Jo Serrapere
Dearborn, Michigan, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Whether or not the world really needs another hot shot blues guitarist is debatable, but I’d say that we owe tendonitis a vote of thanks for giving us a remarkable songwriter. Oh, and singer, did I mention that? - 3rd Coast Music
Tonight At Johnny’s Speakeasy was one of the minute number of straight blues albums that I’ve been able, in good conscience, to recommend over the last 20 years. - 3rd Coast Music
“A spring breeze in a bleak winter of Ani DiFranco clones. More influenced by the likes of Kurt Weill than by the new breed of female pop singers, Serrapere can haul an old song into the 21st century and still treat it with respect. Old song or new, she is a compelling performer whose material is smart, sharp, sexy, highly individual and capable of galvanizing an audience. Personally, I think she is going to be around for a long time, and she could wind up being a major player.” - Dave Siglin
"Love Going South is stunning!"
- Mark Taylor, WVUD
“. . . Recalls the way Jimmie Rodgers used to sing the blues... Her vocals remind me of early Emmylou.” - Radio Canut
“Four Stars! A post-feminist speakeasy...”
- Detroit Metro Times
“Writes first rate blues songs... and sings with a convincing assurance and bite.”
- Dirty Linen
“The lyrics and content are strong with songs that deal with human issues of life and love... It's a pleasure to hear a woman who can sing the ‘Blues’ and sing them well.” - CBC Radio
“I stumbled on the amazing Ms. Serrapere on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. Her voice and songwriting cut through the crappy, tinny speaker in my truck like smooth buttercream falling through a rusty sieve, and I heard a young talent that did the most damnably hard thing in music: made sexy sound wholesome. Quick, somebody put a big band behind this woman and tell them to do whatever the heck she says.” - Berkeley Breathed
“Jo Serrapere is a very special artist. She moves effortlessly within musical genres from blues and jazz to contemporary folk songs... I am confident Jo will continue to bring new things to the larger musical community.” - Jim Fleming
“I might take a train, I might take a plane, but if I have to walk, I know I’m gonna see Jo Serrapere again. Like anybody else who might make you laugh and cry in the same song, she’s too good to pass up.” - Dave Marsh
Discography
Go to www.myspace.com/joserraperemusic for free streaming of Jo's music.
DISCOGRAPHY
• Love Going South by Jo Serrapere (Detroit Radio Co., 2009). Jo's recent release held the #1 position for two months on the Freeform American Roots Chart, and made its top 10 list of 2009. It has been a featured selection on Dave Marsh's Sirius Radio program "Kick out the Jams."
• Tonight at Johnny’s Speakeasy by Jo Serrapere & the Willie Dunns (Detroit Radio Co., 2002). Live CD which reached #13 on the Freeform American Roots Chart in 2003. John Conquest, editor of Texas Magazine’s Third Coast Music and the Freeform American Roots Chart voted this CD #6 album of 2003.
• She Went Upstairs by Uncle Earl (Detroit Radio Co., 2002). Jo released a bluegrass and old-time Appalacian CD with songwriter K.C. Groves under the band name Uncle Earl. Produced by Grammy Award artist Sally Van Meter, this recording contains an all-female cast of musicians including Van Meter and Laurie Lewis. Uncle Earl with its new members continues to record and perform for Rounder Records.
• My Blue Heaven by Jo Serrapere (One Man Clapping Records, 1998). Includes Oil and Water, Current Magazine’s number one song of 1997 in Michigan.
• Jo appears on the 2005 self-titled recording by the Royal Garden Trio (Tom Bogardus, Brian Delaney, Mike Karoub) with the Shavers and Robin standard Undecided. This particular cut was featured prominantly on many jazz radio programs including the CBC.
COMPILATIONS
• Jo appears on the 2007 European compilation called Smooth Jazz Avenue, Volume 2 (Sony/BMG). Jo sings a duet with Stuart Francke on his song, Born to Love You. The three-CD set includes songs from Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, more.
• Jo and WDs appear on H.U.A.C. (Hot Unsigned and Unsung Americana Compilation) Volumes I and II (Catamount Records, 2003 & 2004).
Photos
Bio
Jo Serrapere (sarah-pear), a songwriter from the Detroit area, started playing guitar at 23 when seeking out lessons from Delta Blues guitarist, Shari Kane. Shortly thereafter, Jo began writing her own songs while completing her college studies in clinical psychology.
Whether recreating old songs from the Mississippi Delta or performing songs in her own confessional style, Jo's music stands original while always reflecting her love of American roots music. Her eclectic writing and performance fuses elements of various modern and traditional folk music, old-time and electric blues styles, roots rock, garage surf, swing, hot jazz and alt-country. Jo's band, the Willie Dunns (John Devine, Jef Reynolds and Stuart Tucker) brings added depth and musical styling to Jo's original songs as well as classics from such artists as Mississippi John Hurt, Bessie Smith and Tom Waits. Jo is also a member of the all-female band, Stella! soon to release their debut CD under the sponsorship of music critic, Creem Magazine founder and Bruce Springsteen biographer Dave Marsh. She has had two appearances on National Public Radio's "A Prairie Home Companion" and three albums with her band, Jo Serrapere and the Willie Dunns, including her recent release, "Love Going South." This CD held the #1 position for two months on the Freeform American Roots Chart in fall of 2009. Jo was also the founding member of the old-time string band, Uncle Earl.
Links
