Willow & Stone
Self-Released, 2026
9/10
The Austin, Texas songstress Jenny Reynolds touches on folk, jazz and Americana across these 11 songs that thematically surround surviving life.
The textured “Listen To The Rain” opens with Reynold’s expressive voice and Mark Hallman’s bass, hammond and mellotron helping make for a rich start, and “Learning To Be Yours” follows with Reynold’s warm acoustic guitar and cozy voice making for an intimate moment.
Entering the middle, “In Our Way” makes great use of André Moran’s radiant electric guitar and Fred Mandujano’s flowing drums that complement the bright storytelling, while “Living On The Seams” places Michael Ramos on flugelhorn and keys for the layered album highlight that’s melodic and memorable.
Deeper still, “Imperfect” offers a minimal tune with dreamy dynamics and plenty of harmonies, and “The Night And The Moon And The Sea” exits with a similar spirit, where Reynold’s stirring voice and alluring guitar playing benefits from Hallman’s gentle bass and keys.
The impetus for this album stems from Reynold’s shift from living alone with a dog into a marriage with more pets and a child, and it’s handled with eloquence, flexibility and a timelessness that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: Dana Maragos- Unimaginable Things; Meghan Clarisse- Shadows Of A Ghost Town