Joanne has been compared to Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny, Annie Haslam, Natalie Merchant and others, and she’s happy to be in such company. Beginning with the release of her eponymous first album in 2001, Joanne has been a musical favorite in the Baltimore-Washington singer-songwriter scene. While most of her attention for the past ten years has been singing and writing music with her TELESMA band mates, Joanne still regularly performs as pillowbook with Adrian Bond at 49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar and Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland at their “Last Sundays @ 49” music series every last Sunday of the month. See reviews of Joanne's music below. Listen to some of Joanne's music here:
Here’s what’s been said about Joanne:
QUOTES | “If her Joni-Mitchell-meets-Suzanne-Vega styled verses don’t perk your ears, her breathy soprano will.” — washingtonpost.com
“Picture all the best of Natalie Merchant’s passion in performance, Joni Mitchell’s control of the way language sounds, the musical sense of Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks’ lure woven into one unique lyrical blues-infused voice.” — 1340mag.com by Heather Wiederstein
“Listener beware: this music is addictive!” — University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Retriever Weekly
“One sure gem.” — Geoffrey Himes, Columbia Flier.
“It may well be just a matter of time before the major labels come calling.” — c-ville, Charlottesville, Virginia’s alternative weekly.
“Well she’s got voice.” — Read the interview and review by Nick Torres of Guitar Noise, the online guitar college (www.guitarnoise.com).
REVIEWS | “File under heavenly voices. These are haunting songs full of mystery and meaning — songs with brilliant melancholic melodies — songs that demand repeat listens.”— Albert Garzon, Com4 Distribution, former producer of 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant
“Joanne Juskus is one of the more talented artists who have sent me independently released product. No, make that of all product I have received! Just brilliant!”— Michael Jaworek, The Birchmere
“My missus listens to a lot of Joni Mitchell, so I get annoyed when every expressive female singer gets compared to her when they’re nowhere near that league. But greater Baltimore’s Juskus is of the few who actually is. Her sumptuous piano (think 1969 Elton John) and languid, full-mouthed singing style is a positive comparison, with a modern sound that makes me miss Suddenly, Tammy! Picked on her 2001 self-titled debut by Amtrak’s magazine as among the six best unsigned artists and by The Washington Post as a “Top 10 pick,” Ms. Juskus already has admirers taken in by the siren call of her radio-sensuous production and the dreamy quality of her vocals, and this disc in general. Maybe it’s too splashy for indie chicks and riot grrls, but as adult music goes this is quite beefy.”— Jack Rabid, editor, The Big Takeover (independent music magazine)
“Musikfest receives over 3,000 submissions a year, and Joanne Juskus’s self-titled CD was the best one I’ve ever heard. Her vocals on ‘Never Be the Same’ were like a breath of fresh air, reminiscent of Joan Osborne’s lush sound and songcrafting. Joanne and her band Near Oblivion will soon become a nationally recognized name in the music industry.”— Robin Zaremski, Director of Performing Arts, ArtsQuest
“Joanne Juskus, with her beautiful voice, wonderful rhythms and great band, performs songs that touch the heart and soul and stir in us a sense of unity.”— Joyce Sica, Uptown Concerts
I can’t thank you and your band enough for performing at our 12th Annual Race for the Cure. [News anchor] Sally Thorner was right, you are phenomenal! Your contribution to the event helped to make it special for the thousands of breast cancer survivors and their families. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I really appreciate you sharing your incredible talents with us on our special day. Please thank your band for me. Everyone was fantastic.”— Susan Otradovec, Public Affairs Manager, WJZ-TV, Baltimore
Female vocalists: there can never be enough of them. Sure, Tom Waits might have a voice perfectly made for singing about dancing Cubans and drunk jockeys; sure, Black Francis might be able to scream about sex and mutilation. But sometimes it’s just not satisfying- sometimes we just need something softer and more, shall we say, feminine. Thankfully, we have artists like Feist, Eisley, Sleater-Kinney, and Norah Jones. Now we have another artist to add to that ever-growing list: Joanne Juskus.
“Juskus’ recent album, See Your Face, is a journey in itself. From its more experimental tendencies to its spiritual leanings, See Your Face owns its own style and needs not borrow outside ideas. The albums opens with “Holy Man” and an almost Krishna Das-like chant- but don’t be quick to judge. Wait until she starts singing like a young Joni Mitchell.
