Always wonderful to get this kind of write up on a performance. But being as house concerts are my favorite venue... it comes natural!
Shanie Holman - backyard house concerts (Sep 26, 2012)
jean mann: press
FAN QUOTES:
"I so enjoyed Saturday night. I've been listening to your recordings versus your raw stripped down live versions from the show. I absolutely love them both but am so grateful I got to hear the live versions first. They are exquisite. My dog, Teddy (the great Dane) has been singing along too. I'll see if I can catch him singing along on tape! I haven't stopped thinking about the show - WOW! It was life changing for me. So inspiring, magical, liberating. I got lost in your music and lyrics - and the two were perfect blends! Have to say I love the string arrangement on the moon song - I just kept listening over and over and got lost in a beautiful feeling as I was listening. Thank you! Am so glad you're coming back - we'll give you the royal treatment! With much gratitude Pauline & Teddy!"
"Oh My Gosh. It was so wonderful meeting you and hearing you sing. I felt as if I was in my living room enjoying your laughter blended with song. ...the intimate interactions created an utterly breathtaking experience.'
Smiling,
Becky"
Bryan Tilford - Concerts in your Home (Jun 20, 2012)
Feature artist gogirls elite!
Madalyn Sklar - Gogirls
(Apr 3, 2012)
dream of goats press/reviews
My latest review comes from Rootstime, based in Belgium!! Therefore in Dutch... "Google translate" is an entertaining way to read it, but here's the original script:
Jean Mann is een artieste afkomstig uit de buurt van Seattle. Kenners weten dat dit, naast Austin, de tweede grote muziekpool uit de VS is. Ze begon haar muzikale carrière op de dag dat haar moeder stierf. Die dag begon ze aan een leven als artiest met vele reizen naar optredens, vele liefdes onderweg en de nodige belevenissen.
In 2000 bracht ze haar eerste plaat uit. Ondertussen is deze “Dream Of Goats” haar vierde worp. Op deze plaat wordt ze bijgestaan door haar muzikale partner Bill Corral die ook de productie voor zijn rekening nam. Verder enkele gastmuzikanten wiens namen niet terug te vinden zijn op de promo cd of de website. We krijgen op deze EP, want hoe noem je een cd met 7 nummers van alles samen 25 minuten, vooral intimistische liedjes die braaf gezongen worden en klinken. Je zou verwachten dat met deze biografische songs wat meer scherpe kantjes in de teksten voorkomen. Ik heb ze niet echt gehoord en als ze er zijn klinken ze heel lieflijk.
Het openingsnummer: “Sleeveless Season” is een trage song waarbij de viool de akoestische gitaar ondersteund. Een song en sfeer die past bij haar engelenstem en perfect is om op luie zondagochtend in je bed te horen bij het ontwaken. De titelsong heeft een klarinetintro. Daarna wordt de song overgenomen door een luie accordeon en enkel schaarse xylofoon- en gitaaraanslagen volgen de tekst. Hetzelfde lazy sfeertje is er bij “Sweet Peas On The Vine” waarbij de ukulele als centraal instrument optreedt. Het doet wat denken aan Victoria Vox, hoewel die een bruisende, humoristische toets aan haar muziek toevoegt die hier ontbreekt. “The Moon Said So” is een intiem dromerig lied met de viool en de stem in de hoofdrol. Het nummer ontbreekt aan pit, maar dat is geldend voor bijna heel de plaat.
En plots horen we drumgeluiden in “Memory’s Dusty Road”, het meest uptempo nummer van de plaat. Maar het beste nummer van de plaat is “Chanson D’Amour” dat ze brengt in een aanstekelijk “Frenglish” met vooral de accordeon die je het gevoel geeft in een of andere Franse steeg te zijn. Melancholisch klinkend doet het grijpen naar een glas wijn en een stuk camembert. Afsluiten doet ze met “Lullaby” een nummer dat zijn titel waarmaakt. Je valt er van in slaap. Mensen die houden van zachte, rustige en mooiklinkende muziek moeten dit kopen. Ik heb graag wat meer weerhaakjes en afwisseling in mijn muziek.
