Search - Jodie Manross :: Still

Still ~ Jodie Manroth

Michael Less | San Diego, CA | 11/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who is this little woman with such a huge voice? At first I felt like spirits grabbed me when I listened to it, but i didn't know exactly what it was. I believed at the time the music was growing on me, but today I realized that somehow it seeped into the fiber of my being. Wow! ...i, and inertia keep playing around in my head.
It would be unfair to label this artist as a Grass Roots bluesy Tracey Chapman with a little Janis Joplin attitude, but this may be ones first impression. I wonder what stories her eyes would tell.-Michael"

[Still wows me everytime]

Alesa | Southeastern U.S. | 09/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some music touches you on so many levels simultaneously that it's hard for even the most articulate to put it into words. That's the essence of "Still" by Jodie Manross. "Still" is the debut CD from the band comprised of the divinely gifted singer/songwriter Jodie Manross and her three equally talented co-conspirators. There is not a weak link in the band's lineup, nor in the music itself. To compare this band's music to any other artist's style or sound would be a disservice, as it truly defies categorization. Every track has something unique to offer -- a simple yet beautifully expressed truth, an unexpected "shake-your-moneymaker-inspiring" rhythm, a vividly painted childhood memory cast with adult perspective, a vulnerability that you can identify with, an unforgettable melody that you can't get out of your head, begging you to replay the CD time and again.Two things astound me about Jodie Manross' music -- one which you'll hear on the CD and one that you'll have to take my word on. First, as you'll hear, the *entire band* has mastered the art of dynamics -- loudness and softness of sound -- an acquired skill that is too often neglected by so-called professional musicians. The incredible dynamics are one of the secret ingredients to this beautiful music and truly distinguishes Jodie Manross from a host of wannabes who consistently perform at full blast because they either don't know better or aren't technically capable. This band never takes the path of least resistance, instead attending to the details of its original art without coming across with an overly engineered sound.My second point, which you can't hear, is what I hope will entice you to give "Still" a try if nothing else I write does. I've never seen such a diverse audience at any live show as I routinely see at Jodie Manross' gigs. You've got your drinking and dancing college crowd, coffee-swilling 35ers like myself in search of something different, and even your adventurous 60-somethings, which further proves that the band's musical quality is self evident, transcending generational tastes and musical fads to offer something of true quality for the senses. If you like clearly delivered, sometimes simple/sometimes soaring vocals, "Still" is for you. If you crave innovative accoustic and electric guitar (plus the oud - a little understood and demanding instrument to master) and out of the ordinary percussion, you'll love it. The cool and confident bass shines, too, the perfect and balanced complement to the whole richly textured brew.Since I'm the first reviewer, I won't divulge my faves on "Still" - it's too hard to choose anyway. Instead, I challenge you to invest in the CD, give it your best listen and post your own opinion on this forum. After hundreds of plays, I still hear something new every time I listen to it. Jodie Manross and "Still" are timeless classics that will leave you hungry for more. And I'm willing to bet that it'll be a staple in your CD collection as it is in mine. A work you'll want to share with your friends and will still be glad you own 10 and 20 years from now."

Gone but not forgotten.

Adrienne Hughes, San Jose, CA | San Jose, CA United States | 12/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Over a year ago, I walked into a Jodie Manross concert by luck. I was totally blown away by her profuse appreciation for the people that came out to see the band, but was even more floored by the show. This tiny, almost fairy-like girl, blew the crowd away with a voice so big it demanded attention. Soon after the show, I moved to California, but have not forgotten that evening with the band. Yesterday, I wandered into a library and recognized her immediately. I thanked her for the show from over a year ago, and amazingly, she gave me "Still." It is a CD that is sure to rotate in my player for a long time. If you're into strong acoustic ballads, and looking for someone fresh that cannot be described in a thousand words or less, pick up this CD."