That focus on the song serves Jared well. His blues-tinged jazz and misty-eyed pop have won fans in both intimate rooms and festival crowds, satisfying close listeners and vibe seekers alike. With his debut album, Love Is an Obstacle––released on February 12th, 2021–– Jared ups the creative ante: the lyrical vulnerability, perfect pitch, and expressive piano audiences have come to expect are still there, but joined by sophisticated ensemble arrangements and bold dashes of theatricality. The effect is sometimes invigorating, sometimes haunting––and always accomplished. In the midst of so much uncertainty, Jared knows he will always find his way with his piano. He hopes what he finds will bring others comfort, too. “Sometimes people need to cry it out,” he says. “These heartbreak anthems I’ve written––people who have really gone through something have needed them. I sense that.”