(Lisael)
New 5 star Review!Buy this one
Review: Dream of Goats
As a songwriter, I find it hardest to write happy songs. Not funny happy songs or novelty tunes that lose their listenability after a play or two. I mean timeless, happy songs with enough meat in them to come back to, to play anywhere. Those are the kinds of songs Jean Mann writes.
On Dream of Goats, all self-penned (including the cover art), Jean accompanies herself on all songs with guitar or tenor guitar, and with a band of studio musicians used sparingly but to stunning affect. Cello, accordion, acoustic bass, ukulele and violins merge with understated but sentient lyric, and a smooth, compelling voice of love in Dream of Goats, Chanson d’ Amour (in French), and Sweet Peas On The Vine. Although subtle humor prevails in all her songs, I always laugh for Memory’s dusty Road. If you are a sucker for animal songs you will appreciate Jeans passion for our special companions on Sleeveless Season. No slouch for pipes, Jean weaves effortlessly through my favorite, an especially complex vocal arrangement of the bittersweet “The Moon Said So”. And to close, the writing especially poignant and unpretentious on her closing tune “Lullaby”.
Dream of goats is a mini-opus of happiness, reflection and humor that will not get old. We don’t have enough Jean Manns. Listen to Dream of Goats in the morning and set a course.
Great review from Australia based Indie Showcase!
Dream Of Goats
Jean Mann released this beautiful collection of songs on "Dream Of Goats" album in 2011. It has at times, a whimsical and dreamlike quality, almost hypnotic in nature. While with other tracks, toe tapping and upbeat. A wonderful mix. Jean Mann has an addictive effect on the listener. Her vocal style and grace is remarkable, presenting an expertise at relating emotions, memories and experiences in an honest and clear manner.
Jean Mann and Bill Corral have a rare gift, one they have honed over a number of years. The lyrics in each of these tracks have a life of their own. It is a journey. This is exactly what every songwriter aspires to develop. They not only entertain their listeners, they invite them to the party.
Jean Mann connects with her audience on an emotional level through these songs. The level of instrumentation on these tracks is quite astounding. Running from a rich orchestral feel, to a sublime acoustic performance. The use of violins, clarinet, cello, ukulele and toy piano was an unexpected delight. The production has been well thought out and exceptionally delivered.
The three tracks I have singled out for this review are:
1. Memory's Dusty Road - This is an upbeat song taking you on a trip through memories of childhood. Jean Mann evokes a smile from everyone who hears this. No matter what your history, there will be something in this song that makes you feel warm all over. Love the feel of this song. Lyrics are definitely a treat. Music arrangement and instrumentation are wonderful.
2. Dream Of Goats - This whimsical piece will peek your interest and capture your imagination in an instant. Jean Mann nails the vocals on "Dream Of Goats" with expertise and ease. You are going to be astounded at the impressive instrumentation. This track has been beautifully presented.
3. Sleeveless Season - I loved this song from start to finish. Jean Mann's strong vocals and heart warming lyrics are married up with an upbeat melody and brilliant instrumentation. This song is a sure winner.
The reigning thread that binds this entire collection of songs, is that it is eclectic and magnetic. It is a delight to the ear with a map straight to your heart. You cannot listen to this album without a smile and a feel good attitude. It is a pleasure and a soothing reprieve from our busy, bustling lives. Well done Jean Mann!! No small feat!
If you haven't had the opportunity to hear Jean Mann's "Dream Of Goats" as yet, I encourage you to do so now. It is splendid. www.jeanmann.net
That's just how I see it
Yours in the music
Shashona McCall
Indie Showcase
www.indieshowcase.net
Shashona McCall - INDIE SHOWCASE
(Sep 6, 2011)
My first in-depth interview on the new album, my songwriting process and more...and first ever podcast experience!
Singer/Songwriter
Jean Mann: Dream of Goats
2011, Blue Flower Friday Records.
Jean Mann presents this small collection of original songs (7), her fourth CD. "Sleeveless Season" is a love song with simple guitar work and strings. "Dream of Goats" begins with clarinet and accordion accompaniment. "...he told me a dream of salt and pepper milk goats..." This slow esoteric poem is a bit of whimsy and sets a nice mood.
