Jan Bell: The Maybelles

"British-born, Brooklyn-residing Jan Bell leads the Maybelles into up-tempo, soulful country jams." May, 2010.

The Maybelles 2010 led by Jan Bell are based in Brooklyn, NY and comprise of three part harmony, guitar, fiddle, upright bass, banjo and sometimes piano.
New album 'Hello Stranger' due Summer 2010! You can hear a preview on our myspace.
the revived line up comprises Hilary Hawke - who joined The Maybelles at the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA) in Nashville. Hilary has been a member of the band since 2006, when The Maybelles opened for Wanda Jackson.
Philippa Thomson has played with Jan Bell for two years, and joined the Maybelles in 2009. As a multi-instrumentalist she brings fiddle, accordion, percussion and you can catch her playing the saw on a tune or two!
Debbie Kennedy is the most recent band member, joining The Maybelles on upright bass and vocals in Spring 2010.
Megan Palmer is a special guest Maybelle who plays piano and violin at New York City Shows.

We just love The Maybelles...memorable songs, great spirit, lovely and lilting harmonies---plus they're just plain fun. Its great to hear them re-inventing a whole new kind of old-time music.

“ Of all the music the Be Good Tanya's gave me, my favorite is The Maybelles. They sound like they might be the grand daughters of country greats from the 1930's, The Wild Wood Flowers”

I love bands that are willing to explore new territory. I love the instrumental combination, the old-time real country feel, the close harmonies and the sprightly fiddle playing. I think you all are onto something big. Thanks so much for sending me a copy of Leavin' Town.

An EXPERT BAND ! Celtic tinged, Appalachian influenced repertoire puts their album in my Top Ten Folk Albums 2005.

"I'm a big fan. They've got it all - good writing, good voices, good sound. If you haven't seen the Maybelles in a while, you've got a real surprise coming!"
Goodfolk Concert Producer, Arkansas.

Fabulous harmonies, marvellously balanced instruments, contemporary lyrics and sassy attitude, a formula which first made them big favorites in New Orleans and now has them touring European festivals this summer.

"Gloriously sensual harmonies, with expert and authentic instrumentality and solid songs. Their style is "mountain music"--Appalachian--with a good bit of bluegrass flavor. "

This terrific trio is everything you would expect from a folk country blues outfit: deliciously sweet harmonies and dexterous hands that can turn their skill to all kinds of buoyant Appalachian bluegrass and mountain music.
The North Devon Journal

It's exactly what you want, a good-time band in a good-time pub. Who'd have thought that a bit of the Appalachian mountains by the beach would make a perfect night out? Brighton Artists and Makers.

Their own songs had the air of classics in the making. The Maybelles make well-matured, fiery, musical moonshine – with a twist.
The Argus Daily

In Fall 2009, The Maybelles returned to where it all began, back in their Ozark Mountain home - Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Ten years or so ago Nebraska native Melissa Carper and Yorkshire lass Jan Bell sat on a bench in the heart of Eureka singing old time country songs.
They were soon on the road, spending Winter playing the streets of New Orleans. Over the years, they came home to Eureka, opening for Emmylou Harris, Odetta, and playing the long running Ozark Folk Festival. As the rhythm section for their New Orleans pal, Opal Fly, they opened for Ray Charles at The AUD.
A few years later, they returned to Jan's adopted hometown of New York City - where they met up with fiddle player Katy Cox
Despite being based in three different states,(AR, NY, TX) the three had a busy few years. In 2009, they played Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, and folk festivals in the UK. They also went back to where it all began,Eureka Springs to headline at The AUD. Thousands of miles and hundreds of shows and adventures later, Jan and Melissa and Katy are staying closer to home.
Jan continues to lead the band back up in Brooklyn, playing with musicians who were part of The Maybelles along the way.