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
| http://www.jeannetarrigo.com |