"Sweet Peas on the Vine" is reminiscent of the '30's, complete with either jumping frog or jaw harp. "The Moon Said So" seems more intimate. Jean's voice is nice and she uses it here with a greater range. Percussion is used simply and tastefully (Bill Corral and Joel Litwin), and somber violin/cello parts (Tom and Virginia Dziekonski with Matt Hopper on acoustic bass) complete the collage. "Memory's Dusty Road" is the most upbeat, a poem of faster metre. Jean writes on an internal tablet with some enjoyment of painting a small picture.
"Chanson D'Amour" was thrown in to fool those of us who cannot speak or sing French. Amy Denio plays accordion and the harmony and vocal effects make this memorable. "Lullaby" features Bill on tenor and acoustic guitar. The guitar is perfect. This is my favorite with an ebb and flow, variety of instruments, Jean using the upper register again. This pleasant bunch of songs has the feel of a lazy Sunday afternoon. It won't bowl you over—just good mellow stuff and worth the listen.
[J.W. McClure]
J.W. McClure - victory review
(Apr 16, 2011)
Jean Mann “Dream of Goats” - Review You
Jean Mann may not be a household name yet, but that is all about to change soon. Gaining praises from 80’s pop icon Cyndi Lauper and placing in the top 12 of the Northwest Lilith Fair talent search last year, Mann is on her way to becoming well known in the music world. Fresh from releasing her fourth album, Dream of Goats, Mann is about to take the music world by storm with her own brand of alternative folk infused with a touch of indie pop.
Opening the record is the soft and whimsical song “Sleeveless Season.” Filled with strings layered under Mann’s voice, this is a charming way to start the album. It grabs your attention immediately, without being too forceful. “Dream of Goats,” the title track, begins with an old Italian charm of gently picked guitar and a prominent accordion. Of course, to some this may be a turn off. Not many people expect to hear the accordion pop into their folk record as a very dominant instrument. Somehow Mann has the ability to make the song seem a comfortable fit, and the accordion fits quite well, adding a bit of life to the work.
“Sweet Peas on the Vine” features a very unique combination of tenor ukulele with baritone ukulele accompaniment. “Won’t you say you love me, carry my heart home,” sings Mann in a poetic tone, making sure not to become sappy. Jumping into “The Moon Said So,” the album takes on a bit of a darker nature as Mann becomes more serious in vocals and music. The song is eerie, and will send chills down the listener’s spine. The haunting voices and bongos with underlying strings add to the perfection of the track. One can really tell the love and care that was put into the song.
“Memory’s Dusty Road” continues the darker theme that Mann has started to show. Dream of Goats is possibly going through a bit of a mood swing, but it works, and it works perfectly. “Memory’s Dusty Road” stands out amongst the other songs on the record with poignant vocals and lyrics that tell a real story. This song can put you to bed, be taken on a suburban road trip, or listened to at a coffee house. It can transcend in many different situations. “Chanson D’amour” blends French and Italian all into one track, which couldn’t have been easy to create. The accordion returns and stays throughout the entire song as Mann performs both the lead and harmony vocals in French. It is unexpected, and so very beautiful to hear. This is a rarity in modern American music. Mann really puts herself to the test, and it does not go unappreciated.
“Lullaby” closes out the album in the best possible way, with the feel of a classic movie musical. The listener will easily be able to picture the sepia-tone era as this blissful piece of music puts their minds and souls at ease.
Though the record really never takes off in terms of heavy hitting tracks, that is what makes it work so well. It’s folk music for those who love the genre, and for those who never knew they liked folk music in the first place. Dreams of Goats is a fantastic piece of work. One can really feel every ounce of effort that Jean Man put into the album, and it is obvious on every song. Watch out world: Jean Mann is on her way to becoming everyone’s favorite songstress. Be prepared to go on a musical journey that will leave you craving more.
Review by Melissa Nastasi
Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)
Melissa Nastasi - Review You
(Apr 12, 2011)
"I absolutely Love your music, it is awesome, lyrics, instrumentals, with stellar vocals. Thanks!" - John B.
Fan Quote - reverbnation (Oct 4, 2011)