Alt.Country, Americana, Folk Blues, Singer Songwriter - Jan Bell - News

Spiral Earth UK - Announces UK Tour

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=4765

Americana UK - Will Scott review

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Will Scott “Gnawbone” (Weather-Tone Records, 2009)

Brooklyn resident Will Scott’s debut studio solo recording draws on southern rock, blues and music akin to Jim Morrison of the Doors even, as he embraces everything that is good in Americana music

Indianapolis and Chicago-raised Scott has previous recording experience having made an album with the Forecasters (1998), and his own self-made Solo Electric Blues (2002). 'Gnawbone' see-saws from one style and tempo to another quicker than a blink of the eye as Scott and producer Christopher ”˜Preacher Boy’ Watkins (guitars, keys, piano, mandolin and additional percussion) who between them wrote all the songs but for ”˜Louisiana Lullaby’ toss ideas and musical directions around freely.

”˜Louisiana Lullaby’ is a heart-tugging affair that underlines his strength as a performer, songwriter and his inbuilt ability to hold the attention of the listener through lyrics that tell a good story. On getting rowdy and funky ”˜Paper Match’ gate crashes the party in chaotic fashion, and as for my reference to the Morrison I think if he were alive he would have relished the opportunity to perform the thrilling ballad ”˜Jack’s Defeat Creek’ (hints of Harry Chapin’s ”˜Cat’s In The Cradle’) and fabulous rock cut ”˜Make Her Love Me’. Possessing a hard driven groove supporting his full-bodied bluesy vocals it is arguably Scott’s best entry — that isn’t to rule out the superb, slide-guitar fashioned Mississippi hill country styled ”˜Gnawbone’. That just about blows everything else out of the water! Such being the surging groove and powerful rhythm as his songwriting takes the listener on a roller coaster ride through the American south, bouncing along the back roads that stops off at roadside taverns for human refuelling.

After the three five-star opening tracks the competition to match is not of the same strength till ”˜Stain Shifter’ and the swirling keyboards aided shuffle ”˜Sarah’. That, on possessing a strong gospel harmony chorus Scott regains a strangle hold on things. But, just hold on there a minute because after repeated plays the well titled ”˜Lazy Summertime’ is making up lost ground, fast — as his mellow side rears in an impressive manner. ”˜Amen Corner’ the closing track leaves the listener on a high and no doubt hankering to sample more of one of the most impressive new act of his kind to come along in quite some time.

Support to Scott and Watkins comes from the fine musicians Joe Magistro (drums), Jim Whitney (drums), Harvey ”˜Slippery’ Jenkins (banjo) plus harmony vocalists Jolie Holland, Samantha Parton (Be Good Tanyas) and Jan Bell (The Maybelles).

Date review added: Friday, November 06, 2009
Reviewer: Maurice Hope

Housing Works Annual Street Fair

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

www.housingworks.org/events/open-air-street-fair/

Jan Bell and Megan Palmer play duo set at 1pm.
* Saturday, June 05, 2010
* 10:00am EDT

* Bookstore Cafe
* 126 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012 :: 212-334-3324
*
Show New York how one block can make a big difference!

Crosby Street (between Houston and Prince) closes for thousands of $1 books, movies, records, and CDs. Plus food, beer, live music, $20 “all-you-can-stuff” bags of clothing and accessories from the Housing Works Warehouse, and much more from Housing Works SoHo Thrift Shop!

This festive, all-day shopping bazaar takes place on the quaint (closed to traffic) cobblestone Crosby Street outside of the Bookstore Café. Sliders and sweets from The Works.

All profits from the Open Air Street Fair pay for Housing Works’ services for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. In 2007/2008, the two street fairs attracted more than 50,000 people and generated more than $45,000 for those services.

Union Pool show with The Lonesome Heroes, and Jesse Lenat

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Lonesome Heroes, Jesse Lenat, Jan Bell

Alt. Country/Americana Night
Thursday, June 3rd
Union Pool,
484 Union (at Meeker), Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 11211
Phone: (718) 609-0484

Cover $8
Doors 7:30

8pm: Jesse Lenat
is a singer songwriter and actor that lives in Brooklyn. He opened Farm Aid 2007 with his song “I’m Not The Only One” with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp standing by in support.
Jesse was in the original Off Broadway cast of 'Rent';
worked in a collaboration with T-Bone Burnet on the music for Sam Sheperd’s “The Tooth of Crime";performs a solo show about Woody Guthrie and has had many guest star roles on TV.
Jesse also toured through Holland in the world premiere of a staged adaptation of Wim Wenders classic film “Wings of Desire,” for which he provided much of the music.
He has had residencies at The Living Room, and has made music with his brother David, (playing tonight) since he was eight years old.
www.farmaid.org/site/c.qlI5IhNVJsE/b.4444823/

9pm: The Lonesome Heroes
Proclaimed as "Rewriting the rules of alt country" by the Austin Chronicle, The Lonesome Heroes have emerged as a singular talent out of Austin's music scene. Songwriters Rich Russell and Landry McMeans have cultivated their New York and Texan roots into a unique sound that unites Indie Rock, Folk, and Country. McMeans' lilting voice, meshed with Russell's drier vocals sits atop a multi-layered nest of acoustic guitar, reverb-laden steel, and atmospheric sounds. The result is a haunting city-meets-country feeling, like a chance meeting between Yo la Tengo and Patsy Cline.

