Jordan Klassen

On Friday Feb 8th, my husband and I headed to the Media Club to take in UK-born Benjamin Francis Leftwich. We were thrilled to find out that the opener was Jordan Klassen, who I hadn’t seen perform since before the Peak Performance Project. I knew that the band had grown in many ways since then, but it was awesome to see the changes first-hand. Jordan and the lovely Jocelyn Price were the only two band members present, and their semi-acoustic set had the crowd spell-bound as soon as they launched into their opening number, “Call and Answer.” Jordan even remarked at one point, “Wow, a quiet Media Club!” The set included some of my personal favourites, “On Your Collarbone” and “You Are the Branches” from the 2010 EP. Jordan and Jocelyn were a flawless duo, having spent the previous week performing together in Toronto. The absence of the full band was hardly noticeable, with Jocelyn’s lovely and haunting harmonies and melodious piano-playing and Jordan alternating between guitar and ukulele. They ended the set with melodious duet of their Peak Performance hit, “Go to Me”. All in all, it was a fantastic performance, as these two amazing musicians melded flawlessly to make their music come to life acoustically.


My first impression of Benjamin Francis Leftwich when he took to the stage was that of a sweet, unassuming and charming musician. As others have remarked, the most striking thing about his sound is his voice. Take a quick listen to “Atlas Hands,” and you’ll know what I mean.



As a performer, Ben had an air of shyness to him, but this became less noticeable as he bantered light-heartedly with the audience throughout the set. He remarked that this was his first time headlining a show in Canada, and later that this Vancouver set was his favourite of the tour so far (apologies to the prior venues, such as Nelson, BC!). As it was for Jordan and Jocelyn, the crowd was spell-bound. Ben played several songs completely acoustically, stepping away from the mike and unplugging his guitar. His acoustic version of “Pictures” was particularly moving – had he stopped playing, the crowd was so silent that you could have heard a penny drop. Leftwich played a few new songs for us, including a particularly touching song that he wrote while his father was ill last fall. Another new one was called “Little Moon.” Although some have described Ben’s sound as repetitive, his songs were short, and I was in no way bored by the lyrics or melodies during his performance. Ben finished his set, but returned for an encore of his famous single, “Atlas Hands.” He shocked and delighted the audience by making his way off the stage, and sitting down in the middle of the crowd to play an the song acoustically. What a great performance by this talented UK performer, who will hopefully enjoy more and more prominence internationally in the months to come. - Vancouver Music Review

On Friday Feb 8th, my husband and I headed to the Media Club to take in UK-born Benjamin Francis Leftwich. We were thrilled to find out that the opener was Jordan Klassen, who I hadn’t seen perform since before the Peak Performance Project. I knew that the band had grown in many ways since then, but it was awesome to see the changes first-hand. Jordan and the lovely Jocelyn Price were the only two band members present, and their semi-acoustic set had the crowd spell-bound as soon as they launched into their opening number, “Call and Answer.” Jordan even remarked at one point, “Wow, a quiet Media Club!” The set included some of my personal favourites, “On Your Collarbone” and “You Are the Branches” from the 2010 EP. Jordan and Jocelyn were a flawless duo, having spent the previous week performing together in Toronto. The absence of the full band was hardly noticeable, with Jocelyn’s lovely and haunting harmonies and melodious piano-playing and Jordan alternating between guitar and ukulele. They ended the set with melodious duet of their Peak Performance hit, “Go to Me”. All in all, it was a fantastic performance, as these two amazing musicians melded flawlessly to make their music come to life acoustically.


My first impression of Benjamin Francis Leftwich when he took to the stage was that of a sweet, unassuming and charming musician. As others have remarked, the most striking thing about his sound is his voice. Take a quick listen to “Atlas Hands,” and you’ll know what I mean.



As a performer, Ben had an air of shyness to him, but this became less noticeable as he bantered light-heartedly with the audience throughout the set. He remarked that this was his first time headlining a show in Canada, and later that this Vancouver set was his favourite of the tour so far (apologies to the prior venues, such as Nelson, BC!). As it was for Jordan and Jocelyn, the crowd was spell-bound. Ben played several songs completely acoustically, stepping away from the mike and unplugging his guitar. His acoustic version of “Pictures” was particularly moving – had he stopped playing, the crowd was so silent that you could have heard a penny drop. Leftwich played a few new songs for us, including a particularly touching song that he wrote while his father was ill last fall. Another new one was called “Little Moon.” Although some have described Ben’s sound as repetitive, his songs were short, and I was in no way bored by the lyrics or melodies during his performance. Ben finished his set, but returned for an encore of his famous single, “Atlas Hands.” He shocked and delighted the audience by making his way off the stage, and sitting down in the middle of the crowd to play an the song acoustically. What a great performance by this talented UK performer, who will hopefully enjoy more and more prominence internationally in the months to come. - Vancouver Music Review

Date of show: February 22, 2013
Written by: Chiara DiAngelo

An unofficial Folk Alliance showcase, this early show granted those not attending the festival the opportunity to still get a taste of it. And with it’s 9PM curfew, it was a great start to a low-key Friday evening.

