Utah Slim + Jen Hajj
Utah Slim and Jen Hajj met in the “open mic circuit” in Salt Lake City. Jen was attracted by Slim’s poetry and passion for the desert, Slim was taken by her pure voice and ear for harmony. Together, they create a sound that is as varied as Utah’s rural landscapes.
Utah Slim is a desert rat poet who writes and sings his love of the Colorado Plateau, weaving tales of unique places and the folks who choose to live there. His music ranges from poetic descriptions of red rock country to heartfelt protests against exploitation of the West. In his songs, you can hear the outcry for justice of Woody Guthrie, the caustic wit of Bob Dylan, and land-centered, passionate grit of Edward Abbey.
Jen Hajj is a classically trained soprano who grew up in the Sonoran Desert. She has explored many facets of music throughout her career: she attended opera school, worked as a choral conductor, and an orchestral arranger. Though she can belt out an art song, she is drawn to the simplicity and power of traditional folk music. You may hear evidence of both in her songwriting. She also hosts the Bluegrass Express, a 3-hour bluegrass radio show on KRCL 90.9 fm in Salt Lake City. Jen received an honorable mention for her song, “Naptime” in the 2009 Independent Singer Songwriters Association Song Contest.
Read more about Jen Hajj and listen to some of her songs here.
Read more about Utah Slim and listen to some of his songs here.