Album Notes

"This is what I like to call 'The Genuine Article'....the purest of pure. This woman has a voice that would give Joni Mitchell goosebumps....." (DEREK SIVERS)

"A crafty, experienced vocalist who knows how to build and cultivate a mood...." (MAVERICK MAGAZINE, UK)

"The greatest writer I have met.....Gifted and talented beyond belief." (GREGORY PAGE)

"Comparisons to Aimee Mann and Eva Cassidy are well deserved." (WESTPORT MAGAZINE)

Tales & Songs from Helen Gonne, produced by Benjamin Grotto (Dresden Dolls, Jules Shear) marks the bonafide debut release of Boston’s Jacqueline Francis. After toiling in the workaday world of publicity and marketing, while sneakily playing music on the side, Jacqueline was urged to quit her day job and pursue music full-throttle, based on the surprising success of a few homemade demos and a several well-prepared quick breads.

A funny and endearing presence, Jacqueline has been described as a combination of Amelie, Lucy Ricardo, and Julia Child. In 2008, having moved back to Boston from New York City, Jacqueline made fast friends with Boston’s musical elite. Tales & Songs from Helen Gonne includes the exceptional drummer Christopher Santos, and the unparalleled Zachariah Hickman (Josh Ritter, Lori McKenna) on bass. The album also includes contributions from Neil Cleary, Andy Cambria (Broken Blossoms), Dinty Child (Session Americana), cellist Valerie Thompson (Goli), and Hammond guru Eric Welsh.

The album also includes four post-modern absurdist sketches inspired by the writing of Donald Barthelme. The most interesting fact about Jacqueline is that she holds a Master’s degree in writing from New York University, and when she isn’t writing songs, she’s writing poetry or fiction. The second most interesting fact is that when she isn’t writing, she’s cooking. Her Facebook profile has been growing exponentially in popularity, thanks to her food-based status updates. People really like food.

Musically, Jacqueline seems to be in a category of her own. But she is inspired by Aimee Mann—with whom she is most-often compared—as well as Ben Folds, and The Sundays. And Elliott Smith. And Rufus Wainwright. Her voice is big and dynamic, so she is also compared to Sara Bareilles and Eva Cassidy. What kind of music is it? Jacqueline calls it “Folky piano pop.”

A rare and multi-faceted talent, Jacqueline’s stage presence is charming and witty. She has a knack for storytelling, an expressive face, and is known for her off-kilter choice in covers (she’s more likely to cover Radiohead than Tori Amos). For tour dates and more information, visit: www.myspace.com/lapetitejack.