Stunning. Charismatic. Compelling. These are just a few words to describe the performances and music of singer/songwriter Jana Keeley. While working on her debut album, "Trouble", Jana has been playing highly regarded venues such as the Grand Forks Folk Festival, where her sincere lyricism and undeniable stage presence have earned her a reputation as a rising star.
Growing up on a cattle ranch at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Southern Alberta provided the backdrop for Jana’s first life experiences and musical inspiration. “Few people have the opportunity of living in the last days of the real Wild West,” she reflects. “My family raised cattle in the heart of grizzly bear country. By the time I was a teenager I could ride, rope, shoot, and I knew how to survive off the land.”
When there wasn’t work to be done, Jana took the rare opportunities of being home alone to unlock the guitar that was stored under her mothers’ bed. Jana laughs, “I’m given a gun for my 10th birthday, but not allowed to touch the guitar because I might break it.” By the time her family realized Jana’s innate musical ability, and released the guitar to her, she was already playing fluently and writing her own songs.
“One of the first songs I wrote was for a close family member who died," says Jana. That piece, A Song for Glen was recorded as an EP and sold across Canada and the United States. Jana was invited to perform the single at the Professional Bullriders' Association finals in Las Vegas, where she impressed an audience of 20,000 with her raw vocal ability and heartfelt deliverance. That song was later broadcast on TNN.
The much anticipated album, "Trouble", was recorded in Victoria, BC with the help of Juno award winning producer/engineer Joby Baker. “Working with Joby was such a positive and amazing experience,” says Jana. “In all my previous recordings, I really felt like something was missing in the final productions…the studios were excellent, the players were top notch, and the outcome was professional. But something wasn’t coming across right - it felt like hearing someone else’s songs. So I decided to wipe the slate clean and start again.” Jana connected with Joby and asked him to help make a record that is a reflection of her songwriting and her personality. “The songs are very heartfelt and personal. I have a sweet, soft voice. But anyone who knows me personally can attest that I’m not always that sugary…there’s a little more edge, grit and ‘trouble’ to how I feel and come across.”
The outcome of Joby and Jana’s collaboration is an album defined by its contrast. Beautiful melodies, angelic voice, and raw lyrics accompanied by dirty guitar tones and creative drums. From the initial track “January” to the final chords of “The Fall” this album is a road trip through life experiences – from loneliness and longing, to hope and understanding. It’s definitely a musical ride worth taking.
The official release date for the album was November 15, 2009, but to Jana’s surprise, the record was getting radio play this past September on the UK's BBC Radio One. “Apparently Bob Harris got a copy of my record in Nashville when he was visiting there, and started featuring me over the next three weeks on his Saturday night program. It was a bit surreal to wake up one morning to a barrage of emails from fans wondering where they could buy the record and when I would be touring in the UK. Needless to say, that really got the ball rolling, and I’m running with it as fast as I can.”
Jana’s cross Canada tour is planned for May 2010. Venues and locations TBA.
 |
 |
 |