The Los Angeles Times called Jennifer Knapp "a rising star"; People Magazine described her as "an uncommonly literate songwriter"; and Billboard proclaimed that "Knapp proves herself to be the cream that rises to the top." Her impressive critical praise only hints at her musical gifts, but grasping the true Jennifer Knapp experience is realized only by the empowering touch of her voice.
This Kansas-born singer-songwriter has very quietly and quickly sold over 850,000 copies of her first two label releases, 1997's Kansas and 2000's Lay It Down. Her debut is now certified Gold with over half a million sold. Coupled with extensive touring, Knapp proved herself as a folk-inspired rock artist whose masterful stroke paints introspective portraits of life's bumpy road.
Song after song, she empties her soul through catchy poetic lyrics that utter the precise words so many hearts have long struggled to find. In 2001 Knapp returned with her most stirring collection of new songs for her third label release, The Way I Am.
From the London Symphony Orchestra to the profoundly intimate percussion, Jennifer Knapp's albums have consistently featured realized, full-sounding backdrops and intense lyrical impressions. The musical dynamics draw out the emotion and passion, especially with the compelling spiritual themes that run through her songs. In fact, the struggles and inner-conflicts addressed in her music are often expressed in the form of confessional prayers. In this way, Knapp joins artists like Macy Gray, Bono, Lauren Hill, DMX, and others, who are very articulate in composing songs directly to God.
As a teenager, the classically-trained Knapp attended Pittsburgh State University on a music scholarship. Though at first it appeared her major was Freshman Partying 101, fellow students inspired her to open her mind to spiritual matters and eventually incorporate them into her music. From there, Knapp began performing throughout the Midwest selling her two custom recordings at shows. Her second indie album, Wishing Well, attracted the attention of Nashville label Gotee Records, who signed her the following year. With her personal songwriting and gut-rock vocal style, Knapp immediately connected with a national audience who, like herself, had known difficulty in life and was looking for genuine insight.
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The groundbreaking, gold-certified debut project from Jennifer Knapp has been re-mastered and expanded, with 8 additional live and alternate takes, including two never before released live tracks. Kansas has been named one of CCM Magazine's Best 100 Albums of All Time, and forged ground for a new generation of female singer-songwriters.
