Jordyn Shellhart - In A Room
By: Matt Bjorke
People think that you need thousands to hundreds of thousands of artists to record a quality album. Well, as if to prove that the theory is absolutely false, 15 year old singer/songwriter Jordyn Shellhart has not only recorded a couple of tracks this way but the artist has, along with some help in Nashville, recorded a complete 15 track acoustic album titled In A Room. The album was literally recorded in a room, this case her manager’s office where she recorded the album with Nick Culbertson on all instruments beside percussion, percussionist Blake Lindley and Lex Lipsitz (who produced the recording). Jordyn herself played the piano on the tracks in addition to recording the overdubbed background vocals. So, while professionals did in fact help Jordyn out, she and her management team of Lipsitz and Rick Barker were adamant about using equipment anyone could go to a Guitar Center or Best Buy and purchase. In fact, Jordyn Shellhart has exclusively released this album at Best Buy locations nationwide and has partnered with Best Buy’s @15 campaign, a place where teenagers can network together safely. The In A Room album also will have a portion of the proceeds donated to the @15 campaign and the album is a part of the @15 Gift for the holidays.
Now when you hear 15 year old singer/songwriter, the comparison to Taylor Swift will be quickly made. While both young artists have a confessional songwriting style, Shellhart’s voice is stronger and at points it recalls both Martina McBride and a co-writer of Shellhart’s, Carolyn Dawn Johnson with a bit of Colbie Calliat thrown in for good measure. In A Room starts off with a Swift-like song called “You Don’t Get to Get Me” and while the lyrics are obviously about a romance that’s ended, the song may be the only one on the album that actually feels like it’s a “Taylor Swift” song. Gravity is a song that Jordyn wrote with her best friend Maggie Trabucco and it is a song that is about a person who wants to shed the things that are ‘keeping her down’ and from ‘reaching her dreams.’ The production, which is heavy on acoustic bass and mandolins, shows Shellhart to be one talented girl and the talent continues on the rest of the record, particularly on the sweet Carolyn Dawn Johnson co-write “Infinite X’s and O’s.”
Melodic and just damn good, “I’m Breaking Up” feels like the perfect song to be released to country radio. It reminds me of something that might have been on a Judds record back in the day melodically while also just being a playful little tune. It’s the kind of song that gets the toes tappin and people clappin’, in other words, a perfect first single. The organic acoustic arrangement suits the song as well and hopefully when Sony Nashville releases a single in 2010, they will keep this one in mind, while also keeping most of what makes it work, the acoustic nature and Shellhart’s charming delivery intact. “I Don’t Have To Work At All” finds Jordyn singing about a great first love, the kind that lets a girl know that she’s really in love for the first time. One of the most personal songs on In A Room is “I’ve Been There Too,” a song written by Jordyn and Carolyn Dawn Johnson about the loss of both of their brothers. Jordyn’s died two years ago at age 21 of complications from undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetes.
Everything about In A Room shines with Jodryn Shellhart’s charisma and talent. While there have been quite a few young girls toiling around Nashville as of late, there have been few who can match the sheer desire and work ethic it takes to succeed and miss Shellheart is one of them and if anybody else is going to successfully follow in Taylor Swift’s footsteps as the voice of tween and teen girls all over the country, it will likely be Jordyn Shellhart. Remember the name for 2010 is likely to be the year where the world first learns of her. Also, it is a damn fine example of how a few talented people can go about making a record without spending thousands and thousands of dollars to do so.
For more information on Jordyn Shellhart, you can go to her website (click here).
For more information about Best Buy's @15 teen social campaign click here.
To purchase your own copy of this album click here.
READER'S COMMENTS
mikeat says:
Posted: Saturday, June 18, 2011
Hiya Guys (& Gals). I Just came across and I wanted to introduce myself. A lot forums seem a little "cliquey" for noobs but this one does not. Hope to learn a bunch while I am here!
animallover says:
Posted: Monday, January 24, 2011
jordyn shellhart is a amazing singer! Very good
Janae says:
Posted: Thursday, January 6, 2011
Hi Uncle Matt!!! That was a literally an awesome review!You rock uncle matt!
Heather says:
Posted: Monday, February 8, 2010
I am so glad to see that she is receiving the type of credit that she deserves. She is not only a really talented singer, she is a dear and genuine person. I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished and I cannot wait to see her grow musically as well as into an amazing woman and role model. Love, Mrs. H
Bill Wheaton says:
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009
We have been watching Jordan for almost 3 years now I found her on youtube started talking to her and her mom I have daughter with the same dreams as her, Jorden a young girl that has a dream bigger than most, drive and work ethic better than most, able to over come things that most would be stopped in the tracks! to see her record a amazing CD like this at her age just shows the amazing girl she real is!! Go for the big dream!!!! Great CD
says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Pattie says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sorry Jordyn- I forgot to sign my blog just now...I'm old a forgetful...my bad!
says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I can remember watching Jordyn sing the National Anthem at Montgomery HS and I knew then that she was going places! Listening to her then was a treat and hearing her now is pure pleasure. I have been friends with her grandma since moby dick was a minnow, and I am so happy to see good things happening for Jordyn and her family. I went to Best Buy as soon as I saw the add in the Press Democrat, and Jordyn you are AWESOME!!! My favorite songs are Heaven Knows and I'm Breaking Up, but there isn't a bad song on there. AMAZING! I would also like to thank you (and Best Buy)for making my Christmas list so much easier this year. I wish you happiness,love and Blessings in all your future endeavors! Knock their socks off girl- you make Santa Rosa proud!
