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"People In The News" - The Citizen - Marvel wins Outstanding Musician Award: 1999 was an extraordinary year for regionally known singer-songwriter Jan Marvel of Thornton. Her debut CD "Too Close To Reality " was released in April and has been attracting attention in the U.S., United Kingdom and Canada ever since. Northeast Performer magazine describes the music as "Adult Contemporary fare that soars on the strength of Marvel’s heartfelt songs and rich, expressive vocals." In December, the Vintage Fret shop of Ashland agreed with that statement when they selected Jan as their 1999 Outstanding Musician of the Year. She is only the third artist to receive such an honor, and her riveting CD as well as engaging live performances have earned her that title. Marvel performs at intimate cafes as well as large benefit concerts all over New England. She believes in helping sufferers as well as supporters of domestic violence, child abuse, cancer and Alzheimer’s groups. Some of these are reflected in her intriguing lyrics, as well as the hope of healing and empowerment... The Record Enterprise, January 12, 2000 - Outstanding Musician Award Presented: Singer-songwriter Jan Marvel, of Atta Girl Records, received Vintage Fret Shop’s Outstanding Musician Award in a millennial ceremony at Vintage Fret’s World Headquarters in Ashland. The award was only presented twice before in the twentieth century... The award recognizes excellence that sets a high standard of performance in the musical community. Jan Marvel’s CD "Too Close To Reality " has been specially recognized for its instrumental finesse, luminous production values and no-nonsense treatment of difficult social issues, such as domestic violence and child abuse. Paul Burton, Music Revue (excerpts from review) ..."Freight Train" has a Steely Dan feel and funky groove; "Altar Boys" is a dark and dreamy gem that features arrangement with melotron-like keyboards and a great blend of acoustic and electric guitars. The psychedelic music recalls the Beatles or Pink Floyd and perfectly supports Marvel’s disturbing lyrics: "It’s the ultimate price you paid, for trying to have faith. Your life has been derailed by the ultimate betrayal." There are some great sounding songs on Too Close To Reality, like the album’s opener, "Love Again", which has some nice guitar work from Greg Paul and a bluesy feel. But the theme of the album becomes clear on lines like, "I’m in recovery from a discovery." For some, Marvel’s lyrics will resonate with their own experience...as in "Dancin’ In Denial", where she sings, "People serve themselves what they desire, in the name of love is a poor excuse. The whole world is wrong so we won’t let them watch us, as we tighten up our affectionate noose." Overall...interesting musical touches and strong musical support. Metronome Magazine - July '99 issue: " Singer/songwriter Jan Marvel is accompanied by a host of impressive local musicians on her debut CD Too Close to Reality . Marvel's pensive songwriting style is both emotional and contemplative. It has a relaxed, laid back quality that is soothing to the soul. Produced by musician extraordinaire Linda Chase, Marvel acquires the talents of Chase, drummer Dave Currier, guitarists Greg Paul and Bobby Keyes, bassist Sean Hurley and the late Steve Olsen on guitar to build this respectable effort worthy of praise and merit. " A Music Fan from New London, NH - July 17, 1999, comment taken from amazon.com's Customer Comments: " 5 Stars - Absolutely incredible music! Jan Marvel is an incredible performer with a passionate message of survivorship to tell. She does that through her music, it's powerful and healing. It reaches in and grabs you by the heart. First class production. Tell your friends about this one. " Songwriter's Monthly - July '99 issue, page 15: " Jan has a rich, creamy voice that is like dark chocolate. She is immediately likeable. Her songs shift from image-oriented stories to poetic metaphors that paint in broader emotional brushstrokes. Middle of the road AAA with maybe a touch of 'Americana'. " Northeast Performer - June '99 issue, page 23: " Adult contemporary fare that soars on the strength of Marvel's heartfelt songs and rich, expressive vocals. Backed by a supertight band (lead guitarist Greg Paul is superb) Marvel's Too Close to Reality presses all the right slick pop buttons. " Customer Comments taken from amazon.com: singinrose@hotmail.com from New York City, May 19, 1999: " 5 Stars - A Really Great CD! I liked this so much, I've already told several friends about it. It's hard to say which I like more - the music, Jan Marvel's voice, the emotion in each song or the lyrics. I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone, especially survivors. " Tammy (grdynang@bellsouth.net) from Miami Florida, May 15, 1999: " 5 Stars - Moving music, the lyrics will be understood by any survivor. Jan's music seems to be a great cross between Joni Mitchell, Jewel, Sade and a little Alannis Morrisette combined. It's lyrics will move any survivor, her voice has a haunting quality that goes right to the soul. I loved the CD and as a fellow survivor I felt the music. " C.S. Park (nymbus@hotmail.com) from Georgia, USA, May 7, 1999: " 5 Stars - A deeply stirring album. I found this to be an incredibly moving experience. The artist puts words to the emotions that we all deal with. If you are tired of songs that sound so good and say so little, this is what you are looking for. Shear musical talent, earthy vocals and raw lyrics, fuse to form this revolutionary album. You will wonder, 'Where have these songs been all my life?' " First Person Plural, UK - April '99 issue, written by Kathryn Livingston, Editor: " This is one of the best and most touching, spoken from and to the heart albums I have heard in recent years. I stumbled across it while surfing the internet. After listening to the few sound clips at the record company site, I just had to order it. I've played it over and over since receiving it in the post. My favourite tracks are Kaleidoscope and Dancin' In Denial. " One listener expressed: Jan's music is " hard-hitting, yet, soft-touching, poignant and contemporary". Dan Serafini, gold record producer, commented: " Jan's lyrics are as good as they get, on the level of Joni Mitchell." |