Jeanne T. Arrigo

Artist Information

Biography

Links: http://www.myspace.com/jeannetarrigo
for more full-length songs
and
http://www.youtube.com/arrigoberry14
for live performance video.

Jeanne T. Arrigo is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter and actor, whose debut album, "The Journey’s About to Begin" – composed of 15 original songs blended into acoustic, soulful pop – was released in 2005.

The vision for her second album, "Favorite Hymns, Live!" came to Jeanne nearly fully-formed: She wanted to share her own, unique take on her favorite hymns and spirituals -- songs that are woven deep into the fabric of so many people’s lives, as well as her own. Also, she wanted to record a live concert, so that any listener could feel the joy and sorrow of the music as though they were physically present. The 20 songs on this 2-CD project also include one of Jeanne’s original, previously unrecorded songs (“I am Thankful”).

She met three of the players on her second album while they performed with her in a 2008 production of "Woody Guthrie’s American Song": Ben Harris (mandolin, guitar, ukulele, piano, vocals), Billy Oh (fiddle, vocals), and Shaun Whitley (string bass, violin, guitar, vocals). Rounding out the band is Jim O’Donnell on guitar and banjo; Roxie Imam on clarinet and recorder; Jeff Arrigo (Jeanne’s brother) as guest guitarist, vocalist, and harmonica-player; and guest pianist Elaine Clemens. The wealth of musicianship shared on this album is astounding, and it shows in each and every song.

The concert was held only months after her idea’s inception, at the open and affirming UCC church where Jeanne regularly worships and sings in the choir. Like all ideas that were meant to be, the project came together as if by magic (and with a lot of hard work by all involved!). It was a labor of love, at once similar to and unique from her previous album.

Both albums were engineered/mixed and - in the case of the second album - also recorded and mastered by Jim Reeves of Reeves Audio, Evanston, IL, who is Jeanne's co-producer.

Reviewers from her previous album say:
"The strong emotions explored on Jeanne T. Arrigo's CD ring true thanks to her classic folk singer vocals and deft touch with lyrics..."
- Terrence Flamm, Illinois Entertainer
"Arrigo is startlingly straightforward, earnest and organic in her material, which is enlivened by a beautiful singing voice...sincerity and artistry..."
- Music Connection Magazine.


Jeanne performs solo acoustic showcases and gigs in and around Chicago (Uncommon Ground is a favorite venue) and regionally (WI and IA), as well as working with other local singer/songwriters, backing each other up and fleshing out each other's tunes. She continues to receive rave reviews from live audiences and fellow songwriters. Her original songs tend toward slice-of-life stories, often set in open or alternate tunings. Folks often characterize her sound and style as reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Jonatha Brooke, Shawn Colvin, and The Indigo Girls - all major influences, along with female artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge and Ani DiFranco. Jeanne is a natural performer, relishing every opportunity to share her intimate, organic style with listeners.

Listeners have said: "Her songs are like a love letter I'd like to receive;"
"She creates whole stories in which her characters live."

Instrumentation

Jeanne T. Arrigo - acoustic guitar, vocals

Sometimes line-up includes keyboards, additional instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, hand percussion), and/or back-up vocalist(s).

Discography

"Favorite Hymns"
full length live CD
released 1/09
Players include Jeff Arrigo, Ben Harris, Roxie Imam, Jim O'Donnell, Billy Oh, and Shaun Whitley.
http://www.cdbaby.com/jeannetarrigo2


"The Journey's about to begin..."
full length debut CD
released August, 2005
Players include Jeffrey Arrigo, Joseph Cartagena, Brad Cole, Marc Giannettino, Steve Joyner, & Char O'Neill.
available through multiple online vendors, including
http://www.cdbaby.com/jeannetarrigo

"Five Songs"
Fall, 2004
EP for promotions

Links

• CDbaby.com
• Facebook
• MySpace

Audio

• Without You
  Listen   Download
• I Am Thankful - Live
  Listen   Download
• Road Trip Song
  Listen   Download
• Bring Many Names - Live
  Listen   Download
• How Can I Keep From Singing - Live
  Listen   Download
• Your Last Name
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Road Trip Song
• Without You
• Your Last Name

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• If you love to explore the complex inner world of feeling and emotion, this is a good bet [+ Show ]
  

  The thing you notice the most about this CD is Jeanne Arrigo's voice. With a dynamic range and sound...The thing you notice the most about this CD is Jeanne Arrigo's voice. With a dynamic range and sound, it captures you and keeps you listening. Guitar is the perfect accompaniment to it, rounding out the folk feel that primarily defines this album. If you love to explore the complex inner world of feeling and emotion, this is a good bet -- Arrigo serves it up strong with her voice as the rich delivery.
  
  You also see her play around a bit on this effort, branching out some from her previous (shorter) CD, and it's fun to see where she goes. She has some experimentation under her belt now, so she can see her range more clearly. Track 8, "The Chiropractor Song," has a "live bar" performance feel with a confessional and amusing story about having a crush on her doc:
  
  I push big exhalations and he pulls my neck awhile, there!
  The vertebre clicks and I lay back with a sigh.
  You know my chiropractor is such a sexy guy ...
  
