Jenny Wolfe

After School (SteadyBoy)

Jenny Wolfe’s grooming at the hands of producer Freddie Steady Krc gives her plaintive vocals an authentic 1960s feel that suits the 16-year-old’s energy and sparkling style. Having Explosives guitarist Cam King, Double Trouble keyboardist Reese Wynans, and Brit steel player B.J. Cole as sidemen doesn’t hurt the reigning local teen scene queen either. Originals co-written by Wolfe (“Twisted Smile,” “After School”) reveal her pop sensibility to be well-formed and unhampered by contemporary trends, no surprise considering her training at the roots-music-oriented Natural Ear Music School. The choice of covers is more predictable, at least given Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street,” yet less well-remembered songs such as the Beau Brummels’ “Just a Little” and Big Star’s “Thirteen” make After School a total class act.

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This article appears in March 13 • 2009.

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