Jeanne Jolly

Description

Jeanne Jolly’s artistry encompasses the heartfelt confessional quality of the singer-songwriter tradition, the earthiness of American roots music, a hint of jazz sophistication, and the smoldering emotionality of soul balladry. Her first album, Angels, debuted in the Top 15 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart, and she’s garnered plum accolades such as being praised as a singer/songwriter who “melds folksy, soulful country with heavenly, heartfelt lyricism” (News & Observer), and as a vocalist who “can easily shift to the dusky lilt of Alison Krauss or the sophisticated jazz phrasing of Rickie Lee Jones” (Missoulian). On A Place To Run, her music background comes together organically, like never before. Her accomplished musicality, intimate lyrics, and passion and respect for the heritage of country, folk, and soul music smoothly blend together with elegant earthiness. A Place To Run is grittier and heavier, in terms of groove and lyrical content, than any of Jeanne’s previous releases. “We were going for a more soulful and unrestricted sound this time around.” Jeanne confirms. “The rich and earthy sounds of Wurlitzer organs, woodwinds, lap steel, Juno, guitars, and thick vocal harmonies bring a deeper and more soul stirring sound overall.” The album was tracked at The Fidelitorium in Kernersville, NC with a special eight-piece band. “We carefully chose the musicians we love to record with us,” Jeanne reveals. The band features childhood friend and Hot at Nights guitarist Chris Boerner, Jeanne’s longtime pedal steel player Allyn Love, Phil Cook and Brad Cook from the acclaimed Raleigh band Megafaun, and Bon Iver drummer Matt McCaughan, among other stellar instrumentalists James Wallace & Matt Douglas. The profound themes of love, loss, and running between these extremes permeates the album. On the country-porch soul of “Gypsy Skin” Jeanne sings, “let me be your sweet relief/let me light up your darkest night.” Here, she offers a place for her lover to run to, as a home away from a restless heart. The beautifully complex tapestry of moony melodicism on “California” cycles through acceptance & mourning until reaching a peaceful closure. The album title is from a lyric in the swampy and stately “Boundless Love.” “That song is about the fact that everyone needs a place to run. The message is–don’t put limitations on love and expression, be free and bold with your love, and pray with your feet moving. Don’t wait around for life to come to you.” Jeanne says.