“One of my favorite things about this album is the variety of instrumentation present. You can find everything from hammered dulcimers to Indian slide guitars to a variety of percussion instruments. The wide range of percussive instrumentation is not surprising, considering Juskus’ past with the band Telesma, who blends “the ancient and modern in instrumentation and spirit”. TELESMA seems to have rubbed off onto Juskus’ style. “Nothing” is a definite change in pace after the first five tracks, reminding me vaguely of Meredith Brooks, only not as angsty. It also features an amazing mandolin solo. However, this change is only temporary and the album reverts back to its slower pace after the track.
“Missing You” is a beautiful track, featuring only Juskus’ voice, her piano, and a violin. “Together Apart” is possibly the best track on the album and truly allows Juskus to set her beautiful voice on display (as if the rest of the tracks don’t already).
Joanne Juskus has succeeded in many aspects with the release of See Your Face. She has created an album so diverse that it cannot simply be heard and understood. There is a depth to every track, a reason for every rhythm, and a meaning behind everything. Be prepared to make some room on your Ipod- I think she just beat out Robert Pollard on mine. This is one woman that you should keep an eye out for.”— Mark Pranger, independentclauses.com
See Your Face is a gorgeous-sounding record. Juskus, a keyboard player and singer-songwriter, has made one for the headphones. Full of layers of sound, I was immediately taken with the superb production, which gives the recording a sense of aural spaciousness. Its opening song, Holy Man, begins with a chant in Sanskrit.”Om ajnana-timirandhasya jananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah” (translated). “I offer myself to sri guru, who with the lamp of wisdom has dispelled the darkness of ignorance from my blind eyes.” As a sitar-like instrument drones underneath the chant, its layers of voices and echoes give it a feeling of otherworldliness, before it fades into Juskus on the piano, playing one of the many lovely melodies that show up in abundance on this disc. That opening chant is one of a few Hindu influences she brings to the record. Others include the songs Right and Ritual And Daily Not, which have lyrics based on poems by Swami B.V Tripurari, a Hindu monk in the Gaudiya Valsnava tradition (www.swami.org). The former, a slower tune with a New Age atmosphere, sums up the philosophy that Juskus follows on See Your Face. It reads, “rhyme and rhythm/the drum beats, and we are driven/to dance and sing with abandon/what merry have you made and why do I ask on”. With that, she gives us 13 songs from her heart, soul and beyond. Along with the Eastern influences, she also throws a little pop and rock into the mix. The title track is an up-tempo number that has a very catchy chorus. On Nothing Juskus rocks out. It’s a great kiss-off song that has Juskus proclaiming, “you left me with nothing and it feels so good.” It’s her song of liberation and enlightenment as she chastises her former lover with lines like “no more cutting condescension, no castigating conversation” and “you took your ambivalence, your alibis and my innocence…” by the time she gets to the end and sings “ who needs you — I’ve got my own style” you can tell the girl is pissed. Speaking of style, there are certain songs where you can’t help but draw comparisons to Joni Mitchell. On Gravity and Untouched she emulates Mitchell’s vocal style to a degree. And you can definitely hear influences in some of her piano playing. Both songs are good demonstrations of Juskus’ vocal range. Her voice is very fluid, capable of being both delicate and strong.
“This is one of the best-sounding CDs I’ve heard in a while. Produced by Chris Mandra, Frank Marchand, and Juskus, the recording has a real presence to it. It has a wide sound field, which gives it an expansive quality. Stereo separation is great, but run through a surround sound processor in Dolby Digital® or DTS® music mode, it sounds fantastic. A variety of different sounds and instruments from five distinct channels really opens up the recording.
