Waves by Jacq Teh

A beautiful solo debut EP for singer/songwriter Jacq Teh, “Waves” is awash with raw emotion and vulnerability. A glimpse into the inner dealings behind a tumultuous break-up, the album takes listeners from the beginning through to the end of a collapsing relationship. Deeply moving and painfully real, listeners can expect a good cry as the journey reaches its destination of closure and acceptance.

The music is reminiscent of Bon Iver’s reverberant harmonies, with a poignant attention to detail and slight nod to Teh's jazz and R&B roots. The album seamlessly blends genres, cohesive in its use of vocal production and choral orchestrations. While “Happened” feels like a gentle lullaby bringing listeners into Teh’s world, “Did” and “Waves” are drenched with imagery and an almost palpable feeling of hearbreak. “Friends” features Toronto jazz pianist Jen Lo and gives us subtle R&B grooves and riffs, all while dishing out lyrics that strike to the core. “Getting Older” is undeniably relatable for anyone in their late 20’s to mid 30’s contemplating where they are in life and whether they have achieved the milestones expected of them at this stage. With a mild country landscape set by Toronto jazz guitarist Jay Yoo, the track is a minimalist approach to coming to terms with the dread of aging. And with a cinematic finish, the album concludes with a flowing piece, bringing us back to the image of running water and waves. Featuring a masterful orchestration of woodwinds performed by jazz composer, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist Dennis Kwok, all one can really do at the end of this album is cry and cry and cry.

“Waves” is the simple story of a break-up, told so carefully and beautifully that it is impossible to turn away. We held in its comforting melodies and embraced by its luscious harmonies. An ambitious debut album for artist, Jacq Teh, firmly marking her place in the world of independent and contemporary music.

Toronto-based singer/songwriter Jacq Teh is widely recognized for her captivating vocal arrangements and limitless songwriting. Combining elements of jazz with R&B inflections and rich harmonies, her songwriting is featured on Sammy Jackson’s Juno award-winning album “With You”. She even caught the attention of Grammy award-winning artist Anderson .Paak, who expressed an interest in her music.

jacqtehmusic.com