You Will Find Yourself Loving The Music Jane St. Clair Creates


By Ida Dorsey


There really are quite a few gem albums you will enjoy discovering on the Internet. Issued in 2007, the poignant album "Stories" is brought to you by the US musician, Jane St. Clair. The melodies and lyrics are all composed and written by her, and she also plays the acoustic guitar and sings her own words on all these songs. Jane's discs are obtainable via CD Baby, Inc, one of the Internet's premier music stores focused on the promotion of the works of independent performers.

Jane is based in California, USA. The tunes she fashions are a fusion of atmospherics and lyricism, fabricating a sound which should appeal to people who enjoy adult contemporary rock, jazz and jazz-pop. Anyone who likes the musical styles of Diana Krall, Steely Dan or Feist could well appreciate this gifted artist too.

Some of the influences apparent in this lady's work include Sting, Burt Bacharach and James Taylor. Jane has also been said to stream from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Stevie Wonder. The songs reflect a passion for words and narrative in the tradition of Tom Waits, Todd Rundgren and Carlos Jobim.

A personal history starting with instruction in writing by the UNC - CH (University of N. Carolina) is clearly identifiable in the prominence of language palpable in Jane's music. Subsequent to Chapel Hill, Jane continued her studies in Boston, learning composition at Berklee College of Music. She expanded her musical knowledge at CalArts, taking advantage of the teachings of tutors including David Roitstein, James Newton, Paul Novros and Jon Bergamo.

Amongst the collaborators on "Stories" are world-class performers such as Ken Lasaine who not only plays the E-Bow, classical and electric guitar, but also co-wrote the music to the haunting song "Shower Into Gray", dedicated to the victims of the Twin Towers tragedy. Other renowned contributors to the album include Alan Pasqua on piano, Danny Frankel on drums and percussion, Michael Manning on the fretless bass, Nedra Wheeler on upright bass and Paul Litteral on trumpet and horn. These musicians have toured and recorded with luminaries in the class of Bob Dylan, Santana, James Brown, kd lang, the B-52s and Ray Charles.

Commentators on "Stories" speak of the lilting vocals, smooth gracefulness of voice and passionate efficiency. People refer to the songs being like poems set to harmonies. Inventiveness and individuality are characteristics often ascribed to St. Clair's ideas. The overall envelope delivers a crystal-clear, unique quality which stimulates the soul.

Distinctiveness is enhanced by the work of Dan Garcia who engineered and mixed the album as well as adding final vocals, additional guitar, percussion and trumpet. Jane's deep grounding in musical and prose education has allowed her to produce heartfelt ballads that combine jazz influences, Brazilian grooves, intuitive instrumentation and clever turns of phrase. Adding a supple, endearing and evocative voice to these elements is a definite recipe for success.

Whether you want to find the soulful music she creates, or many other genres from World music to Avant Garde, CD Baby is an excellent source. Recordings start from only $5 and one can also acquire vinyl here. Many aspiring bands and up-and-coming artists start out by marketing their material on the web.




About the Author: