Jennifer Tefft & The Strange serve up an enchanting new era with ‘Strange Beginnings’
The Massachusetts alt-rock band unleashes its Bob St. John-produced album on Friday, May 17 via Rock Garden Records
NOW PLAYING: Listen to ‘Strange Beginnings’ via Spotify
‘Strange Beginnings’ record release party is June 14 at Fireseed Arts Studios
BOSTON, Mass. [May 17, 2024] -- Jennifer Tefft has been in the game of rock and roll for as long as she can remember. But the powerhouse songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist has felt a new sense of creativity and collaboration lately, and it culminates in dynamic fashion as she and her alt-rock band, Jennifer Tefft & The Strange, prepare their debut album, Strange Beginnings, out Friday, May 17 via Rock Garden Records, with the release party set for June 14 at Fireseed Arts Studios in Framingham.
And it doesn’t take long for Tefft to extend her personal invitation to the listener, drawing them into this vivid world crafted by The Strange and extended out across the album’s eight kaleidoscopic songs. Roughly 30 seconds into opening track and full-throttle February single “Caffeine,” Tefft offers her musical hand with a promise: “What are you waiting for / The time is here.”
For Jennifer Tefft & The Strange, that time is right now.
“This is the first release from the new version of my band – so we are introducing The Strange with this release!” Tefft says. “I am so proud of these songs and how the band really found its creative voice; everyone contributed their artistic vision to this work and I think it really elevated the songs. We also were able to work with Bob St. John which took us to new heights sonically while really tapping into our own personal creative identities.”
The band spent five days with the Grammy-winning producer, known for his work with Collective Soul, Duran Duran, Extreme and countless others, down at his PDQ Studios in Florida, with additional recording at Knyff Compound Studios. With St. John at the board, Jennifer Tefft & The Strange were able to craft a sonically explosive record that showcases each player’s contributions.
Tefft has been a tireless performer around the Northeast, nominated in both the Boston Music Awards and New England Music Awards, with her songs heard across international televisions on Cruel Summer, CSI, Stargate Universe, One Life To Live, The Young & The Restless, and elsewhere. But it’s here with The Strange – guitarist John Parrillo; bassist Stephen “Sharky” Beccia; and drummer Chris Georgenes – that Tefft’s music and songwriting has taken on a richer, fuller sound, all while capturing a true sense of a band with an impressive aura and chemistry.
“This is really a new collaborative project and we wanted to reflect that,” Tefft admits. “I think ‘Sharky’ came up with the title, Strange Beginnings, and it seemed really fitting.”
A few weeks back, Strange Beginnings was cited by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, as one of the city’s most anticipated releases this spring. And it’s easy to see why. Listeners got a taste of the record over the course of a trio of singles, dating back to last fall’s Americana-tinged heartbreaker power ballad “Love & War.” The band welcomed a busy 2024 with the adrenalized “Caffeine,” a lush and propulsive alt-rock track that wouldn’t sound out of place on MTV’s ‘90s-era “Buzz Bin”; and capped off their singles run last month with the rowdy and raucous “Going Out,” a barroom brawl of a tune that rallied Tefft’s circle of friends and family.
Interestingly enough, “Caffeine” acts as the band’s “end of the night song,” closing our their live show with a promise to see the audience at the next one, and “Going Out” serves as a call-to-action at the start of the night, the type of rock and roll rallying call to assemble your friends and hit the town for a carefree night out.
Strange Beginnings aptly then fills in all the moments in before, after, and in between, channeling Tefft’s lived-in experiences as a woman in music and relaying an enchanting type of songwriting storytelling that’s both anecdotal and revealing. There’s a magnetic undercurrent that runs through each track, from the dramatic pull of “Papercut,” where Tefft opens up about a conversation with her admittedly “not-so-kind” inner voice, to the jagged daydream twirl of “Lullaby.” Elsewhere, “Shoulda Known Better” is a razor-sharp rock dagger that showcases Parrillo’s striking guitarwork, and “Second Chance to Burn” is a confessional reflection of Tefft’s navigating a career in music.
But Tefft doesn’t want to give too much away about each composition. Instead, she hopes the listener takes from each track what they need from it – whether it’s for a boisterous weekend party scene or quiet reflections at home.