" Balancing on the slide of Landry McMeans' lap steel, the Lonesome Heroes' walk the dirt road from West Texas desert to a poor man's urban dwelling. Singer Rich Russell's Brooklyn upbringing marries Willie Nelson to Will Oldham, and when McMeans' delicately airy voice opens up tears roll." THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE

10pm: Jan Bell
"British born, Brooklyn residing Jan Bell plays up tempo soulful country" Time Out, NY
Jan's first band all lived in D.u.m.b.o. when the only bar was an iron workers tavern that stood there for a century. Pedal Steel, violin, banjo and upright bass would squeeze onto a pick up truck stage outside the bar, singing original country blues, and honky tonk classics. Since then she has won the Independent Music Awards Best Alt. Country album; played stages from Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival to Glastonbury; and been featured in The Musician’s Atlas, The Nashville Scene, Americana UK, The Village Voice, and NOW Toronto. Along the way opening for Emmylou Harris, Odetta, Wanda Jackson, Ferron, The Be Good Tanyas, Jolie Holland, and Steve Earle.

"Maybe growing up in Nottinghamshire is what sets Jan Bell apart from the run of local lady folkies. Or maybe its the slide guitars, harmonicas, mandolins and banjos. Dark, old timey spareness......gorgeous." Village Voice.
"A latter day Loretta Lynn...her roots still show" The Sunday Times (London,UK)

www.janbellmusic.com

Hoe Down in the Home Counties

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

British journalist Tim Cooper explores UK Americana - giving it the handle 'Anglicana'. Jan Bell is referred to as a British country music artist making waves in the USA, and as 'A latter day Loretta Lynn...whose roots still show'. To see the whole piece:
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article7048594.ece

Brooklyn Winter Hoedown in the NY Post.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Brooklyn Winter Hoedown! Readallabout-it in the New York Post!
Once again, The Brooklyn Winter Hoedown graces the stage of Superfine for 3 days of bluegrass and stringband fun. The Hoedown starts on March 5-7: Friday night, Saturday night and all day Sunday, and will host 12 bands covering Oldtime,Bluegrass, Stringband and Old-Style Country Music. The Brooklyn Winter Hoedown is proud to find a place at Superfine, long a cultural lynchpin of DUMBO and known for their great vibe and fantastic food. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Jan Bell and her alt country band go on right at 10pm. Rima Fand (Luminescent Orchestrii) violin; Tim Luntzel (Roseanne Cash) Upright Bass, Hilary Hawke (The Maybelles) banjo; and Brian Geltner (Johnny Society) drums.
Very special guest Jen Larson sits in on a song or two, too!

See the write up in the NY Post:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/diverse_bands_all_united_by_strings_DPCpnoLzjvtFMa9ilpwYbL

EC Ball Memorial Album

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

A wonderful album comes out December 12th that is a must-have if you're at all interested in what we call "American Roots" music - that is, ballads, folk songs, blues, mountain gospel, old time country and such. Entitled "Face a 'Frowning World': An E.C. Ball Memorial Album", pays tribute to the late, great Estil C. Ball and his wife Orna of Rugby, Virginia. Lomax archivist and connoisseur extraordinaire Nathan Salsburg has worked tirelessly to bring you this album, with over 30 performers paying tribute to E.C. and Orna and their music. "Fathers Have a Home Sweet Home" is sung by Jan Bell, Jolie Holland, and Samantha Parton. Other guests on the album include Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Michael Hurley, and Catherine Irwin. It's out on Tompkins Square Records/Thrill Jockey.

City Winery - Charisma Artists Evening

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

January 10th, 2010 - A special Charisma Artist Agency APAP showcase, featuring 10 top bands.
Featuring:
7:00 - 7:25 - Fishtank Ensemble
7:35 - 8:00 — Jan Bell
8:10 - 8:35 — Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade
8:45 - 9:10 — THE WIYOS
9:20 - 9:45 — Boulder Acoustic Society
9:55 - 10:20 — Asylum Street Spankers
10:30 - 10:55 — moira smiley & VOCO
11:05 - 11:30 — Kailin Yong Peace Project
11:30 - 11:55 — Sxip Shirey

Tickets are $10.00 ($15 door). Free entry for APAP Presenters and Badge Holders.
www.citywinery.com

www.charismaartist.com

Feed The Fish

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Keep an eye out for the upcoming release of:
FEED THE FISH

Director/Writer - Michael Matzdorff

Executive Producers - Tony Shalhoub, Robert Weiner, RDI Stages
Producers - Nicholas Langholff, Alison Abrohams, Michael Matzdorff

Original Music - T.D. Lind, Jan Bell
www.feedthefishmovie.com

Jolie Holland Live at the Double Door

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700