Jean Synodinos: That's What They Say

"... there's no mistaking that marvelous voice, but if that alone gives her a decided advantage in the massed ranks of Austin's Girls With Guitars, she piles it on by writing songs that are extraordinarily inventive and distinctive... she writes poetry that can be sung."

"...[Lucky's] successor is an equal sigh of relief... her sophomore disc shouldering a flirty sense of humor with substantial songwriting chops."

"Tiny gestures like the brush of a finger or side-glance can speak volumes. Jean Synodinos is adept at turning such gestures, and even mundane moments like waiting at a traffic signal, into philosophical songs that incorporate jazz touches along with a tough blend of organic folk and blues rock. Her lilting inflection and Charles Rieser’s tasty guitar... are a standout."

"Ms. Synodinos’ second album is another wonderfully insightful investigation of human nature in all it’s natural forms and manifestations; love pined for; lost; found again and reinvigorated. Her vocals are even more assured than on her previous album and her music gains in depth with added stylistic accretions of sound without sounding dilettantish. She incorporates elements of folk, jazz, rock, blues et al, in a seamless way that enhances the singer/songwriter genre in general and her own unique perspective in particular."

"Breathe showcases her ability to make a song swing between Dorothy Parker’s wit and a well written short story. Synodinos definitely has breadth. Breathe... offers up little treasures with each spin, and once again begs the question, 'why is Jean Synodinos not a household name in the greater folk world?' All I can figure is the white boys in charge are damn intimidated by this great artist."

"Folk-rock that is a great pick-me-up is a rare find in these days where melancholy seems to drip from the sky. Jean's vocals are dynamic with a tasty amoung of range... she's gotten even better on this terrific follow up [to "Lucky"]! It's an album that I'll be pondering often since it has a new residency in my stereo."

“... there's nothing like that smoky voice with just a hint of grit like yeah, she's been there and done it and done it. And hot damn, those songs! There's nothing predictable about these tasty songs of love and regret with the occasional odd character, fueled with her rhythmic acoustic guitar and rootsy arrangements. It's not folk. Exactly. More like sultry alt-country, low on the twang please, with pop and jazz too."

"There are a lot of aspects to what Jean Synodinos does, but they’re all characterized by one thing: this startling precision…. it’s obvious that what she creates comes utterly naturally…. while she’s no doubt cognizant of her prowess, her humanity remains deep and wide. That comes from knowing that the ability to experience life in its infinite particularities is an awesome gift."

"There is something charismatic about Synodinos. There is a vulnerability in her voice that will attract even the casual listener. You have the feeling you are being sung to and not sung out like so many card carrying female acoustic guitar players out there."

“BREATHE is a captivating record. The reprise of the opening cut is worth the price of the entire album. The voice is perfect as expected, offering that dangling vibrato on just the right accents. And who else would toss in a Led Zeppelin tune for good measure? All around, this is a major disc. Jean Synodinos is one of those performers that you just love to listen to, almost embarrassingly wanting to listen alone, almost like hiding away with a Nina Simone record. Great album -- hands down."

"Synodinos is amazing... She has some excellent moves as a songwriter and is an accomplished acoustic guitarist, but her big gun, and I mean .50 caliber made by badass Hellenes, is the marvel that is her voice."

"As fine a vocalist as she is a composer, Synodinos' Lucky is among the most overlooked albums of recent memory"

"Intelligent, thoughtful. literate lyrics, a world-wise sensibility and a big, big sound--Lucky is the whole package. And oh, that voice!"

"... a writer of humor, grit and grace, with a smoky mezzo well-suited to her elliptical storytelling lyrics."

"...her deceptively angelic voice infuses her music with a soulful, sardonic edge."

"Synodinos appreciates a well-written narrative and knows how to enjoy life, all the while encouraging everyone else to do the same. Alive as alive can be, as she sings in 'Running with Me.'"

"Ms. Synodinos' record is an amalgam of folky roots singer songwriter gems that sparkle long after the cd stops spinning. The backing players are exquisite and support with astonishing expertise. Lucky is a great record and Ms. Synodinos' voice is warm as a balmy breeze. Wit and grace abound all over this disc."

"Jean's first bit of accolages have to be about her dynamic and gorgeous vocals. Then and only then can you begin to discuss the rest of the album's polished portions... this isn't just a critic's wet dream, this is substance that everyone can get a handle on."

"Few can genre-skate well, but perhaps that's because few have a voice as amazingly versatile as Jean Synodinos'. Certainly, the muses have visited Synodinos, and I'm not so convinced she's not one herself. I'm so blown away by the entirety of Lucky I hardly know which to acknowledge as more compelling -- Synodinos' voice or her songwriting capabilities, or stronghold on guitar playing. Her experience and confidence shines through without a shadow in all three, yet the natural juxtaposition her vocal talents provide seem to prevail. Fresh but down-home-dirty. Pure but worldly. Bottomless but downly-light. With that cannon in her pocket, Synodinos could sing any piece passable as music and cast it into greatness. More so than any other artist I've ever witnessed, Synodinos' songwriting is not only a perfect counterpart for her voice, but also impressivley reflects her wit, intelligence and whims. A woman to be reckoned with."