“Many of these songs have a sort of dual meaning,” she says. “On the surface they are songs about relationships and the difficult time I went through last year in my current relationship, but many of them also take on my relationship with my music journey and career. There are a few songs or lines that I am especially attached to or proud of on this release. I feel like I said exactly what I wanted to say, the way I wanted to say it.”
Tefft adds: “I think, for me personally, it reflects a growth in my songwriting and lyric composition. The songs and their lyrics are much more intentional than in some of my past work. As a band, this is just the beginning! We are moving more in the direction of writing as a team; as opposed to me bringing in the songs and arranging them. This is incredibly exciting to me – I love the exchange of ideas and the energy that flies around when something new is starting to take shape.”
That energy sparkles across Strange Beginnings’ relentless 30-minute run time, one searing lyric at a time, one mighty guitar riff at a time, and one powerful dose of captivating musicianship that brought four creatives together under one cohesive vision. And all Tefft wants in return is a feeling.
“I want the listener to feel something – whether you love it or hate it – and not just shrug and walk away with apathy,” she concludes. “I hope there is at least one song on here that can connect with each listener emotionally – either lyrically or sonically. I want them to see that rock music with real instruments is still relevant and powerful. I want a young kid to hear John’s guitar playing and go pick up a guitar, or Chris’s drumming, or ‘Sharky’s’ bass magic… and just feel something. That is all.”
Jennifer Tefft & The Strange are:
Jennifer Tefft: Vocals and guitar
John Parrillo: Lead guitar
Stephen “Sharky” Beccia: Bass
Chris Georgenes: Drums
Jennifer Tefft on The Strange:
On guitarist John Parillo: “I think John Parrillo really demonstrates some of his best work on this album. He’s always played ‘outside the box’ looking for unusual sounds and melodic lines and he really excels here. It was also the first time we collaborated on writing together. ‘Caffeine’ just came together out of the ether while jamming in the basement. It was really exciting to see how we worked together creatively as well as personally… He has mad skills but doesn’t need to play a million notes at lightning speed to convey his ideas. He is extremely musical and understands that sometimes less is more. He also is incredibly detail oriented – he was the one with the most comments and mix notes throughout the process!”
On bassist Stephen “Sharky” Beccia: “‘Sharky’ brings so much life, energy, and excitement and laughter to the band as well as TONS of ideas! We need to just lock ourselves in the rehearsal space soon to sift through all of them! On stage, he is all energy and movement which is really fun for me. Although I have to keep an eye on him so I don’t take a bass to the face (true story)! His tone is divine and he is great at hearing things from a different angle; if that makes sense. ‘Shoulda Known Better’ is a perfect example. If I played you the acoustic demo of that song next to the album track you wouldn’t even recognize it. That all came from Sharky’s bass ideas and I am psyched with the outcome.”
On drummer Chris Georgenes: “Chris is one of the best drummers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He adds so much flavor to his parts without overplaying – which is a skill that cannot be taught. He really thinks about how each drum or cymbal sounds and where it belongs in the arrangement. He and ‘Sharky’ are perfect rhythm section partners, they really clicked right away and just fed off of each other and had fun doing it. Chris also has an awesome sense of humor… and my dog Simon is eventually going to run away with him.”
‘Strange Beginnings’ production credits:
All songs written by Jennifer Tefft
“Caffeine” and “Shoulda Known Better” written by Jennifer Tefft, John Parrillo, Stephen Beccia & Chris Georgenes
Produced by Bob St. John for PDQ Studios
Recorded and mixed by Bob St. John
Recorded at Knyff Compound Studio & PDQ Studios
Additional Remote Recording by Kerm Mogensen
Love & War” produced and recorded by Munk Duane at Bad Stella Studios
Mastered by Adam Matza for Magic Ears Mastering
Featuring:
Beth Cohen: Back-up vocals
Alex Garcia: Additional guitars on “Shoulda Known Better”
Iker Gastaminsa: Keys on “Lullaby”
Artwork by Annika Swalley
Released on Rock Garden Records
This album is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Lou Parrillo
Jennifer Tefft short bio:
Newly signed to Rock Garden Records and New England Music Awards 2021 “Female Performer of the Year", Jennifer Tefft is a fired up, energizing presence who creates earthy music from its roots and breathes fresh, rock and roll life into them. Her music combines kickin’ rock songs with melancholy textures and vocals that wind easily from ethereal to outspoken. With her new band Jennifer Tefft & The Strange, a pair of singles, February’s “Caffeine” and April’s “Going Out”, hit the streams ahead of new album Strange Beginnings, released on May 17.
