Jane Eamon - Deep Water
Janey Girl 003

God bless Jane Eamon. With wisdom, humor and quiet spirituality, this Okanagan’s album Deep Water revives the gospel-tinged tradition of rock-solid uplifting songs that might best be called “spirituals.” Not that this is a religious album: there is no mention of Jesus, Buddha, salvation or damnation. Rather, using the gospel tradition and choruses that demand to be sung along with, these are inspirational songs that explore the battles between right and wrong and between commitment and defeat. These are the sort of songs that are collected in Rise Up Singing and are sung joyfully around living-room pianos and campfires.

The themes are optimistic and universal: for example, the chorus to “Good Earth” reads “There’s a wisdom in the river/There’s a blessing in the wind/When I feel the good earth under my feet/I know I’m safely gathered in.” “Deep Water” calls out, “Lord I’m weary, but I will stand/Freedom’s calling from a promised land.” The songs are energetically but tastefully delivered in Jane’s passionate alto voice with the help of guitar, fiddle, pedal steel and keyboards. Jane also respects silence and patience, and delivers some of the songs a capella or with minimal accompaniment.

As Jane sings in “One Last Song,” “I’ll sing one last song before I go/A simple melody – one we all should know/And if you care to come sing it with me now/That one last song before I go.” Here’s hoping that these simple heartfelt tunes become “one last song” at folk clubs and campfires for years to come. – SS, Spring 2007 issue of Sing Out! Magazine

Jane Eamon - Deep Water
by Philip Harries, Penguin Eggs, Winter 2006

Jane Eamon from Kelowna, BC is fairly new to the music scene with her first release back in 2002. Deep Water, her third and latest release, is a blend of traditional music forms like spirituals, bluegrass, gospel and blues with old-time melodies that work very well. Her sweet voice, well-crafted songs, poignant and timely messages and charming instrumentation make for a beautiful and heart-warming listen. Recommended listens include Black Wind Blowin’, a protest song against the Bush government’s handling of the New Orleans hurricane tragedy, Move On Down, a song about human struggle and hope, and Long Way Down, a spiritual with a uniquely jazzy twist.

Deep Water - A Wonderful Musical Journey
By Charlie Hodge, BC Musicians’ Magazine - November 2006


One of the marvels of music is that it can transcend mental, emotional … take you to places of comfort or pain, places you know, and the places you have never been. 

I travelled Deep Water today and it was a wonderful journey. 

Deep Water happens to be the latest hot-off the mix CD creation by superb Okanagan folk singer/songwriter Jane Eamon – and it also happens to be a superb example of what wonderful tour guides a guitar and voice box can be. Through her multiple talents and insights Eamon immediately transcended me back to my teenage travels through Mississippi, Alabama and other deep South states, filling my head and heart with the rhythms and religious roots of that unique home of soulful songs. Calculated or not, Deep Water has a strong connectiveness to the spiritual searching side of us all, and from the lyrics and all original song list through to the colours and album design – Eamon has created a folk-roots masterpiece. 

Deep Water is a 12-song celebration of faith, friendship and facing fears. It’s an album that remains on your CD player for days with a distinct worn look on the play or repeat button. And while each and every time is the inspired creation of the terrifically talented Eamon – there is a wonderfully warm and familiar feel to this album – like you’ve musically been here before. Whether that is due to the mastery Jane has applied in crafting a traditional roots/folk/gospel sound and feel – or simply Jane’s simple straightforward lyrical and melodical style I am not sure. Regardless it works very, very well. 

While Deep Water is all Jane Eamon, the popular Okanagan artist has once again surrounded herself with some of the best in the business creating her latest collection of originals including: Scott Gamble, Gord Brush, Gord Milne, Brian Wiebe, Ellie Young, Graham Ord, Zachari Smith, Al Hildebrand, Sherri Funk, Sandy Groening, Joanne Stacey, Corey Doak, Michael Garding, Vic Ukrenitz and Malcolm Petch. And just to complete the perfect package Eamon cajoled Andrew Smith to produce the album while having Brian Wiebe master the puppy at Solar Nest Arts studio in Kelowna. 

There is no rock and roll feel to this album. It is purely folk/roots chocked full of inspiration and introspections, and yet it is both motivational and amazingly calming in its appeal. It is already one of my favourite new Canadian CD’s and guaranteed to bring Eamon heaps and heaps of musical attention and respect. 

There are several exceptionally strong songs within the dynamic dozen displayed, however my two particular favourites are cut number three Good Earth and the opening selection Move On Down. I suggest that both tunes will wind up in the running for Song of the Year at next year’s Okanagan Musician Awards. 

Eamon snagged a FACTOR grant for the production of this CD showing once again that FACTOR has the ability to recognize a musical gem within the massive musical slag and stones that come their way. 

If you have a love for folk, roots, gospel and/or just good music then hesitate not – immediately add Deep Water to your CD collection. 

Jane Eamon is an heroric figure on the local and growing Canadian scene and it is easy to hear why - Kelowna Capital News, Bruce Mitchell - November 1, 2006

Jane Eamon is an heroic figure on the local and growing Canadian scene and it is easy to hear why from this excellent new album. 

On Deep Water she explores new-folk with a dash of blues and a lot of understated but righteous gospel.

While her profound spirituality is found all over this strong CD, there is a sense of integrity and inclusiveness with songs of encouragement and empowerment rather than hellfire and damnation. 

That isn’t to say Eamon doesn’t hold strong opinions. She references Woodie Guthrie on Black Wind Blowing that mentions war and hurricanes with what is a none too subtle swipe at Prez Bush. But she also maps out reprievement on the spiritual warning shot Long Way Down while Eamon is uplifting even on the break-up song Let Me Take Care Of The Rest with “think of me fondly.” 

I particularly liked her poignant and moody narrative about a lonely drunkard on Singing Hallelujah even though the organ got mixed way too far in the background. 

But check out Eamon’s marvellous range on the bluesy Move On Down, the bluegrass-tinged Good Lordie Momma, the experimental jazz-folk of I Will Fly and the a cappella title track. 

A cool, restive and somewhat meditative album more in the Christian folk realm than a new age one—and, I must add, Factor Arts Grant money very well spent. 

You can hear Jane Eamon live on Friday night at the Creekside Theatre and pick up this wonderful new album. 

B+ 

Jane Eamon's New CD Demands Attention - Kelowna Capital News - Dec 2004

Jane Eamon has just released her second CD, a different place and I made the mistake of putting it on yesterday while I was trying to work....

Okanagan-Grown CD a Superb Album - eVent Magazine - Dec 2004

Every once in a while, a musical treasure drops into your lap, a disc you can't resist playing....

Jane and Gord Promise Original Folk - Kristi Singer - August 2004

With acoustic guitar proudly in hand, the Okanagan Valley duo creates a musical landscape...

The Blue Madonna Opens with a Jolt - Rambles - May 2003

The first song falls in careful notes around the charity mission, pulling the listener without warning.....

Songs in the Key of Love - Showcase - April 2003

Jane and Gord took their time about it, but eventually they married and started writing and performing their own songs...