Album Notes

Her fans say she has a voice like chocolate...rich and delicious! They describe her musical style as Bill Withers meets India Arie or Cassandra Wilson meets Brenda Russell or maybe Bonnie Raitt meets Nancy Wilson. Grandmother's song was written in honor of her Grandmother. The great lady has transitioned but her love lives on. Jan's lyrics and gentle vocal treatment together with Darryl Horne's haunting production conjure childhood memories that are shared in some way by a host of fans who have also been close to their Grandmothers.

Who is Jan Spencer?

A Native Detroiter who grew up listening to and singing along with Motown Music, Sarah Vaughn, Sam Cooke, Gloria Lynn, and Roberta Flack, while studying classical piano.

As preteens, she and her sister were even approached by Motown but her parents thought they were too young to be exposed to the demands of the industry.

Anyway, from that mixed bag of musical influences has emerged a captivatingly original Jazz Singer-Songwriter. Here's what the critics have to say about her...

* "When Spencer sings, perfection flows!"
Gail Westerfield, The Beaufort Gazette

* "Spencer delivers a song with zest and originality, demonstrating extraordinary vocal command and stage presence".
Louise Causey Lewis, Hilton Head Island Packet

* "Like Nancy Wilson she changes the tempo, the phrasing, the volume as she works her way through standards like "When Sunny Gets Blue". Spencer finds the right balance. She gives us something different but her treatments do not completely abandon the chemistry that made a particular song resonate in the first place.

Spencer knows that a big part of the music is the memories; images that come up on the screen when on hears..."When Sunny gets blue/Her eyes get gray and cloudy/Then the rain begins to fall...Pitter Patter, Pitter Patter..."
Scott Graber, The Beaufort Gazette

* "Spencer's relaxed spirit and smooth classic voice make for a perfect evening to sip some wine and enjoy".
Lisa J. Vogeley, Current Diversions

She has shared national and international stages with such greats as Aretha Franklin, the late Lou Rawls, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, Chris Kristopherson and Roy Ayers.

In her current Beaufort, SC home, she has established a reputation as a "World-Class" entertainer, performing extensively in local and regional clubs, concerts and festivals. Jan's fans rave that she possesses a provocative and sensual vocal style unlike any other.

For Grandmother's Song, Jan partnered with gifted producer Darryl Horne. Together they have created a classic to be shared with and enjoyed by anyone who has known a grandmother's love.