Through the Hoop Posted on October 18th
I am not sure whether it is Jesca Hoop’s life story or her music that has the greatest appeal to me. The 1-sheet that came with her CD says that Tom Waits calls her music, “Like swimming in a lake at night.” Actually here is the complete quote.
“Jesca Hoop’s music is like a four sided coin. She is an old soul, like a black pearl, a good witch or a red moon. Her music is like going swimming in a lake at night.”
— Tom Waits
You are doing pretty well when Tom Waits endorses your debut album, but the story goes deeper than just an endorsement! They live together! Ok. Well. Not really together. Turns out Jesca got a job as Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan’s nanny. I guess growing up in a strict Mormon household is pretty good qualifications for being a nanny.
Her music is as interesting and eclectic as her path through life. She sings and performs in the singer songwriter vein, but I am happy to say that she isn’t constrained by its often staid musical arrangements and instrumentation. There is plenty on Kismet that strays outside the lines. She draws on influences like The Police, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, The Beatles, Cat Stevens, The Beastie Boys, Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, The Talking Heads, but there is also plenty of earlier ties to music including church hymns.
I think I can detect Tom Waits’ influence in her music as well. I don’t know how much or even if Tom was involved, but there is certainly the drama and theatrics that Tom employs so well. There is also similar tones like a deep, booming upright bass featured prominently in tracks like Silverscreen that flicker with Tom Waits.
There are hints of Tegan and Sara, Sarah McLachlan, Suzanne Vega, and even Gwen Stefani, but Jesca has found her own voice and seems to be in command of her kismet.
Kismet: 
Ingredients:
Innovation:
Presentation:
