Jan Spencer
Tribute
© 2004 Jan Spencer, BackYardStage Publishing (634479216817)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Smooth Jazz & Blues Singer-Songwriter, Jan Spencer Sings and plays in a style that could be described as maybe, folk Jazz? She's some combination of Bill Withers, Bonnie Raitt and India Arie, with a voice that's got it's own special something.
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Her fans say she has a voice like chocolate...rich and delicious! They describe her musical style as Bill Withers meets Roberta Flack or Cassandra Wilson meets Brenda Russell or Bonnie Raitt meets Nancy Wilson. Yet she definitely has her own, unique sound...smooth & jazzy with a bit of sass, especially when she sings the blues.
All of the songs on the "Tribute" CD were either written or arranged by Jan and feature the work of some of the South Carolina Low Country's most talented musicians.
I entitled the CD "Tribute" because several of the songs on it are dedicated to the memory of people who profoundly affected my life and work. Two of them made their transitions in 2003.
The first person is my precious Grandmother, Mrs. Daisy Daniel. "Grandmother We Will Miss You" is dedicated to her. The second person is my friend, mentor and beloved soul mate, the celebrated African American artist, Tom Feelings.
Four of the songs on this project were written during or about our relationship. "Thank You Brother Tom" however, was written as my gift to him for his 70th birthday.
All of the songs on this project were written or chosen to chronicle segments of my artistic journey and to honor people who have loved, supported, challenged and inspired me along the way.
At the head of that list of folks is my mother, Mrs. Hazel Cosper, who introduced me to music-making at the tender age of 4. The project has been a labor of love, with God and the Ancestors assisting and advising my every step. I've enjoyed the completion of this project.
Now it's your turn! Click to sample the sounds of "Tribute".
Who is Jan Spencer?
A Native Detroiter who grew up listening to and singing along with Motown Music, Sarah Vaughn, Sam Cooke, Gloria Lynn, and Roberta Flack, while studying classical piano.
As preteens, she and her sister were even approached by Motown but her parents thought they were too young to be exposed to the demands of the industry.
Anyway, from that mixed bag of musical influences has emerged a captivatingly original Jazz Singer-Songwriter. Here's what the critics have to say about her...
* "When Spencer sings, perfection flows!"
Gail Westerfield, The Beaufort Gazette
* "Spencer delivers a song with zest and originality, demonstrating extraordinary vocal command and stage presence".
Louise Causey Lewis, Hilton Head Island Packet
* "Like Nancy Wilson she changes the tempo, the phrasing, the volume as she works her way through standards like "When Sunny Gets Blue". Spencer finds the right balance. She gives us something different but her treatments do not completely abandon the chemistry that made a particular song resonate in the first place.
Spencer knows that a big part of the music is the memories; images that come up on the screen when on hears..."When Sunny gets blue/Her eyes get gray and cloudy/Then the rain begins to fall...Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter..."
Scott Graber, The Beaufort Gazette
* "Spencer's relaxed spirit and smooth classic voice make for a perfect evening to sip some wine and enjoy".
Lisa J. Vogeley, Current Diversions
She has shared national and international stages with such greats as Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Chris Kristopherson and Roy Ayers.
In her current Beaufort, SC home, she has established a reputation as a "World-Class" entertainer, performing extensively in local and regional clubs, concerts and festivals. Jan's fans say that she possesses a provocative and sensual vocal style unlike any other.
For her "Tribute" CD project, Jan has finally gotten back to playing piano and singing her original music after many years of being a stand-out-in-front-of-the-standard-jazz trio kinda singer. Although she loved that performance format, she is deliriously happy to finally sit at the piano and have her musical say.
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Congratulations Jan and Best Wishes.
author: Ed NelsonI'll Pass this on to others. Ed Nelson