Jenna Reel is a keyboardist, singer-songwriter and producer from Atlanta, Georgia and based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Writing and recording music from a young age, Jenna has self-produced music of all genres, from jazz pop to future bass. In addition, she has toured across the country as a keyboardist and background vocalist for jazz vocalist and violinist Emmaline, playing at spots like Blue Note Napa, Jimmy’s Jazz Club, and Sculler’s Jazz Club. In addition, she’s performed at the Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival 2019 and Monterey Jazz Festival 2022.
Jenna Reel released "Happiness" TODAY!
Jenna’s music melds that of jazz pop acts like Amy Winehouse, Kaytranada and Anderson .Paak, as well as classic R&B stalwarts like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Lalah Hathaway. In addition, she takes great inspiration from pop music icons such as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, as well as pioneering jazz musicians like Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans and Cedar Walton.
“Happiness” was written at a dark time for me. Luckily a moody chord progression always seems to help release a bit of angst that gets pent up in a dark season. The lyrics question the reasons behind discontent and generally lack a resolution. I take pride in the tense harmonic progression and rhythm section choices in “Happiness”, and I enjoyed striking a balance between ethereal 90s jazz rap production and an acoustic, performance-focused arrangement.