This site has been developed to promote
Jo-Ann Lawton as a
solo artist. If you are interested in
Sirens (the duo), visit their website from the link below.
In mid-October, 2007,
Jo-Ann Lawton, as part of the folk duo
Sirens, was nominated for a
Canadian Music Award, in the
Best Vocal Group category. Check it out at:
http://www.canadianfolkmusicawards.ca .... [They didn't win, but it was quite an achievement and an honour to have been nominated. There were some real big names on that nomination list...
Pipped at the post by Tanglefoot].
Jo-Ann Lawton came “late” to the folk music scene, acquiring her first guitar in the early 80's, whilst in her 3rd decade (20 something). By the late 80's and early 90's much of her musical efforts were put into working with others in trios (
No-In-Betweens [1988-1993] and
Sirens [1995-present]. Sirens was originally a trio, featuring
Jo-Ann Lawton, Donna Creighton and Nora Galloway. When Nora left the trio in 2002, several other performers stepped into the breach, none of whom stood the test of time. After some soul searching, Donna &
Jo-Ann decided to carry on “alone”.
Though
Sirens have several CD’s “under their belts”, when
Jo-Ann was asked to perform
alone at Home County Folk Festival (London, Ontario) in 2004,
she did produce an “off the floor” solo CD,
Beg to be Different, a couple of tracks of which are attached.
Jo-Ann Lawton now constitutes ½ of the duo
Sirens http://www.sirens3.com/ . They have performed across North America & record for the all-Canadian folk label
Borealis http://www.borealisrecords.com/
Jo-Ann co-conceived, co-produced and performed in Hearts Made Great with Orchestra London
http://www.sirens3.com/hearts which might run again close to Remembrance Day.
Sirens are four-time winners of the London Music Awards, best Folk/World/Celtic group and two-time recipient of the Jack Richardson Folk/Roots award.
But
Jo-Ann Lawton was a solo artist long before she conceived playing with trios or duos. Whether singing harmonies with others or working alone,
Jo-Ann is a consummate performer. She has a voice that will hush a drinking crowd (though she
rarely plays in bars){unless they are
Folk Clubs}
About 90% of the music
Jo-Ann performs is original material.
Her song writing, influenced by the musical stylings of the 40s, crosses the boundaries between contemporary folk, rock-a-billy, blues and country.
Her songs cross the oceans from poignant heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat sing-a-longs with a dash of humour. You will never be bored listening to
Jo-Ann’s music.
Being one of Canada's better and more prolific songwriter's, it is not surprising that another
"string to her bow" is the running of
'song writing workshops'.
Jo-Ann has, in the past, operated these workshops with as many as
whole high school music classes, down to 2 or 3 participants, in conjunction with Donna (of Sirens). As of late however,
Jo-Ann has instigated “one-on-one” 'song writing workshops', just
herself and the prospective song writer. E-mail
jonige@sympatico.ca for information on this.
Whilst
Jo-Ann’s musical endeavours are very diverse, solo performances by
this Artist are rarer occurrences, and something you should not miss the opportunity to see and hear.
The Music on this site
All the songs you can hear on this site are
penned by
Jo-Ann Lawton. Though half the songs on the site are recorded with two or three voices,
all these songs are also performed by
Jo-Ann Lawton as a solo artist. These few songs give you just a flavour of the talent of
this Artist.
Sailors Wife : this version is the original
Sirens trio with
Nora Galloway.
Jo-Ann Lawton proves the power and maturity of her craft with “Sailor’s Wife”, an original which sounds like something the forsaken women of forgotten villages have been singing for generations. Jeff DeLuzio, Scene Magazine
Anachy : this version by the third reincarnation of Sirens, with
Amber Cunningham
What if the traditional Scottish song
Anachie Gordon had a happier ending? That was the inspiration for "Anarcy" .. (artistic license with the spelling)
Beg to be Different upbeat
title track from
Jo-Ann's
Solo CD
Clickety Clack.. again
Sirens with
Amber Cunningham. Watch out for the train!
Daddy's Farm Song from
Jo-Ann's
Solo CD.. a tribute to her late Father, and his demise under the onslaught of Alzheimer's Disease
Marg and Benny from
Jo-Ann's
Solo CD.. In his youth, Paul MacCartney suggested a plateau for getting old as being "64". This song is a delightful little ditty of two folk who fall in love in their twilight years (at 64). It's a true story, in that Marg & Benny are real people.
The Videos on this site
Jo-Ann Lawton sings
"Get Behind Me Satan" ... This song is, as yet, not studio recorded. The video was made with a regular Camcorder by a visiting Australian Friend. Sounds not half bad to me.
Jo-Ann Lawton sings
"Sitting at the Table" at Sirens CD Release Party, Aeolian Hall London Ontario. The prelude to the song on the video tells the story. This song touches many people, especially those who have suffered through abusive situations.
