Reviews
Illinois Entertainer:
Though she grew up in Evanston, this charming, 22-year-old jazz chanteuse sounds 100-percent Manhattan. In fact, the dozen Great American Songbook and 1960s pop classics on the CD belie her tender age, showcasing a skilled voice that's unexpectedly nuanced and mature.
Arlen's take on "What The World Needs Now Is Love" blends jaded yearning and naive innocence, while her reading of Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" is equally haunting and heartfelt. Daughter of orchestra leader Ken Arlen, it's obvious she absorbed not only her father's love of the big-band repertoire but also an appreciation for eloquent lyrical phrasing and intimate arrangements. As the disc's title accurately implies, pretty much everything about the recording is a pleasant surprise.- Jeff Berkwits
Press Appearances
Me In Focus Magazine: Interview
ABC / WLS: Video: Live performance
Chicago 3 Media : Video: Interview and performance
Steadstyle Chicago: Article: Music Reviews
Testimonials
"Jessie came out and grabbed us immediately with a combination of her supple, sensuous voice and a fresh professional delivery that belies her young years. Her pure spirit shone through every song - there was no doubt during the entire evening that she was there for two reasons: to sing simply out of love for music and then to share that love with you.
The sky is the limit for this incredibly talented young lady and we coudn't have enjoyed the evening more!"
John Villemonte, Minneapolis MN
Singer, Songwriter, Producer
“Anyone who hears Jessie Arlen's recordings immediately knows that she’s an exceptional singer, but there’s another side of her artistry that comes through in live performances that’s always worth the ticket price. When Jessie steps on stage, and I’ve seen her four times since she was sixteen years old, she takes over the room. She has an immediate and electric connection with the audience that gets stronger from start to finish. In a recent performance that I attended, she sang for almost two hours straight and it felt like she was upping the energy level every ten minutes. Jessie also brings an amazing originality to everything she does. When she’s taking on standards from sixty years ago, she makes it sounds like she’s the first one to ever sing them.”
Dan Sullivan
Founder, The Strategic Coach
“In a very short span of time, Roberta and I have seen Jessie perform at Space and before Linda Yu on the noontime news. We bought several copies of her CD, Certain Surprise, played it a number of times, and then decided to buy 5 more copies for friends and family on the west coast. Jessie is that good! We especially enjoyed seeing Jessie in the intimate setting of Space. When Jessie performs, she has a fantastic connection with the audience. She brings passion and joy to her singing. This much is obvious from watching her perform. She possesses a special, strong and very likeable presence to the stage. As a member of the crowd, I can also say with certainty that she infused us with the same enthusiasm and love for her songs. I was especially moved by her cover of What the World Needs. I played the CD for the folks at the office. Every person was amazed that Jessie is only 22. Her voice and command of the music was that of a very seasoned professional. I wish Jessie the very best of luck with her career. She definitely is the whole package.”
Jan Kodner
Chicago Attorney
“Jessie easily swept all traces of youthful inhibition and doubt from her performance. She wowed all of us with her natural stage presence and amazing musical talent. Continual artistry prevailed."
Alan Swain
Educator, Jazz Pianist