Biography
Jean Synodinos (that’s sin-uh-DEE-nus) delivers smart-sexy acoustic soul for the big kids in the room. Her voice has been hailed by critics as “big league,” and her award-winning writing (including Kerrville New Folk) digs deep lyrically, moving from big affirmations to little ironies at the turn of a phrase. Deftly skating between genres, Jean jumps from pop to jazz to rock to blues in order to find the right groove and tone for each song. Known for her dynamic performances, she lives to “read the room” and deliver shows that keep audiences returning for more.
Both of her CDs, "Breathe" and "Lucky" have received critical acclaim from critics nationwide and feature thoroughbred performances by some of Austin’s finest players. Margaret Moser of the "Austin Chronicle" calls Jean, “As fine a vocalist as she is a composer.” John Conquest of "Third Coast Music" says, “Synodinos is amazing… She has excellent moves as a songwriter and is an accomplished acoustic guitarist, but her big gun is the marvel that is her voice.”
In her adopted hometown of Austin, TX, Jean has also performed as a guest vocalist for Austin’s acclaimed ensemble "Will Taylor & Strings Attached" in several of their shows including: Best of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and A Tribute to Joni Mitchell. She has also co-hosted a weekly acoustic happy hour series, "The Free Radical Social Hour," at Austin’s Club 115.
Nationally, Jean has played venues of all shapes and sizes from coast to coast, from intimate house concerts to full-throttled festivals. And whenever asked, Jean is happy to play benefit concerts, particularly on behalf of organizations that shelter animals and those that support the fight against breast cancer. A survivor herself, Jean appreciates all opportunities to remind people to be pro-active about their health and the health of those they love.
Jean lives with her husband, guitarist and producer Charles Rieser, and their mutt, Freida. Jean is always kind to animals and gardens in spite of repeated failures.
Instrumentation
Jean Synodinos: vocals, acoustic guitars
Wanna add the band? It's usually:
Charles Rieser: guitar
Brad Houser: bass
Rob Hooper: drums & percussion
Discography
"Breathe" -- 2006 (Fortunate Records)
"Lucky" - 2003 (Fortunate Records).
"Drive" -- 1999 (with The Nonchalants, Found Dog Records).
COMPILATIONS:
Back to the Garden: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (Will Taylor & Strings Attached, 2007)
Indie Music for Life (2007)
Peace from the Porch, Vol. 1 (2004)
Links
| http://www.jeansynodinos.com |
| Jean's website |
| Jean on MySpace |
| Jean on YouTube |