The runner-up at last year’s Peak Performance Project, Vancouver’s Jordan Klassen graced the Dakota Tavern with his winsome brand of orchestral folk. Backed by Brian Chan on cello and with Jocelyn Price providing bewitching backup vocals, the trio started with a choral-like a cappella intro into “On Your Collarbone.” Playing the acoustic guitar himself, Klassen’s lilted, slightly James Mercer-esque (The Shins) falsetto was so captivating – to the point that my macaroni and cheese sat on the table growing cold, unnoticed.

A little awkward in their dialogue, Klassen and Price attempted to tell stories of the airport woes they encountered upon arriving in Toronto, and how Klassen’s song “Hot Ashes” was featured in the end credits of the “terrible Bruce Willis movie,” Catch .44. There was a gentle chemistry between them while singing however, with the interplay between their vocals on “Call and Answer” being more than lovely.

Klassen pulled out the ukulele for “Threads,” a duet with Chan that gave the cello the spotlight it deserved. Despite the chill in air outside, it was a comfortable and cozy setting, surrounded mainly by an older crowd and many industry people in town for Folk Alliance. The free-spirited whistling during one of the songs brought a certain magic to the stage, feeling like a warm breeze blowing on a summer’s eve. Perhaps Klassen felt it too as he took off his sweater, noting he had dressed for winter but the stage was warming up.

Ending with “Go To Me,” Klassen thanked the audience for being such great listeners, and for making them feel “like kings and queens at this wild hoppin’ country bar.” The sheer joy that exuded through the three members while on stage, they truly were kings and queens among us! Do yourself a favour and listen to Klassen’s EP Kindness that was released last year. - Buying Shots For Bands

Date of show: February 22, 2013
Written by: Chiara DiAngelo

An unofficial Folk Alliance showcase, this early show granted those not attending the festival the opportunity to still get a taste of it. And with it’s 9PM curfew, it was a great start to a low-key Friday evening.

The runner-up at last year’s Peak Performance Project, Vancouver’s Jordan Klassen graced the Dakota Tavern with his winsome brand of orchestral folk. Backed by Brian Chan on cello and with Jocelyn Price providing bewitching backup vocals, the trio started with a choral-like a cappella intro into “On Your Collarbone.” Playing the acoustic guitar himself, Klassen’s lilted, slightly James Mercer-esque (The Shins) falsetto was so captivating – to the point that my macaroni and cheese sat on the table growing cold, unnoticed.

A little awkward in their dialogue, Klassen and Price attempted to tell stories of the airport woes they encountered upon arriving in Toronto, and how Klassen’s song “Hot Ashes” was featured in the end credits of the “terrible Bruce Willis movie,” Catch .44. There was a gentle chemistry between them while singing however, with the interplay between their vocals on “Call and Answer” being more than lovely.

Klassen pulled out the ukulele for “Threads,” a duet with Chan that gave the cello the spotlight it deserved. Despite the chill in air outside, it was a comfortable and cozy setting, surrounded mainly by an older crowd and many industry people in town for Folk Alliance. The free-spirited whistling during one of the songs brought a certain magic to the stage, feeling like a warm breeze blowing on a summer’s eve. Perhaps Klassen felt it too as he took off his sweater, noting he had dressed for winter but the stage was warming up.

Ending with “Go To Me,” Klassen thanked the audience for being such great listeners, and for making them feel “like kings and queens at this wild hoppin’ country bar.” The sheer joy that exuded through the three members while on stage, they truly were kings and queens among us! Do yourself a favour and listen to Klassen’s EP Kindness that was released last year. - Buying Shots For Bands

As we near the season where we welcome the opportunity to soak up the sun in front of an outdoor stage and let music fill ours ears and hearts, what better time to whet our taste buds than with a fantastic new offering in the world of folk. Jordan Klassen’s Kindness EP is a sampling of what is to come, and if the four featured tracks are any indication, he may have a new place among royalty in the folk-pop world.

