Jane Bond's debut release, Volume 1, is an honest reflection of both her own
traditional musical upbringing and of the rich history in American music that
we all share. Originally from Massachusetts, Jane was born into a family of
music. "Grandpa sang barbershop with his friends and various swing songs with
Grandma. Grandma had been playing piano professionally in the silent theatre
since she was eleven years old, and had an amazing repertoire. She taught me
some old jazz standards and when she couldn't be there to back me up, Mom would."
Jane studied piano and cello as a child and when she got her first guitar at
the age of 15 she began to back herself singing the songs of such artists as
Mance Lipscomb and Bessie Smith.
After a brief visit to Austin during high school, her mind was made up. Upon
graduation she returned to Austin, guitar in hand, to pursue her dream. It was
here she found kinship in the diverse Austin music scene. "The old timey songs
I thought obsolete were surprisingly familiar to musicians I met in Texas."
Produced by Nathan Hamilton, Volume 1 features not only original material written
by herself and songwriter Mike Stevenson, but also a few gems from her heroes
Bessie and Mance. Recorded mostly live in the studio, Vol. 1 captures the pure
essence of Jane Bond's earthy sound, with instrumentation that lends itself
to jazz, blues and country. A sure bet for those who enjoy their music straight
up, unpretentious and rooted firmly in tradition.