Jenny Kern’s Artful Restraint Gives “Build a Bridge” Enhances Its Message of Grace and Mutual Kindness

JennyKern1_crop — Jenny Kern, photo courtesy the artist

Jenny Kern’s “Build a Bridge” is subtle in its unpredictability. The dreamy finger picked, guitar figure that gets the song off to a start with Kern’s breathy and expressive vocals and minimal percussion–kick and a touch of washboard-y snare. But in the background simmers a mysteriously melodic sound that becomes more prominent as the percussion, live kit and electronic, becomes more complex with the addition of nearly abstract but unmistakable bass. The building of layers is masterful in itself but even more so with the restraint that Kern exerts as a songwriter. There is no big blow out or performative melodrama near the end. Rather, the song crescendos with a grace and gentility perfect for a song about taking steps to rebuilding a relationship and not rushing back into it. Listen to “Build a Bridge” on Soundcloud and listen to more of Kern’s new EP through the links below.