Jackie K - Look for the Little Things

Jackie K

Look for the Little Things
self-released; 2021

3.8 out of 5

By Dino DiMuro

Jackie Kroczynski is a singer/songwriter from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada who has just released her first EP of original songs titled Look For The Little Things. Her music ranges across the folk, alternative and country genres, and she also performs with Jackie & Big Baby T, playing music inspired by New Orleans. She recently performed on the “Unplugged” show on Saskatoon’s CJWW and is preparing to tour this summer.

The making of this EP came out of a desire to get out of the house and celebrate “a dream of spring.”  Kroczynski herself sings and plays guitar and piano, joined by Tom Kroczynski (bass), Phil Rodda (drums) and Connor Newton (sax). It was recorded at Riverdale Recorders  in Edmonton and was engineered, mixed and mastered by Sean Davis Newton.

“Dandelions Everywhere” was designed to begin the set as “something cheery and optimistic; even the mighty dandelion was going to be great to see after the long winter.” It certainly works that way, as this song has a soft rock-smooth jazz energy and an upbeat viewpoint. Kroczysnki has a pleasing voice, feeling both familiar and real without that eerie digital perfection that can grow tiresome. Connor Newton’s sax takes the song a long way toward mainstream jazz pop, somewhat like Tom Scott or the music of Michael Franks.

“Green Heals Me” uses Kroczynski’s slightly unsettled voice to great effect here, as she sings over morning coffee nursing a hangover. The song is also in waltz time, featuring some spacey sounds of which Kroczynski is particularly proud. She also takes an off-kilter solo on an old Mason & Risch piano, purposely tinkly and atonal like a haunted carnival, or as she terms it: “A bit of a Monk feel.” 

“In My Oasis” is designed to be a kind of summary to “the trilogy of outside songs,” reflecting on some beautiful purple flowers she received on Mother’s Day. This is another jazzy pop tune with a surprising bit of island sound thrown in, thanks to some of the percussive sounds and the sax, which recalls Jimmy Buffet or Steely Dan.

“Night at the Opry” ends the collection on a more country note, and was written for her father. “Kroczynski was inspired to write this song after visiting the Grand Ole Opry on a band trip with her students in March of 2020.” Though technically a bonus track, it’s one of the best and seems even better suited to Kroczynksi’s voice and style.

​Overall this was an interesting, engaging and heartfelt EP that points to great things in the future!

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