Search - Jan Smith :: Bowling Night

Jan Smith -- "Bowling Night"

hudsonhi24 | Vermont, New England, USA | 05/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the career of Jan Smith gathers momentum, this CD should go a long way toward expanding her legion of loyal fans and followers. What becomes immediately evident is that she possesses a terrific singing voice, one that (for me at least) easily rivals those of my other female vocal heroines, including Tracy Nelson, Patsy Cline, Eva Cassidy and Carlene Carter. Somehow, Jan's voice seems to simultaneously contain warmth, humor, sadness and a trace of ironic detachment. The songs on this CD prove to be solid and evocative vehicles for her voice. Four of the tunes were written by Jan Smith herself, four by musical collaborator Joel Arant, and the remainder, "Waltz #2," is by Elliott Smith. I cannot claim that this is a quickly accessible album, as many of the lyrics are rich with metaphor and imagery that only unfold gradually, with repeated listening, but for me that's part of its charm. The melodies, as beautifully and subtly rendered by Jan Smith, are somewhat whimsical, but always original. This is a coherent, intelligent and lyrical body of songs, and Jan Smith always handles the subject with ease and grace. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the degree to which this CD has grown on me, continues to surprise and ensnare me, and I eagerly look forward to more from Jan Smith."

I've just got to say...

Jan Smith | Southeast Iowa early in the morning | 03/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, this is me. Thanks for the reviews. Thanks for visiting and to all of you who've been buying the CD, I appreciate it. Happy trails..."

Fairfields' treasure

Paul Delisle | Fairfield, IA USA | 07/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How I wish I was a poet so I could pay justice to Jan's talent with my words. First I couldn't believe that someone with so much talent wasn't already world famous. The good news is that we get to enjoy her magic voice locally without having to wait in line for hours. Second, I was amazed at her voices ability to open my heart. It's quite an experience. It's actually quite addictive. Her voice is wonderful and precise, working it's way to the deepest level of your heart and soul. I am telling you this but you have to promise to keep it a secret or else we all know what is going to happen. Just buy the CD and don't go telling anyone that works in the music business about her. Please."