Kevin Bronson on May 15th, 2019

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Three-part harmonies such as those on the debut album from JEMS seem a gift from the heavens for the greedy. After all, why settle for just one angel singing when you can be serenaded by three?

The Los Angeles folk-rock trio features (in order of vocal register, low to high) Emily Colombier, Jessica Rotter and Sarah Margaret Huff. The former two, both daughters of professional musicians, were introduced to Huff after she moved to L.A. from Nashville. Combining their vocal and songwriting talents, they weave tales of empowerment, self-acceptance and courage, stirring the echoes of the Laurel Canyon tradition.

“JEMS” (out Friday) has a lot to offer. “Right on Time” speaks to yielding to the power of love while maintaining one’s own identity. The organ-drenched “Like Myself” reinforces the notion of taking a stand and finding a truth outside somebody else’s “jurisdiction.” Album opener “Take Me Back” longs for a simpler time — not out of nostalgia but as way of reconnecting with a spirit of freedom uncluttered by compromise. Oh, and “JEMS” crosses the finish line with a spot-on cover of “Helplessly Hoping.”

The album was made in Studio D at the Village Studios in studio D (yes, the room Stevie Nicks designed); it was produced by Cazz Brindis, engineered by Scott Smith, mixed by by Jason LaRocca and mastered by Doug Van Sloun. It features the talents of Colombier’s mother, Paula Hochhalter (Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, James Taylor) on cello, along with guitarist Adam Tressler (Angus & Julia Stone, Kacey Musgraves, Pet Shop Boys, Demi Lovato, The Mowgli’s), bassist Adam Popick (Matthew Perryman Jones, Madi Diaz), drummer Adam Christgau (Ingrid Michaelson, Nicole Atkins, Lucius) and organist Carey Frank.

Don’t try these harmonies at home. Or, maybe, do.

||| Stream: “JEMS” in its entirety

||| Live: JEMS celebrate their album release with a show Saturday night at the Hotel Café. Tickets.