The lead track, “Go To Me,” begins where Klassen’s previous efforts left off, offering a simple, strummed acoustic piece with an endearing melody. What immediately follows the opening sequence is a complete divergence. “Go To Me” features a rich array of instrumentation and beautifully layered organic texture that culminates in an emotionally drenched finish with a chorus of voices and a lone, well-timed trumpet. The effect is immediate and memorable, the arrangement delicate yet powerful and the desire to hear it again is irresistible.
While “Go To Me” is the highlight, it by no means displaces the role of the other songs. “I am a Collector” regains a sense of calmness with a gorgeous melody and beautiful prose about the pervasive struggle against loneliness. “I am a collector of the fear / that everything I’m fighting for won’t be here”. During the story, Klassen invites us to “come away” with him which is a moot point because he already has us in the palm of his hand, and we are only on track two.
The remaining two tracks (not counting the bonus ultra cool Teen Daze remix available with digital version via Bandcamp) pays tribute to the intimacy of Klassen’s songwriting and demonstrates confidence not previously apparent with his past two releases.
Kindness is the stuff of summer festival lore and the EP’s strength, based on just four songs, foreshadows what the full length might offer when it is released later this year. Note to the world, you have been alerted. - Discorder Magazine

As we near the season where we welcome the opportunity to soak up the sun in front of an outdoor stage and let music fill ours ears and hearts, what better time to whet our taste buds than with a fantastic new offering in the world of folk. Jordan Klassen’s Kindness EP is a sampling of what is to come, and if the four featured tracks are any indication, he may have a new place among royalty in the folk-pop world.

The lead track, “Go To Me,” begins where Klassen’s previous efforts left off, offering a simple, strummed acoustic piece with an endearing melody. What immediately follows the opening sequence is a complete divergence. “Go To Me” features a rich array of instrumentation and beautifully layered organic texture that culminates in an emotionally drenched finish with a chorus of voices and a lone, well-timed trumpet. The effect is immediate and memorable, the arrangement delicate yet powerful and the desire to hear it again is irresistible.
While “Go To Me” is the highlight, it by no means displaces the role of the other songs. “I am a Collector” regains a sense of calmness with a gorgeous melody and beautiful prose about the pervasive struggle against loneliness. “I am a collector of the fear / that everything I’m fighting for won’t be here”. During the story, Klassen invites us to “come away” with him which is a moot point because he already has us in the palm of his hand, and we are only on track two.
The remaining two tracks (not counting the bonus ultra cool Teen Daze remix available with digital version via Bandcamp) pays tribute to the intimacy of Klassen’s songwriting and demonstrates confidence not previously apparent with his past two releases.
Kindness is the stuff of summer festival lore and the EP’s strength, based on just four songs, foreshadows what the full length might offer when it is released later this year. Note to the world, you have been alerted. - Discorder Magazine

Last night Jordan Klassen and band put on the most lovely of Canadian folk-pop music imaginable at the Media Club downtown. The show was absolutely soldout and tickets were scarce for days leading up to the show, packing the tiny venue for an intimate evening. In the few short months since “Go To Me” was released as a single, and the days since his EP Kindness (Feb 7th), he’s sort of become a beloved Vancouver / Calgary icon of musical talent and heart-melting song writing mastery.
I must say, a personal note, that after working with Benny Apples (Ben Appenheimer) at summer camp for many years, I was thrilled and surprised to see him up on stage playing bass for Klassen. I now realize that the band is an extremely important and influential crew for the Vancouver music scene, with the likes of Nathan Moes on keyboard (The Magician and the Gates of Love), Jocelyn Price singing and on glockenspiel (Do Tell), and Indiana Avent (Ma Petite) on the fiddle. The band was completed by a drummer and cellist as well, pretty much filling the stage, but the size matched the sound, and they worked the Media Club perfectly.
The set kicked off with “Call + Answer” as Jordan pretty much jumped right from the crowd onto the stage. The energy was larger than the venue, and it built up and toned down by the end. Mid-set Jordan stopped to tune his ukulele and Nathan stepped up to the plate as hilarious side-kick and entertainer of the evening, making up for the momentum that was lost in the music. I must say that I love the chemistry of the band, not just in the beautiful voices but their entire stage presence. They carried the intensely loud, semi-yodeling songs (that’s really the best description I have) to the quiet, melodic lullabies like in “Threads” and the final song that we’d all been waiting for, “Go To Me” (which only has 325 plays on CBC Radio 3, how is that even possible?!) Jordan stepped back up for his encore “Ask Me Not, Astronaut.” and warned the audience that it would put them to sleep. I think this is my third time seeing Jordan Klassen, and every time I get a rush of comfort and melatonin at the beautiful sound of his live show.
Next month Jordan Klassen + band kick off their cr0ss-Canada tour, and I hope that all of our friends and readers get a chance to go! Here are the details, all of the bands that he is playing with are amazing, but I saw him with Boreal Sons almost a year ago in Vancouver and it was a fantastic lineup, I would highly recommend it if you get a chance! - Vancouver Music Review