Media praise for Jennifer Tefft & The Strange:
“If you don’t think there’s striking original music being played outside of Boston and Cambridge, Jennifer Tefft will prove you wrong. Tefft has been belting out unadorned roots and straight-ahead rock at roadhouses all around New England since her 1997 debut, and on her sixth studio album her creative energy seems to be flowing more than ever, with Grammy-winning producer Bob St. John adding a sonic crunch. The single ‘Caffeine’ has already proven to be a live favorite.” _WBUR Spring Music Preview
“Sharing in its ragged rock glory and contemplation of female identity and empowerment is a song akin to PJ Harvey’s ‘Dress’.” _Loud Women
“‘Going Out’ by Jennifer Tefft & The Strange is a big nod to all those who want to shed away from their responsibilities to get rowdy and boisterous for the night. In particular, Jennifer Tefft has this one dedicated to all the other moms out there who want to party like they used to in the good old days, even if just for one night. We love that vibe so much. Jennifer Tefft & The Strange have released ‘Going Out’ ahead of their upcoming album, Strange Beginnings, which is set to release May 17th. Oh, we are so ready for that album. All aboard the hype hive!” _The Honey Pop
“Get up, stand up and fight for your right to go out, and do it with these Boston misfits. They make your pelvis shake and swing with some riff-infused rock ‘n’ roll… Forget your daily rat race for the night, give your brain a day off, drink real fast, scream for an encore on repeat, and you might have a senseless blast with this caffeine addicted band.” _Turn Up The Volume
“The Boston band’s latest [‘Going Out’] is an alt-rock song bordering on pop with a little bit of an unexpected twang. It’s power pop in all of its glory, and reminds me of a perfect blend of The Donnas, Cheap Trick, and Sarah Shook & The Disarmers. Not all songs are meant to change the world, and “Going Out” is just a rock song about enjoying a rare night out. And sometimes you just need one of those.” _If It’s Too Loud
“Jennifer Tefft & The Strange manage to bring back The Pretenders from the beginning of its career and joining it with a far tougher sound. …Tefft and band play rock with a sweet pop tooth in the singing and the hooks. The guitars are so nicely layered. The drumming is very prominent. Chris Georgenes plays as if he’s in a duo instead of a full band. He really drives the Strange. … ‘Caffeine’ is a strong song. Very powerful and good.” _WoNoBlog
“‘Caffeine’ is the amalgamation of every song we’ve ever loved from the initial ’90’s Alternative boom. It’s got a little bit of Sugar giving it some heft, takes the aesthetic of The Crow soundtrack but weeds out the heavier moments in favor of the moodier elements (Oh hi, Medicine!), and nicely merges a little bit of The Cranberries’ more mercurial numbers.” _Rock And Roll Fables
“Listening to ‘Caffeine’ from Jennifer Tefft & The Strange is as magnificent as watching a beautiful fireworks display on the Fourth of July… [it’s] textbook rock perfection.” _The Whole Kamese
“Jennifer Tefft is one of the great undiscovered secrets around Boston. She has a belter’s voice, a theatrical flair, a knack for melody, and a hard-driving spirit that infuses her original material as well as her offbeat covers.” _The Boston Globe
“Jennifer is the New England Music Awards reigning Female Performer of the Year and you’ll see why with this song. An epic, sweeping ballad of sorts with influences firmly rooted in Americana, Pop and Alternative. The song feels practically stadium-ready and features a powerhouse performance from Jennifer.” _Graeme WXRV 92.5 The River
“Her earnest lyrics are delivered with both power and grace. Where some singers are compared to wine or whiskey, Jennifer’s voice is like a deep cordial that needs to be savored sip by sip. Her style has an edge that has not gone dull over the years and her newest songs, especially after the pandemic, are stand-outs in the Boston music scene.” _Cat Wilson, Cheap Seats on Ocean 104.7 FM
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