Product Description A soulful mixture of rock and blues. 15 Songs from the heart with super musicianship. Rootsy, hooky and uplifting. If you like Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Janis Joplin or the Rolling Stones you'll love Jan James. This American music artist has been described as "Joplin singing for the Stones" by the European press, "Outstanding, rock steady" by the English press, and a "powerful soulful diva" by the American press.From the loudest roadhouse rockers to the tender soulful ballads Jan James is a classic artist that feels like you've know her all your life, listen and believe! Review "...captivated my ears... This bluesy-tinged and hooky effort could be the beginning of big things for Jan" -- Gavin Report New York/USA"...first class,rock steady...great songwriting powerful" -- British Blues Connection London/U.K."...from the opening guitar riff it was clear that James would be strong tasty performance...Joplin singing for the Faces" -- Telegraph Amsterdam/Netherlands"...powerful expression away from the usual cliches...great sounding" -- Guitar & Bass Berlin/Germany"...soulful rhythms...sweet serenade...powerful voice...Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin & Tina Turner repeatedly come to mind" -- Illinois Entertainer Chicago/USA About the Artist Jan James Biography Tina Turner Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones: Jan James has heard her names compared to these legends all her life. Flattering thought they are, these comparisons fail to tell the whole story behind this singer's extraordinary sound and life. While certainly these acts have influenced her immensely, Jan's own true talent is what has drawn this blues inspired singer with the sand paper tinged voice into the hearts of fans from hometowns Detroit and Chicago to those across the continent in Europe. Over the last few years Jan has reigned as one of the most popular female voices in the city of Chicago. Known for her ability to perform very diverse styles of music from hard rock to deep south blues, Jan got her start back home in Detroit, religiously singing along to any record she could get her young hands on. From church choir to singing with various bands during her high school days, Jan was no stranger to the stage. Whether that stage was in a bar or club or even at a backyard party didn't really matter. If there was an audience to perform to you could certainly find Jan in front of them singing. After years of singing for other people's bands it was time for Jan to form a group of her own. Teaming up with Craig Calvert, then a guitarist in a local punk band, the two joined forces to form a blues and rock-a-billy band called the Flying Tigers. Soon after Jan James and Craig Calvert began playing together they also began writing together. Borrowing from shared influences ranging from Billie Holiday and Muddy Waters to Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin, the two blended rock, soul, gospel and blues to create their own signature sound and style. Voted "Best Female Vocalist" by the Detroit Metro Times. Jan and Craig soon outgrew this city's cover-band oriented music scene. With raves following the Flying Tigers wherever they played, it became obvious that the key to this band's success was the chemistry between the dynamic duo of Jan James and Craig Calvert. Breaking away from this ensemble the two decided that a change of scenery was necessary in order to progress musically. Jan and Craig soon set off to conquer Chicago with their new band, Jewel Fetish, tow. Ready to take the Windy City by storm, Jan and Craig blew into town and quickly turned another music scene on it's ear. Nixing the moniker Jewel Fetish in favor of performing under her own name, Jan James soon became a local favorite in her new hometown. A regular performer at famed venues like the China Club and Taste of Chicago, Jan has won opening slots for such artists as Koko Taylor, BB King, The Divinyls, The Bo Deans, Albert Collins and Little Feat. She has also become the underground "treat" of Chicago's two major stations WXRT and WLUP, where listeners often get the chance to preview Jan's latest material. In early 1995 the buzz of Chicago somehow spread to Europe. That February, Jan released her debut album Last Train on the Netherlands' Provogue Music label. The album was co-produced by Jan, Craig Calvert and well-known Chicago producer, Steve Shafer. Mastered by Greg Calbi, who is famous for work on classic albums by The Rolling Stones, Cheap Trick, and many others, Last Train's infectious mix of flat-out rock and roll, blues and even gospel tracks was soon embraced by the European press. With Europe extending open arms, Jan and Craig embarked on a promotional tour of acoustic television and radio performances in the Nehterlands, Belgium and Germany. Following this promo tour the buzz increased as the European music press raved, "voices of the caliber of Jan James are rare in today's pop music..." and "...Her upbeat rock is exceptionally radio friendly and very stylishly executed." Leaving the press and the fans overseas clamoring for more, Jan returned to Europe in 1996 to tour in support of Last Train. Backed by an 8-piece band, she slammed out her soulful, bluesy rock and roll in venues ranging from huge festivals to small clubs, gaining new fans with every performance. In late 1996, Jan released The Color Of The Rose, her follow-up to Last Train. Shortly after, in early 1997 came her third and latest CD for Provogue Records, Soul Desire. With each successive release Jan's trademark raspy rock and soul vocals take on a little more of her own individuality as she draws from the influences of her idols. Ranging from vocal sensitivity a la Billie Holiday to her Tina Turner meets Mick Jagger-like raw power, Jan James manages to incorporate all the juicy bits from the legends she grew up with. Craig Calvert does the same, bashing out the blues in Santana vs. Hendrix type battle. Together they take the sassiness of the Stones, the sheer talent of Aretha and the recklessness of Janis Joplin to create their own brand of rock and blues. Just when you thought it was safe to assume all the legends were behind us, watch out for what's next from Jan James. The close of 1998 marks her first nationwide U.S. release on Edel America Records with her hot new single "Faith". Produced and engineered by Chicago native, Danny Leake, "Faith's" blend of pop-tinged bluesy soul shows the mature side of Jan James' vocal style. Destined for radio stations everywhere, Jan is more than ready for her first mainstream U.S. hit. It's about time the buzz in Europe, Chicago and Detroit comes to a full circle to take the other six continents and 48 states by command. Band Members are... Jan James vocals,guitar Craig Calvert, Guitars Bob Long, Keys Brandon Scofield, Bass Jason Bourne Drums, Kristian V. Nordine, guitars See more