“See Your Face is a totally accessible piece of music. Joanne Juskus is a first-rate songwriter, player and vocalist who knows her way around a melody and the importance of a catchy hook. Full of different sounds and styles, it’s the personal reflection of a woman and the spiritual guidance in her life. When I reviewed her first album years ago, I said I thought that she was one of the most talented singer-songwriters in the area, and that still stands. Since then, she has matured as a songwriter and musician and branched off into other projects, most notably Telesma, a very cool band that’s an experience in itself. To hear tracks from See Your Face, and learn more about Joanne Juskus, go to joannejuskusmusic.com. I think you’ll like what you hear.”— Michael Macey, Chespeake Music Guide
“Joanne Juskus and her band Near Oblivion gave an incredibly compelling debut performance at the 2002 Frederick Festival of the Arts. I had the pleasure of watching the audience “watch” her and they were mesmerized by her hauntingly beautiful melodies. We look forward to having her back!!”— Michelle Swan, Entertainment Director, Frederick Festival of the Arts
“One sure gem is ‘Joanne Juskus’ (Rudderfish), the debut album by Joanne Juskus. This singer-songwriter jumped into the top-10 of the MP3.com charts and was a finalist in the “Women of MP3.com’s Song of the Year” competition. Web surfers responded to her striking soprano voice, which seems to promise a personal intimacy while refusing to be pinned down. Her throaty voice has a quirky eroticism and an irrepressible sauciness that make her distinctive. She has arrived as a singer…”— Geoffrey Himes (The Washington Post), The Columbia Flier, Columbia, Maryland. Click here for full review.
“With very interesting folk arrangements for guitar, violin and vox, plus a fabulous spiritual vibe to boot, Joanne’s music deserves to be heard by many more outside her native Washington/Baltimore area. Brad Allen (producer) adds amazing dimensions of sound with guitar, keys, etc.”— Dan Herman, Radio Crystal Blue
“Joanne Juskus is one of the most talented singer/songwriters on the local music scene today. One only has to listen to her self-titled CD to know she’s on her way to a long and successful career. With a knack for beautiful melodies and intelligent lyrics, and a wonderful voice to boot, Joanne Juskus writes and sings music that is timeless in its appeal.”— Michael Macey, DJ, WRNR-FM, 103.1, Annapolis, MD
“To hear Joanne Juskus live, up close and personal in the intimate setting of a house concert maximizes all musical senses with magical sounds. Joanne has superb songwriting, vocal and keyboard talents delivered with just the right touch of emotion and heartfelt sincerity that reels you right in.
"This combined with her trio partners, Brad Allen on guitars and supporting vocals and Willard Morris on violin, puts icing on the cake for a mesmerizing sound not to be matched.”— Gene Dawson, Dawson House Concerts
“With a dreamlike, progressive approach to production, the new self titled cd by JOANNE JUSKUS is spectacular!
"MISS JUSKUS has the voice of a sultry songbird whose vocals fly through an arrangement of songs as if they were one. It’s these vocals and the production combined that make this piece of work so rich with flavor. Not to mention the incredible piano tracks layed down by MISS JUSKUS herself which provide the warmth that is felt throughout the cd.
"In a world of music which sometimes can be drenced with “throw away” type lyrics, MISS JUSKUS’S words are by no means trite. On the contrary, they are innovative and intelligent while still providing memorable hooks. They almost take on the form of entries into the journal of MISS JUSKUS mind.
"It is no wonder this cd is gaining such notable attention and with an artist of such talent, it should not go unexpected or undeserved.”— Janis Tate, www.indiemusicexplosion.com
“What a refreshing release! Every once in a while, music, relishing in originality and spirit is sent our way. Joanne’s debut album is just that. Her songwriting grabbed me instantly, and from the opening tune to the last, I felt myself on a rollercoaster ride to a land I am constantly searching for. You will find a piece of that paradise in Joanne Juskus.”—Jeff Thornton, The Songwriter’s Voice, KZNM-FM, Minnesota
“Joanne Juskus¹s vocal range and lyrical integrity caught my interest within ten seconds of listening to the first song. She explores new ground while paving the way with enough consistency that the listener never loses touch with the music. This music makes listening an active, rather than a passive, experience.”— Melissa Federoff, Earburn Radio, Bloomington, Indiana
“A notable singer/songwriter with an extremely bright future. Soaring and sensual vocals and extremely well-produced progressive arrangements.”— Russ Elliott, Musical Discoveries
“If you hear Joanne Juskus, you’ll love her music.”— Tom Firnhaber, Dawson House Concert host, Gaithersburg, Maryland
