Jeanlizabeth

“Restless,” defined as constantly moving, never still, was an appropriate theme for singer- songwriter Jeanlizabeth’s CD release party at Experience Music Project on October 1st.
After all, when you’ve been chasing your dream for seven years, there’s not much time to relax. Jeanlizabeth’s new release, Restless, has been anxiously awaiting a grand introduction. In the works for a year, the time and care taken with her sophomore effort is apparent. Despite missing two CD release party dates–because work on the album wasn’t complete–Jeanlizabeth says the end justifies the means.
“I was so embarrassed (at missing the previous release dates,) but truly, several isolated incidences contributed to the late completion.
The end result? Well worth the wait.” Fans who had jammed the stairs to EMP’s Liquid Lounge well before the music even started would attest to that. With “faces from Olympia to Bellingham, people I hadn’t seen in years,” Jeanlizabeth was primed for a great show. Taking the stage with her band of seven, the magic became evident the moment the first song began. Jeanlizabeth paired beautifully with guest backup vocalist David Booker. Her vigorous lyrics in “Broken” and “Don’t Give Up On Me” pulled the audience in deep with the new release. And it wasn’t just about the skillful words put to music, but the music itself. The melodies possessed undeniable hooks, and songs such as “Sacajawea” have that hypnotic, I’m-humming- along-with-it-and-I-don’t-even-realize-it quality.
Jeanlizabeth also pulled some songs out from her first album, Driftwood, including “Without a Friend Like You” and “Moms,” an anthem for the incredible women who rear children across the world. The song came complete with a nice country swagger, slowing the crowd and refocusing them on the heartfelt lyrics.
And there’s plenty of blood, sweat and tears in those lyrics – it’s been a long seven years.
“When you’ve been chasing dreams for seven years, and haven’t made a dent in the West Coast indie music scene, you wonder, ‘What is the point?’ You run across old set lists from venues you deemed to be big breaks, yet you find yourself playing the same venue next Tuesday at 7 p.m.,” Jeanlizabeth said. “Somewhere along the way, I started to see it didn’t matter. The end result didn’t and doesn’t matter, because I enjoy playing music. I enjoy writing songs and performing them, meeting the people along the way, and being a part of the Northwest music scene.”
The brilliant contributors backing Jeanlizabeth delivered a sublime performance for the party. Bill Ore formed a splendid complement on guitar. His sense of style fused jazz, country, and rock within each solo. The rhythm section of Kim Workman on bass and Brian Bujacich on drums formed a rock-solid foundation for the rest of the band, while Brad Barker on keys consummated the beautiful wave of sound coming from the magnificent seven. A special guest appearance by Nicole Williams, who played on both albums, added the soothing sound of cello to several songs. And not forgotten, the house sound engineer, Woj, ensured the audience only experienced sweet clarity. Jeanlizabeth closed the night with “All I Want,” one of the most acclaimed songs on the new album, which was co-produced by Puyallup’s Brad Barker.
“Restless has been a breath of fresh air to release without feeling as though it was a necessary therapeutic process,” Jeanlizabeth said. “It is a collection of songs reflecting the newly labeled ‘alternative country’ sound, while maintaining the integrity of my folk roots.”
And she’s ready for what’s next, whatever that may be.
“Following a successful CD release party and my new found enlightenment that this is all ‘happening’ for enjoyment … I simply wait for what will come next. It will be okay to be 50 and writing new songs for the same happiness and connection with people,” she said.
The extraordinary night did not end with Jeanlizabeth. Sean Bendickson also came out to support the launch, performing from his new album, Paper Wings, and guitarist Danny Godinez opened the show. His creative playing has generated session work around the Northwest, as well as scored him a spot on a Bob Dylan tribute album called A Nod to Bob. Godinez put the room on fire with his incredible fingerpicking style.
Jeanlizabeth’s latest CD is available locally in Tacoma at Buzzard Records, Rocket Records, and at CD Baby.com. For more information on Jeanlizabeth, check out www.Jeanlizabeth.com/victory. - http://www.victorymusic.org/pdfs/vr_jan06.pdf

DuPont, WA - The music industry is no place for slackers. It can chew you up, spit you out and forget your name before you even get started. But, for a special few, it can be a beautiful and rewarding adventure. For local sensation Jeanlizabeth it has been a beautiful thing indeed — and the future looks bright.

Jeanlizabeth began a solo career as a singer/songwriter late 1999. Looking to put a fresh look on her debut album, “Driftwood,” Jeanlizabeth approached Hemisphere Design for creative support. When "Driftwood" was released in 2001 it became a local success, earning Jeanlizabeth radio airplay in the Puget Sound region and featured performer slots at venues, including The Swiss in Tacoma, Tugboat Annie’s in Olympia, Stuart's Coffee House in Bellingham, and Fiddler’s Inn in Seattle. Recently she has performed at the Experience Music Project (EMP), Taste of Tacoma, Allied Arts Festival (Bellingham), and showcased twice for The USA Songwriting Competition in Seattle.

"Restless," Jeanlizabeth's sophomore album, is due out later this year. It is packed with new tunes, a spunky new sound and a eight-page accordian-style insert (courtesy of Hemisphere Design). In so many ways, this new album is a step up from the introspection of "Driftwood". True to its name, "Restless" is an energetic compilation that is sure to win over critics and consumers alike.

Look out slackers ... she's back. - http://www.hemisphere-design.com/press_news.htm