that directed her to go home and write a song. It was exactly the medicine she needed.

Eventually, Grouws received an Artist-in-Residence Award, through which an artist can receive support, residency, workspace, and other assistance. At the Music House, which was co-founded by longtime supporters of the arts Jeff Davis and Vanessa Marie, Grouws wrote songs that would find their way onto Music House.

It was a special treat for me to be able to review Music House, and I have a special appreciation for those who write and perform their own songs, especially when the songs are presented in a way that seems to reveal so much about the artist and what they’re trying to present to the listening audience. Jeni Grouws sure does that with her first solo release.

“Burning For You” is a real rocker, opening up with some fiery guitar. Grouws sings, “I’m losing my mind sitting here burning for you”. I suggest that whoever she is directing this to should be making tracks on over there, hastily.

There is some really great guitar work throughout this tune, including the solo by Matt Fuller. The song is soulful and sultry, and the vocals are outstanding, with vocal support by Kynosha. I love the ending guitar notes that appear just when you thought the song was over. Trust me. You won’t sit still while listening to this one.

Track four is “Show Me That You Love Me”. This is a dancing song for sure, and if you love horns, then you are going to love this one. You’re also going to hear more great guitar work here, but Jeni Grouws is in the spotlight, making this song shine as she sings, “You don’t need nobody else. Show me that you love me”.

It’s sweet, funky, and sultry for sure, and Kynosha’s background vocals add a special touch.

“Fool” features a guest appearance by Drew Smithers (Marcus King Band) on slide guitar, and that slide really adds a special touch to this great tune. With all the quality backing musicians doing such an outstanding job, it’s still Jeni Grouws and her beautiful vocals on this one that make it stand out.

Those vocals come across as so honest, heartfelt, and meaningful that, as I’m listening, I’m believing. I could hear this song and believe that it would be successful playing in various markets today.

“But I want to see you happy; I want to set you free”, sings Grouws, and then, at the end, she sings, “I need to be happy; I need to be set free”. Whether a hit or not, this is a great tune.

“One Up From The Well” gives us a little honky-tonk groove for Music House. “I may not be in charge, but tonight I’m living large”, sings Grouws on this cut. She then follows with, “Let’s go one up from the well”.

There’s another helping of great guitar here, and I can imagine the background scenery for this one just might be a “good ole boy, redneck bar”. What do you think?

This one demonstrates that Grouws can belt out attitude-filled vocals with the best of them, and it highlights her versatility. Don’t turn this song off too quickly. There’s a little surprise at the very end that I love.

Music House is bound to satisfy something in everyone’s own personal musical taste. It’s like dining from a fine, multi-option buffet. You’re going to find something that you love.

I stated at the beginning that I wasn’t familiar with Jeni Grouws, and I really didn’t know what to expect. It was a pleasure to review her first solo release. She is a very accomplished, genuine, and enjoyable songwriter who also happens to be an awesome vocalist. What a great combination for success.

I think that A.J. Gross (Big Blues Bender Event) nailed it when he described her voice as “stunning”. Her backstory is intriguing, and I personally applaud her perseverance in the crazy business called music. I hope that we see many follow-ups to Music House in the future.

As I always try to do, I applaud all the musicians and vocalists on this album for a job well done. I would encourage you to check out more Jeni Grouws music on YouTube (where you can also find this new album) and her work with the Avey Grouws Band. Also, consult her social media for upcoming concert dates.

The future for Jeni Grouws as a solo artist is very promising. I look forward to finding out.

The Review: 9/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Burning for You
– Show Me That You Love Me
– Fool
– One Up From the Well

The Big Hit

– Fool