Joanne Rand - Stay Awhile (2022)

Composer-poet-teacher-activist, Joanne Rand is releasing her 18th CD of original songs, “Stay Awhile.” Touring for 40 years with her original brand of “Psychedelic-Folk-Revival,” Rand’s vocal styling is all her own.

Her influences span a wide array of genres: folk, experimental rock, blues, gospel, classical, and world beat. Born and bred in the Deep South, Rand has performed in Manhattan, L.A., Toronto, Atlanta, Seattle, Hawaii, Alaska & the Amazon.

This 8-song CD by Northern California’s Joanne Rand (vocals/piano/acoustic guitar) who released 18 LPs over a 35-year career has tunes anchored in her Southern roots (Georgia) mixed well with her more progressive West Coast traditions.

Her voice has a deep resonance more similar to Ferron than say, Judy Collins. With that type of tonality & authenticity she captures the traditions without being quirky (Iris Dement) or commercialized (Jewel). There’s always that danger of a folk song being so polished, arranged & perfected that it slides into a mainstream pop confection & loses its rural richness.

These 33 minutes hold the reins of the genre exceptionally (“Up All Night”). It just grips the ears in a vice as the Rob Diggins violin ties musical bows around the melody. It has similar melodic sway to Charlie Dore’s “Sleep All Day.” Two great songs that could segue into each other.

Written/arranged by Joanna & produced with Stephen Hart (David Bowie & Bonnie Raitt) Stay Awhile (Homefire Productions) dropped March 7th. Songs touch on personal struggles, redemption, life & family, as well as, the whirlpool of changes we witness personally & politically. Typical folk singer’s repertoire but Ms. Rand has a sharp compelling pen. A melodic treat.