'Big
Front Door' will be the second album
for Janis Haves - the first being a release
as 'Haves and Haves' with husband (producer/guitarist)
Geoff Haves.
It was a birthday card from Geoff to Janis
that magically and quite by chance illustrated
one of the songs Janis had just written.The
little girl jumping up at an impossibly big
front door reminded Geoff of Janis and her irrepressible
energy.
Janis
loved it so much she tracked down the artist
(Jan Citroen) and got her permission to use
it as the album cover. It became the face of
this new collection of songs many of which have
a distinctly personal experience behind them.
From
'In My Chair' a song written in the voice of
her late Grandfather and 'Gwendoline' a vivid
study of a Miss Gwendoline Ayles-Ransley a formidable
singing teacher of quite unique character (and
the owner of the 'Big Front Door') to 'Write
those Words' inspired after seeing Josh Ritter
in concert in London, each song paints it's
picture - delicately framed by the shimmering
guitar work of Geoff Haves and the uniquely
expressive bass work of Brad Lang, who between
them set the musical landscape effortlessly.
The approach for the whole album stemmed from
one live show. Janis and Geoff were joined on
stage by Brad and as their guitar work combined
with the gorgeous woody sound of Brad's 1930's
stand-up bass, the chemistry was immediate and
the sound that was to underpin the whole production
was in place. Joining Janis once again is Graham
Walker on drums providing the lightness of touch
this new sound demanded. Also featured is a
guest appearance by the legendary Pete Wingfield.
Pete met J and G when they were opening for
Albert Lee on both his last UK tours and has
lent his wonderful piano and organ skills to
'Waiting for Jesus' a dark and lonely tale of
a woman waiting to die.
Geoff's sensitive production has once again
been enhanced by good friend mix engineer Dave
Dix, who has brought out every note in beautiful
clarity.
Though nodding gently towards contempory folk
but with melodies that suggest a slight pop
sensibility, what really stands out on this
album is Janis' evocative voice and remarkable
songwriting.
