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Jen Charlton

"The first time I heard Jen sing was at an open mic, and I realized immediately that she was extremely gifted. She sang in this clear, soaring soprano voice, and even all the jaded New Yorkers stopped talking to listen to her. Her voice is so beautiful that at first one might be tempted to focus on that, but make no mistake - her real strength lies in the artfulness of her song-writing. You'll be humming Jen's songs for weeks after you hear them". - Rebecca Hall (New York based singer-songwriter)

Jen Charlton, a young singer-songwriter (best described as elements of folk, country and twinges of blues, influenced by the American Roots tradition) arrived in London last summer (2001) having made her mark on the folk and acoustic scene in New York. Since being in London Jen has made also made a noticable impact on the acoustic scene here having played at the 12 Bar Club, Comedownandmeetthefolks, Kashmir Klub, Easycome Acoustic Club, Moriarities, The Verge, The Raj Tea Room, The Rock Garden, The Swan Stockwell and Dingwalls, she has also supported Oh Susannah and Dar Williams on recent trips to London, and she has formed a band, whilst other times playing as a duo with Paddy Knill (of the Dogroses).


Jen started her musical path, performing in Church and school choirs in her early years and was trained in the piano from the age of seven. Whilst her family were musical and she was surrounded by music from an early age, her early influences were essentially classical and "the only pop records" she "remembers her parents having were the beatles".

It wasnt until Jen was in her late teens and at University that she learned how to play the guitar, discovered her voice and proceeded down the road of writing songs. It was also at this stage that she became influenced by the North American roots tradition and singers such as Bob Dylan, Waits, Mitchell, Baez, Neil Young, Kate and Anna McGarrigle and Buffy St Marie. Jen then started the long path that would lead her to London and departed her native Canada. Her first port of call was New York, where she made links with several artists on the acoustic scene and performed at several of the cities venues around the East Village.


However it wasnt long until Europe beckoned and, after a short detour through Spain, Jen arrived in London during the Spring/Summer of 2001. Barely had she arrived then Jen took her guitar out of the case and was making herself noticed on the cities acoustic scene.
Folk and Roots met Jen for a coffee and a chat about her music and plans in Stoke Newington's celebrated (and rather quaint) Jazz Venue and Coffee bar, 'The Vortex' for a conversation that covered Jens experiences in her Canada and the different experiences she had encountered on the acoustic scenes in New York and London, and detoured through the problems being faced by small farmers and rural communities because of the impact of globalisation.

Folk and Roots Could you tell us something about your influences and inspirations:
Jen "I guess I have diverse influences, some of the classic singer-songwriters, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Buffy St Marie, Dylan come to mind right upto people like Gillian Welch, I also find a lot of the early blues singers quite inspiring".

Folk and Roots What plans do you have for the future:
Jen "All being well Im looking to recording a CD later in the year and hopefully playing the scene outside of London. Ive been collaborating with a variety of musicians and hopefully putting a band together. Recently Ive been honoured to have worked with Ed Harcourt's band and performing in support for Dar Williams and Oh Susannah was inspiring. "

Folk and Roots Since arriving in London you've become a regular feature at a lot of the cities Acoustic venues, how have you found the situation compared to your experiences in Canada and the US?
Jen "Well although London is a big city in a lot of ways the acoustic scene is quite finite and is much more tight than in New York, although the mixture of influences and people here is really healthy.I didnt really starting playing publically until I moved to New York which was good experience for performing in London, although I think my music has developed quite a bit in the last year or so"

Folk and Roots Many thanks for your time.
Jen "thank you and take care"

Jen also kindly provided Folk and Roots with three tracks as a taster of whats to come, these are in Windows Media Player format, so you can download them from here, "Don't Ever Leave Me", "Other Girl." and Rainy Day Blues".

Visit www.jencharlton.com for more details.

Alternatively contact Jen via email for further information and book her for your venue/acoustic night, you wont regret it.