“Bell's music isn't strictly bluegrass, but her reworking of old-time country and jug-band blues is remarkably nuanced. It embodies the wide-open spirit of what has become an antic, hybrid genre.” - Edd Hurt

— The Nashville Scene

JAN BELL

Based in Brooklyn NYC and Nashville IN

From a coal-mining village in Yorkshire England, Jan Bell made her name as a songwriter in NYC. Over the last twenty years recording seven critically acclaimed albums made in New Orleans, Eureka Springs AR and Brooklyn. Singer songwriter 'The Maybelles' who began as a duo with Melissa Carper in the Ozarks, and over the next decade opened for Wanda Jackson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, & Odetta. 

Independent Music Award winner for Best Alt. Country album, and Best Concept album ‘Dream of the Miner’s Child’ dedicated to Bell’s grandfather.  

Dumbo Dozen Award for ‘Impactful work in the community as musician and curator. Brooklyn Country Music Award for ‘Dedication to Folk Music in NYC’.  

Festival stages include River to River Festival, Hudson River County Fair, Bronx Botanical Gardens Festivals, Dumbo Arts Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park Festival, Governor's Island Opening Day, Prospect Park Harvest festival, The International Bluegrass Music Awards, Ozark Folk Festival, Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, and in the UK: Broadstairs Folk Fest, Yorkshire Moors Fest, Devon Folk Festival, and Glastonbury.  

NYC highlights:

 The Woody Guthrie Archives commission, Joe's Pub, Chelsea Women’s Prison; 'The Winding Stream' Documentary opening for Rosanne Cash at Independent Film Center. ​​Brooklyn Arts Council September 11th memorial Sing at Powerhouse, DUMBO. Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Songwriters In the Round on the Masters Stage with Claire Lynch, and The Gibson Brothers. Opening for Ramblin' Jack Elliot  at The Bell House. International Bluegrass Music Awards, IBMA Nashville - Roots and Branches Stage. MacDowell Colony 100 year celebration in Central Park. 

PRESS:

The British are even making waves in the home of country. Jan Bell, a latter-day Loretta Lynn...whose roots still show! - Tim Cooper - The Times, London.

Jan Bell and company are the real deal - Tim Perlich - NOW Toronto, NXNE Critics Pick

Completely won me over! Her melodies are rich and meaty...really fine songs, creative arrangements and crisp playing - Tom Druckenmiller, Sing Out!

Spirited, soulful twang - GO Magazine, NYC

Maybe growing up in Nottinghamshire is what sets Jan Bell apart from the run of local lady folkies. Gorgeous old timey spareness - Village Voice

 

Press Photos

Rima Fand - Violin (Photo: Jelle wagenaar)

Tina Lama (Bass), Jan Bell (Guitar), Rima Fand (Violin) in Dumbo Archway.  Photo: Jelle Wagenaar

Philippa Thompson - Fiddle, Mandolin, The Saw, Washboard & Spoons.

Tina Lama - Bass

Baby Silvan, and Baby Nola

The Maybelles at Superfine: Tina, Rima, Philippa, & Jan.

Sample Track

Sample Video

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