“…Joanne’s vocals are indescribably good. I’ve tried, but I just can’t capture her elusive voice in words.”— Matt Fisher, Acoustic World
“Enigmatic music, a strong musician with great influences and great delivery.”— Kimberly Chapron, Women In Production.com
“This CD will appeal to fans of Joni Mitchell or Sarah MacLachlan…Juskus is an accomplished singer with a clear and lovely voice. A well-written, beautifully produced and very impressive debut.”— Jon Sobel, The Global Muse
“Joanne Juskus has a ‘heavenly’ voice: a captivating mix of the soul-piercing delivery of Fiona Apple and the quiet mystery of Natalie Merchant. This record from Juskus has the right voice and the right production.”— Mish Mash Music
“Joanne Juskus has a crystaline voice and sweet folk sound to match it. Her debut album is a very fine collection of songs. From the dreamy ‘Never Be the Same’ to the sensual ‘Taste of You’ the quality of the tracks is high. ‘Within Your Fire’ uses eastern touches and a lyric about love as a consuming fire to a marvellous result. Juskus recalls early Joni Mitchell in voice and material. Her record is brave and beautiful.”—Anna Maria Stjarnell, CollectedSounds.com, a Guide to Women in Music
“In the thirteen songs which form this very good debut, Joanne has put all the experience she has matured during gigging for several years in the States. The songs are fullfilled with personality and refinement, enriched with excellent arrangements by Brad Allen, skilled guitarist and multi-instrumentist, as well co-author and producer of the album. Joanne could be put in the circle of cultured folk songwriting, but the variety of the songs reveals much wider stylistic horizons. If her vocal tone sets her among the most elegant voices of the female songwriters panorama, Joni Mitchell in head, the writing is original and all the songs are personal and characterized. So we have the elegant opening with “Never Be The Same”, already a success in MP3.com, a tribute to the Great Canadian, and then “Meet You There” and “I Am”, which evokes Celtic atmospheres. “Intersection” is a nice crossing to soul funky, but we change again with “Within Your Fire”, a sonorous whirling enriched with eastern flavours, while we find the greatest simplicity in the conclusive “Birthday”, a melancholic jewel for voice and piano. But all the stylistic variations fades in Joanne’s interpretation, who mantles them with her personal touch. Texts, all by Joanne, are included in the booklet and reveal other faces of the artist. The production is excellent and, besides the above mentioned Brad Allen, others fine musicians play in the songs and the final result is quite better than lots of overadvertised products that pollute our ears everyday. If you believe that this opinion is too generous, take a look at the artist site, from which you can download five songs from this album. Try to believe.”— Gianmarco Maggiora, Guitar Club (Italian Guitar Magazine), translation
“Adult contemporary would probably be an apt title to describe Joanne Juskus’ music — it did win the Silver prize for Adult Contemporary music, according to mp3.com. A beautiful voice and some mature songs delivered in a vaguely ‘60s folk kind of way.”— The Hook, Charlottesville, Virginia
"The debut CD from this Washington/Baltimore area vocalist/pianist reflects her MP3 roots — much of it is overlaid with waves of electronic enhancement for the modern on-line audience. Perhaps that is what makes the final track, “Birthday,” stand out — there is nothing to come between the listener and Joanne’s piano and voice, and it works very well. Her cover of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s eccentric “Waters of March” succeeds as well, where the instrumentation is secondary to the vocalist.
"Juskus’ work reveals a musical maturity that is rarely found in a debut CD. Working with Brad Allen, her talented “multi-instrumentalist” producer/co-performer, Joanne develops an intensely rich and moody sound combining her skilled piano abilities with Brad’s literal symphony of instruments. Playing what is sometimes called “new folk” music, Joanne generates a variety of lyrical and musical styles, an interesting mix.
"From passionate love songs like “Meet You There” and “The Taste of You” to the award winning “Birthday,” Joanne projects soothing images and impressive vocalization. “Within Your Fire” serves up eastern Celtic musical influences displaying the joyful image and sound of dancing around a desert fire with the love of one’s life. Immensely rich in tone and production, Joanne’s album elucidates her lifelong love for writing and performing music."— The Room, Review of Original Music, Issue #1 www.reviewoforiginalmusic.com
"The Joanne Juskus Band’s performance at the Focus Inn Alexandria had the audience completely entranced, hanging on every line, and nobody left early — in fact, they called her back for more.”— Steve Key, President of Focus, Washington DC.