Live Interview from Kiel Germany 101.2 FM

Thunder Press read it there
Ring Around The Moon-Jan James
A spark of hope

It’s hard to believe that it has been seven years since I first heard Jan James perform. She was onstage in West Bend, Wisconsin, at the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Celebration. At that time I thought that she was one of the best female vocalists I’d ever heard, and I’m even more convinced of that now.

As the years have passed, Jan has gotten nothing but better. She’s even more smooth and sophisticated in her ability to use that strong, beautiful voice to convey the compelling music and lyrics she writes with her partner, Craig Calvert.

Ring Around the Moon is Jan’s 10th album. She describes it as “a spark of hope ready to catch fire.” And she’s right. It’s also a work with a theme and a tone—a theme and tone of hope; of appreciating all that life has to offer. The cut Right on Time should speak to all of us: “This is a plentiful world. Go fill your arms if you are strong enough. Like the rarest form of a pearl, blessings come to those who don’t hesitate…”

The pure sound of Jan James’ voice will haunt you. The melody lines created by Jan and Craig dance between jazz, blues, R&B, country (I love the dobro and pedal steel) and rock—they, too, are haunting. The CD’s first selection, The World Will Wait, is almost anthem-like. Every time I hear it I feel it should be one of those soundtrack themes of a major motion picture—the kind of thing that conjures up a million images each time it’s played.

The cut You Oughta Know is the life story of many of us. Grains of Sand should kick off every Sunday morning at your local get-out-of-your-seat-and-dance charismatic church. Every piece on this album speaks to all of us in some way.

I have always considered myself to be a true connoisseur of female vocal talent—from Janis to Tracy Nelson, from Bonnie Raitt to Aretha, from Ella to Etta, to all the greats in between. Jan James is definitely in that league—and Ring Around the Moon is definitely one of her best.

Examiner read it there
Ring Around The Moon-Jan James
Experience Jan James CD release show

Jan James is an overlooked Chicago treasure. In addition to playing all over town locally, she has performed in Europe and Scandinavia to huge audiences. She has shared stages with James Brown, Koko Taylor, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Jeff Beck and B.B. King. At Chicago's Royal George Theater Jan had the starring role of Janis Joplin in a musical play based on Janis' letters and songs.

James, with her band, has a CD release show this Friday, August 6th, at Martyrs. You can listen to samples from her new album, Ring Around The Moon, on her website.

The new record is a showcase for her dynamic voice. Click right now and listen to "That's Alright With Me"(click the link there if the player won't play). It's a great Motown style song with a funky beat and a strong, fat saxophone by Josh Shapiro. The album has a wide range of songs with some country leanings with a twangy pedal steel guitar as in "Grains of Sand" to an hymn-like "Someday, Somebody". The more you listen, the more you will like and appreciate this album.

Jan James grabs your attention from the first note of every song and doesn't let go. She has the kind of voice that doesn't need a microphone or modern effects. It's a pure powerful instrument in itself and she is a master with it. James is backed up by her longtime companion/collaborator, Craig Calvert, who has co-written their songs. Calvert also plays a very mean yet subtle guitar effortlessly on every track and whether he is in the background or taking the lead, he's playing something interesting.

Head out to Martyrs Friday and you will discover a great Chicago band.

The Press also said...

"From the opening guitar riff it was clear that James would be strong ...
the blonde singer gave the Melkweg a tasty performance...
gives life to a musical tradition...Joplin singing for Faces...Stones..."
Telegraph - Amsterdam/NetherlandsPureu

"Powerful expression...away from the usual cliches...
great sounding ...particularly soulful"
Music & Media - Amsterdam/Netherlands

"Pulls out all the stops, wailing, growling and bay baying
this is mature showbiz, thoughtfully conceived and deftly executed."
New City - Chicago USA

"Soulful rhythms...sweet serenade...powerful voice...
Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner repeatedly come to mind."
Illinois Entertainer - Chicago USA

Awarded "Best Rock Singer" presented by Mitch Ryder/MetroTimes
Detroit Free Press - Detroit USA

"Pure Powerful...She is a master...a treasure"
Examiner.com - Chicago USA...read it now

"Sophisticated ability strong, beautiful voice compelling music and lyrics"
Thunder Press- Los Angeles USA...read it now