…something to believe in, JENN GRANT w/KIM HARRIS Judy
Jenn Grant & Kim Harris Judy is available on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Tidal
by Walter Price
There’s so much emotional connectivity woven into the 2022 single “Judy” by celebrated singer-songwriter Jenn Harris and writing partner Kim Harris. So much so, that within the first half of the track, I had undefined tears building up. I rarely internalize lyrics as I found myself doing as I listened and soaked in the beautifully accomplished visuals of its Tessa Fleming-directed film.
Grant, on the song’s Bandcamp page, shares the single’s origin story, “I wrote this song ‘Judy’ with my dear friend Kim Harris. It’s the story of her family, of Cornerbrook NFL, of when Kim was adopted—when she was just a wee babe.
“I love Kim so much and us having both lost our precious mothers too soon was something we first connected on many years ago the first time we met. And this song fell into our laps over the piano one day in Lake Echo. I am so beyond honored to have written this magic song with her and to give Judy some wings.”
I think this song, scratch that, I know that this song was sent to me over and again because I to had lost my mother, Judy, not too long ago and the parallels between a couple of verses and my very own Mom couldn’t be more consequential. “She was a payroll hunny/ Wanted a blonde beehive/ For her wedding day/ Cause you might as well try” ✓ and “Under the disco ball/ Holding silver shoes/ From her tired feet/ But she was feeling brand new/ And a baby waits/ Only ten weeks old/ They drove all night/ A new mother′s gonna hold her” ✓, especially. Oh Moms, what would we do with them… Perhaps write a palpable folk-tinged pop song…
As meticulously crafted as “Judy” is, the music video is a true darling. What appears to be a small town diner, full of familiar locals (and future customers) coming in for a milkshake and perhaps a sing-a-long, and just maybe a charming beehived waitress will find love and ride off into the sunset. You’ll have to witness it to find out how the story goes. Kudos to director Tessa Fleming and the cast. Pure magic.
“Judy” is from the Champagne Problems LP and you can stream the affecting single and see that indelible film, here at the GTC.
JENN GRANT feat. KIM HARRIS Judy
Cover photo via YouTube, Artwork via Bandcamp // Quotes via Bandcamp and jenngrant.com
Written by Jenn Grant and Kim Harris
VIDEO: Directed by Tessa Fleming
Starring: Jenn Grant, Kim Harris, Mo Kenney
Featuring: Lance Sampson / Aquakultre as ‘The Hermit’ Zamani Folade Mel Stone Jools Annie Chudi Harris
Director of Photography: Daniel Grant
Editor: Baun Mah
Gaffer: Chelsea Innes
Sound Recordist: Daniel Ledwell
Hair: Robin Touche
Makeup: Ariana Roberts
Costume design: Pamela Stone
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“Jenn Grant’s music is deeply empathetic and generous of heart, so of course one day she would invite the whole country to make it with her.—Champagne Problems, her eighth album and first in the producer’s chair alongside partner Daniel Ledwell, gathers 13 musicians from coast to territory to coast in a series of collaborative Canadian magic tricks spun into classic country, lost disco hits, and ruminative folk fables.” -bio