Psychedelic Folk Revival

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Joanne Rand Biography 2023

Composer-poet-teacher-activist, Joanne Rand is releasing her 18th CD of original songs, “Stay Awhile,” with her quartet, (dubbed a “supergroup” in 2018). 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. A San Francisco North Bay Area readers’ poll formerly voted her “Best Acoustic Band.”

Rand’s recent releases made folk DJ most-played-lists nationwide, and have garnered rave reviews: “One of the year’s freshest, most distinctive offerings.” -Roots Music Report. “Absolutely captivating -Startling and beautiful -Leaves behind all comparisons,” “Magical and luxuriant, like the best brandy in the world.” -No Depression. “Joanne Rand’s voice raises your hair. Elegance and fierceness in the same deep breath.” -Gary Snyder. “Nothing short of brilliant.” -Santa Rosa PD. They receive worldwide airplay.

Raised in Georgia, Rand maintains a deep tie with her Southern heritage which infuses her songwriting. At a young age she wound her way to rural Northern California, via Chicago, Santa Fe, Seattle, and San Francisco, spending six formative years of wilderness homesteading in her 20s and establishing herself as a cornerstone in the Westcoast songwriting circuit. Rand has performed alongside such greats as Bonnie Raitt, Micky Hart, John Hartford, John Trudell, Dougie McLean. Her 2014 release was recorded and produced in Nashville by her mentor (the late Steve Young, “Seven Bridges Road”), whom she apprenticed with in his home over the course of two years.

“Stay Awhile” was written during the two-year quarantine for the Covid-19 pandemic. These new songs tell a story of struggle, redemption and an immensely deep love of life. Two unreleased songs are included from Rand’s early songwriting years, depicting a simpler time and invoking peace of mind. Mixed by Stephen Hart (White stripes, David Bowie, Bonnie Raitt), it features her longtime collaborators: Piet Dalmolen on electric guitar, Rob Diggins on violin, Tim Randles on bass, and Rand on vocals, piano, and acoustic guitar. These songs ebb and flow, soothe and stimulate, in their quest to understand our current world and the cycle of life. Hart & Rand have worked together for over 30 years on 15 of Rand’s CDs.

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