Last night Jordan Klassen and band put on the most lovely of Canadian folk-pop music imaginable at the Media Club downtown. The show was absolutely soldout and tickets were scarce for days leading up to the show, packing the tiny venue for an intimate evening. In the few short months since “Go To Me” was released as a single, and the days since his EP Kindness (Feb 7th), he’s sort of become a beloved Vancouver / Calgary icon of musical talent and heart-melting song writing mastery.
I must say, a personal note, that after working with Benny Apples (Ben Appenheimer) at summer camp for many years, I was thrilled and surprised to see him up on stage playing bass for Klassen. I now realize that the band is an extremely important and influential crew for the Vancouver music scene, with the likes of Nathan Moes on keyboard (The Magician and the Gates of Love), Jocelyn Price singing and on glockenspiel (Do Tell), and Indiana Avent (Ma Petite) on the fiddle. The band was completed by a drummer and cellist as well, pretty much filling the stage, but the size matched the sound, and they worked the Media Club perfectly.
The set kicked off with “Call + Answer” as Jordan pretty much jumped right from the crowd onto the stage. The energy was larger than the venue, and it built up and toned down by the end. Mid-set Jordan stopped to tune his ukulele and Nathan stepped up to the plate as hilarious side-kick and entertainer of the evening, making up for the momentum that was lost in the music. I must say that I love the chemistry of the band, not just in the beautiful voices but their entire stage presence. They carried the intensely loud, semi-yodeling songs (that’s really the best description I have) to the quiet, melodic lullabies like in “Threads” and the final song that we’d all been waiting for, “Go To Me” (which only has 325 plays on CBC Radio 3, how is that even possible?!) Jordan stepped back up for his encore “Ask Me Not, Astronaut.” and warned the audience that it would put them to sleep. I think this is my third time seeing Jordan Klassen, and every time I get a rush of comfort and melatonin at the beautiful sound of his live show.
Next month Jordan Klassen + band kick off their cr0ss-Canada tour, and I hope that all of our friends and readers get a chance to go! Here are the details, all of the bands that he is playing with are amazing, but I saw him with Boreal Sons almost a year ago in Vancouver and it was a fantastic lineup, I would highly recommend it if you get a chance! - Vancouver Music Review

A few months ago I remember seeing the name Jordan Klassen pop up somewhere on the internet, and I took a few minutes to listen to a song of his. I don’t remember the name of the song, but I do remember being somewhat blown away.

I was very happy to receive his latest recording, the Kindness EP and I can safely say I’ve been just as blown away. Klassen has a rare knack for making a song sound like nothing is missing despite vast changes in instrumental configuration between songs. He also effortlessly changes his vocal style to suit the mood of the song.

“Go To Me” is a song that is near bursting with instruments and definitely the best of the four songs. It’s a meticulously-crafted song that put an image in my head of a conductor leading an orchestra. What starts with a few ukulele chords and Klassen’s vocals suddenly becomes a lavish affair complete with xylophones, drums, shakers and even a trumpet solo.

The next track “I Am A Collector” takes on a full sound right away, this time using acoustic guitar, strings, xylophone and drums in the opening. Klassen’s vocals here are more passionate and suited for the acoustic atmosphere of the song.

“Threads” is the most haunting song on the EP without a doubt. The quick but simple picking and Klassen’s here-wavering vocals give the song an urgency, especially when the strings hover ominously in the background.

Finally there’s “Call And Answer” which provides a sunnier contrast to the sombre mood of the previous track. The song is rich in imagery, the most evocative for me being “And the cedars are shaking like men at their judgment/Bowing to the howl as the dust churns about them.” Klassen sings like each phrase is a proclamation unto itself.

This EP feels over too quickly. I’m happy to report, though, that this is a precursor to an upcoming full-length to be released later this year.