  More often, however, Arrigo is singing about the heavier subjects in life, and you really do feel the emotion ring out through the vehicle of her voice. She emotes extraordinarily well, especially in tracks like "In My Dreams," which was my favorite. With the strength of her vocal capacity, I would love to see even more layering in the lyrics to tease the listener a little more. The raw emotion is terrific, but it can be satisfying to work for the meaning behind it a little too. I saw flashes of that here and there in the lyrics, and it looks like she is already headed for a more complex pattern. I'd love to see the momentum continue in that direction.
  - Catherine L. Tully, 7/06

• Classic folk singer vocals and deft touch with lyrics [+ Show ]
  

  The strong emotions explored on Jeanne T. Arrigo's Five Songs CD ring true thanks to her classic fol...The strong emotions explored on Jeanne T. Arrigo's Five Songs CD ring true thanks to her classic folk singer vocals and deft touch with lyrics. Using extended acoustic arrangements, Arrigo conveys the joy of romance on "Road Trip" as well as the pain of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship on "She." "Remember" both celebrates and mourns a departed loved one, while the couple in "Extraordinary Love" grows closer after having survived some tough times. (Contact: www.jeannetarrigo.com.)
  - Terrence Flamm, 4/05

• Straightforward, sincere and artistic [+ Show ]
  

  A Chicago singer/songwriter, Arrigo is startlingly straightforward, earnest and organic in her mater...A Chicago singer/songwriter, Arrigo is startlingly straightforward, earnest and organic in her material, which is enlivened by a beautiful singing voice. "Road Trip" captures the sights, sounds and feelings of a happy drive. "She" and "The Woman I Was" explore personal secrets, repressions and the liberation one can feel when they are confronted. The sincerity and aristry of this performer could connect with a nice audience, if given the chance.
  - 3/05

• ...a passionate, powerful, almost operatic voice [+ Show ]
  

  This is more mood music than folk storytelling fare. Jeanne T. Arrigo calls her songs character-driv...This is more mood music than folk storytelling fare. Jeanne T. Arrigo calls her songs character-driven short stories, but her songs place us more in the character's state of mind than in the actual story. Yes, we hear about an abusive relationship in "She," but we hear more about what the abused woman thinks, feels, and knows, not so much about what she does. It's hard to figure out what is bad enough to make her leave when the violence is only alluded to in lines such as "The truth was managed by the one who made sure she lived a lie."
  
  That's not to say this isn't beautiful music. For those who like their folk songs more introspective and intense, Arrigo is their girl. She has a passionate, powerful, almost operatic voice that holds long notes for a long time. She moves past the action and goes right into the minds of the players. The reason becomes obvious when you visit her web site -- Arrigo is also an actress. Getting into characters' minds is what acting's all about.
  - Jennifer Layton, 9/04

• A very introspective and intense listening experience [+ Show ]
  

  I almost smelled Sunday morning coffee brewing as this CD started :) I couldn't help but be entranc...I almost smelled Sunday morning coffee brewing as this CD started :) I couldn't help but be entranced with Jeanne's high end vocal expression and phrasing throughout and even though she held notes too long, too much at times for my own ears, the production was very light, breathy and fresh! This treat of just what the cover promised, 5 songs, was a very introspective and intense listening experience. A beautiful music production enhanced the pleasure and left me feeling very relaxed and content. I truly enjoyed the changes in the cut "Extraordinary Love"
  
  CHT Pick- Extraordinary Love
  - Annette Warner, 11/04

Setlist

Jeanne's sets (solo or with backing players) can range anywhere from 1/2 hour to over two hours, including primarily originals and a handful of covers.

Sample of solo original tunes regularly rotated:
10 mph
The Chiropractor Song
The Color Blue
Dig Deep
Direction
Eloobaychoo
Erased
Extraordinary Love
Hold On
The History of Us
I am Thankful
I'll Bet My LIfe
I'm Waiting Here
In My Dreams
Isaiah's Song
I Wear Your Ring
I Will Try
LoveSong
Missing You
My Mama
Remember
Road Trip Song
Sharing Our Bed
She
The Woman I Was
Without You
You
Your Last Name
Your Story

Covers may include songs from:
Shawn Colvin
Del Amitri
Melissa Etheridge
Indigo Girls
Woody Guthrie
Sarah McLachlan
Bonnie Raitt
Kathleen Wilhoite
and,
some standards

HYMNS on the "Favorite Hymns Live" album:
I sing the mighty power of God
What a Fellowship
In the Bulb there is a Flower
Be Now my Vision
For the Beauty of the Earth
My life flows on in Endless Song (How can I keep from singing)
God's Eye is on the Sparrow
Bring Many Names
I'll Fly Away
For the Fruit of all Creation
I was there to hear your Borning Cry
You are Mine
How Great Thou Art
Precious Lord, take my hand
It is Well with my Soul
Praise to the Living God
Far Side Banks of Jordan

Basic Requirements

Calendar