Jeni Grouws
Music House

By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © August 2026

After nearly ten years as the powerhouse vocalist for the Avey Grouws Band, Jeni Grouws is about to embark on what will certainly be a successful solo career. I can confidently say that because I've had the pleasure of seeing her perform several times, and in several different ensembles. Each of those times she's been nothing short of magnificent, and from the reactions of the audiences at those shows, my feelings are surely shared by many. From the time she walks onto the stage, her presence just grabs you and never lets go. Between her talent, her confidence, her attitude, her look, and her style, she is indeed the total package.

Jeni's debut solo release is titled Music House and the title pays homage to the place where her stint as an Artist-in-Residence, had a huge impact on her life. In her own words, Jeni says "I wouldn't be where I am today without The Music House and it's co-founders, Jeff Davis and Vanessa Marie".

For the project, Jeni Grouws - on vocals and guitar - is joined by: Grammy winner Casey Wasner - the album's producer - on drums, percussion, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, and vocals: Brian Allen and Dave Abdo on bass; Johnny Duke on electric and acoustic guitar; Matt Fuller on electric guitar; Emmanuel Echem on flugelhorn and trumpet; Roy Agee on trombone; Evan Cobb on tenor sax; Drew Smithers on slide guitar; Anne Harris on violin; and Kyshona on background vocals. Of the disc's eleven tracks, all are Jeni Grouws originals.

The disc opens with a rocker in which Jeni finds herself "Runnin' Ragged". Her wheels are constantly spinning yet she always seems to be taking one step forward and two steps back. Hearing her rant about... "Fast food, micro dates, can't talk now I'm running late. I meant to call two days ago, man where does the time go? Fast food, micro dates, can't talk now I'm running late. I meant to call a week ago, man where does the time go? Fast food, micro dates, can't talk now I'm running late. I meant to call two weeks ago, man where does the time go? Living from a suitcase, laced up for the rat race. What day is it? I don't know. Hurry up it's time to go"..... pretty much tells it all. Musically, with Brian and Casey in a powerful rhythm groove and Johnny absolutely tearing it up on guitar, this one Smokes with a capital S; and vocally, while showcasing lots of range and sass, Jeni gives the song a bit of a country vibe. Great way to kick things off!

Jeni describes "Burning For You" as a song that features "Heavy blues rock guitar (by Matt), killer bass runs (by Brian), a B3 (by Mike) that keeps the energy strong, fiery lead vocals (by her), and straight forward rock drums (by Casey)". Hmmm, she took the words right out of my mouth.

Sometimes, you've just got to step back from life and take a deep breath, and Jeni's way of doing just that is to "Let Your Eyes Lay Low". Simply, but very sincerely said..... "There are days when the greys weigh heavy on your head; When the weight of the state of the world feels like lead. So rest, old girl, rest, let your eyes lay low; Life will keep on moving outside your window." Lyrically, vocally and musically - especially with a stunning performance by Anne Harris on the violin - this one is indeed an attention commanding song.

When Jeni sexily, sassily and soulfully says "Show Me That You Love Me", I can't see any man not wanting to comply with that. Musically, with a funky rhythm vibe kicked up a notch by the full horn section, this one is surely a dance floor filler.

Just like on Cheers, sometimes ya wanna go to a place where everybody knows your name, and for that, there's nothing like an "Old Dive Bar". It seems to be working for Jeni, 'cause she's definitely feeling good on this feel-good song.

"Waiting" is a soft and sullen ballad on which Jeni emotionally describes the worrying that goes on in the mind of someone waiting much longer than necessary for someone else to arrive. Did something happen? Are they just running behind? Why haven't they called? Musically, between the beautifully sung heartfelt lyrics, the dual acoustic guitar work of Jeni and Casey, and the soft bass lines from David, in my opinion, it's the most beautiful track on the disc.

"Heartbreak And Misery" is pretty much a 'Warning! Proceed With Caution' notice. As Jeni sincerely warns...
"I can see you've got your eyes on me from across the floor. You want to come a little closer cause you think you want a little more. But it's a minefield baby in the space between you and me. Right now you're 3 steps away from heartbreak and misery". Yikes! And if that wasn't enough to scare this this dude off, it gets worse.....
"Step 1: You hold me close, we fit like a glove. Step 2: You think you're special, you think you're in love. Step 3: I break your heart and I bring you to your knees. So stay right there 3 steps from heartbreak and misery." Alrighty then, I'll just keep moving along. As with many of this disc's songs, power - as in the vocals, the rhythm, the horns and the guitar runs - is the common denominator.

Other tracks on this very impressive and very well done album include: "When I Get Back To You"; "Fool"; "One Up From The Well"; and "Make Your Way".

By the way, if you follow Jeni on social media you'll already know that presales of Music House have been a huge success. If you haven't ordered your copy yet, do it now and thank me later.

To find out more about Jeni Grouws, just visit her website at - www.jenigrouws.com. As usual, whomever you contact, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.