says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
TFCT Bobby says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
At long last, a Jordyn Shellhart CD! And it really hasn't even been "that long"... I've been a fan, follower and friend of Jordyn's for going on 2 years, and I knew- KNEW!- great things were in store for her, and it's wonderful that it's sooner rather than later! Wonderful voice, INCREDIBLE songwriter, a very sweet and gracious young lady. Go straight to the nearest Best Buy and get her CD! In fact, get several, Christmas is coming and Joedyn's music would be a great gift! Also, everyone is welcome to visit and join TFCTalent Forums where we host a fan community for Jordyn and her fans. Bobby www.tfctalent.com
Aunt Tracy says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thank-you for your wonderful review. Your insight and thoughts shadow the very things I think about when listening to Jordyn's music. So much comes from her heart and this gives everyone a chance to see the beautiful young woman she really is.
Beki says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I've only known about Jordyn for about 6 months. I would go on her myspace to listen to her songs all the time and I was so happy when I heard that she was releasing a cd. And it has exceeded all of my expectations! I love it and I listen to it all the time now! I know that she's going far and everything that you said is so true! She's amazing!
Kirsten says:
Posted: Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What an awesome review!! Thanks so much for writing this. I agree with everything you said. I've been waiting and hoping Jordyn would get signed and put out an album for a long time now and I'm glad she finally followed her dreams and it's all happening for her. From the moment I first heard her sing I knew there was something special about her that set her apart from all the other artists out there that are trying to get signed. Not only that, but she's fun to be around. So I'm glad she is getting the recognition she highly deserves! Anyone reading this that has not bought a copy of the CD, I HIGHLY recommend it. You won't be disappointed! :)
Jennifer Bettinger says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jordyn Shellhart is simply amazing! The whole album is just brilliant. I love this girl & you will too! So proud of you Jordyn :D
Callie says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I love that Jordyn is getting the attention she deserves! Listening to her music, I knew she would make it big someday and get what she deserves but I wasn't sure she would get it for this album just because of the limited sales. I'm so happy for her and I hope her success keeps building :)
DFWTexan42 says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Great to see Jordyn get some well deserved critical recognition for her debut CD. :D It is wonderfully acoustic, and the songs really show off her musical ability all around, singing, songwriting and instruments. Bought one for myself the day it was released, and have already bought 3 more as gifts for friends and family. Even if those you know aren't particularly into country, get one for them anyways, "In A Room" is an CD with an appeal that transcends musical boundaries.
Christie says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What an awesome review!! I recently discovered Jordyn right when this album was released and I was very impressed with it! I agree with everything you've written about it and I'm so glad that you like the album just as much as I do :) She is an incredible singer/songwriter and this is her start. She WILL become huge one day! :) she's also incredibly nice to everybody! love you jordyn and congrats on a great first review! you deserve it!
David says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I love this review! I totally agree with everything the author says. I've had the privilege of following Jordyn for well over a year on myspace and twitter and I haven't been this excited about an artist since Taylor Swift. Jordyn is similar in a lot of ways to Taylor, but very different. Both are very mature, composed, great songwriters and have an incredible stage presence. Jordyn has a much stronger voice than Taylor, but Jordyn's style of music is much less country pop than Taylor's. I believe the first song to be released to radio should be "You Don't Get To Get To Me" which is a very catchy tune. It would have the most success on country radio. Jordyn is also lucky to be surrounded by very talented management and songwriters. After all, Rick Barker did manage Taylor Swift. He knows how to spot talent. You should definitely go out and buy this CD. It's awesome.
Steph says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jordyn is such an amazing young lady. I had the privilege of running into about 3/4 years ago at a mall in Tennessee. The moment I heard her voice I knew she was something special and when we met for coffee the next day, after cracking up for hours, I knew she had the entire package. Jordyn is a one in 10 billion singer and has a personality that can scare away any of life's clouds. I am just sooo happy I had the chance to meet her when I did and I hope all of you enjoy her amazing talent as much as I do.
helen says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I have had the privledge of listening to Jordy since she was a wee babe, being her grandma. She has always loved to sing, sometime's driving everyone else in the car crazy. I'm sure there were people out there thinking we were a bit strange, but it was a blessing to have been on this journey with her and her loving mother. We are pretty sure her brother (Tay) is holding her hand.
Elisabeth Weinerman says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jordyn is simply amazing ! I couldn't wait for her CD to come out. I was fortunate to see her sing in front of 3,000 at a Women's conference and she is an incredible talent. I hope every one goes out to buy this and I know that we will be hearing about her for years to come !
Jordyn says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thank you so much. I read this and freaked out. Everyone always says, "don't read reviews, don't look at anything on the internet because you'll get hurt." Probably, but this one just made me happy! I appreciate it beyond words, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the album :)
Rick says:
Posted: Tuesday, December 1, 2009
I've known about Jordyn for a couple of years as she used to post messages on the MySpace website of the family trio "The Jenkins". In fact Jordyn appeared in the music video for "Blame It On Mama" as one of the little girls jumping up and down on the bed! Its nice to see she's recorded an album and I hope her career goes better than The Jenkins fared...
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