Get the EP via Bandcamp, where “Go To Me” is available as a free download, and also includes a bonus remix with the EP purchase. - Gray Owl Point

Oh the fine grey line that every singer-songwriter must contend with: it is that precipice between intimacy and the rocky cliff bottom of the bleeding heart gag triggering pansy parade so many artists can’t help but rush headlong into. Jordan Klassen is a wizard though. He hangs his toes over the edge again and again without dropping off into suffocating pools of corn. Not unlike Andy Shauf or early Iron & Wine, Jordan Klassen can bring the quilted bedroom acoustica to a boil without suffocating the listener in hot air or lyrical fluff. Songs like “For Jessica” and “In Bodrum, Near The Castle” are perfect examples, employing undulating guitar picking with elating flasettos—these are Klassen’s strong suits. Fans of Sun Kil Moon will enjoy “On Your Collarbone.” Lyrically, this man has the chops. The selection of isolatable quotes is seemingly endless so I will allow you to choose for yourself. - Argue Job

Originally hailing from Abbotsford, singer-songwriter Jordan Klassen launched his solo career with the 2009 release of Tempest and Winter, an intricately-crafted collection of literate and deeply personal folk songs that garnered the attention of independent music circles across Canada. While Klassen spent nearly four years perfecting his debut record, his follow-up EP went through a much quicker genesis, coming together in a series of recording sessions in October 2009. That it is impossible to tell is a testament to the musician’s rapidly developing artistic faculties. Not one note is out of place on St. Brigid, the orchestration achieving a shrewd balance between lush and spare textures. EP closer “You Are the Branches,” is a stirring quasi-anthem that distils the best elements of the record. While his latest release does not break much new ground, it is an excellent addition to Klassen’s growing catalogue of sensitive and sophisticated folk-pop.

-Nick Ubels - The Cascade

A relative newcomer to the Calgary scene, Jordan Klassen's full length debut skyrocketed up the CJSW charts last year getting spins on a wide range of shows. His simple, beautiful indie-folk has quickly placed him among the ranks of artists such as Laura Leif of the Consonant C, Brock Geiger and Woodpigeon. If you haven't had a chance to check out this fledgling young artist yet, the 25th bash is your chance. And if you have already seen Jordan in town, then we'll see you in the front row during his set. - CJSW.com

Calgary's most talked about independent artist, Jordan Klassen, has finally released his debut solo LP entitled Tempest and Winter early this month. Since then, the album has charted sixth on Calgary's CJSW, and he has nearly sold out of his independently produced copies. Indeed, the album is creating a big buzz in Calgary, and its only a matter of time before it spreads throughout the rest of the country.

Tempest and Winter is a modern Canadian folk album, based around the poetic lyrics, gentle voice and soothing guitar of J.K., but are frequently and appropriately visited by strings (Anatomical Literacy, The Most Bored David Jules Ever Got), pianos and organs (Miss Parsons on a Blustery Day, Sing Your Song to Ares), bells and cymbals (Ask Me Not, Astronaut and Harvest March), and other ambient sounds. After all is said and done, Tempest and Winter’s beautifully crafted and creative melodies and meaningful and sincere lyrics are enough to catch the ear of even the most critical of listeners. - North by East West

"Really lush, well-recorded and performed album that should appeal to fans of the latest Patrick Watson release."

-Alexa Woodward "Speck," CJAM, on Tempest & Winter - CJAM

During the past three years of the New Balearic’s existence, I have gotten a lot of questions of some bands I’ve played that are harder to find on the internet, but one artist has been requested far more than the rest. Not a month passes without someone asking me where they can buy the music of Canadian folk singer, Jordan Klassen. Let me answer your questions.

Klassen is a humble and talented musician based in Calgary, Alberta. During the past three years, he has been working hard on his debut solo LP called Tempest and Winter. It was finally released during this past month in early May, and the wait was well worth it. You see, Mr. Klassen is a perfectionist. Each and every song on the album has been given the time and space they deserve, resulting in a well produced and wonderfully composed and orchestrated album.

Most songs are based around the poetic lyrics and gentle voice of J.K., but are frequently and appropriately visited by strings (Anatomical Literacy, The Most Bored David Jules Ever Got), pianos and organs (Miss Parsons on a Blustery Day, Sing Your Song to Ares), bells and cymbals (Ask Me Not, Astronaut and Harvest March), and other ambient sounds. After all is said and done, Tempest and Winter’s beautifully crafted and creative melodies and meaningful and sincere lyrics are enough to catch the ear of even the most critical of listeners.

Similar to: Calexico, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens

http://www.thenewbalearic.com/?p=44 - The New Balearic