by Melina Paris, Angel City Culture Quest
February 5, 2023
Last weekend I had the sweet opportunity to see Joselyn & Don, a modern folk duo who are also life partners, perform at Torrance Cultural Arts Center (TOCA) along with Mai Leisz on bass and Jim McGrath on drums.
I’d previously seen the duo, who are Montana natives turned Angeleno's, perform at San Pedro’s Grand Annex, so I knew it would be a special concert. Their harmonies, so pleasing, dance together delicately — calming your spirit and soar high, lifting you to ethereal bliss. Don is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer. Joselyn’s full melodic voice is downright beautiful; she plays tenor ukulele, keyboard and congas. She is also the founder of women’s global fusion band, ADAAWE.
Joselyn led with her amazing voice, on this night, beginning with her ukulele and later on the congas. Don, as a calming base, held everything down on guitar — acoustic and electric and backup vocals. Leisz's articulate bass and McGrath’s smooth percussion amplified the deep sonic ambiance of the room.
Featuring songs from Seeds & Bones, their latest release, as well as numbers from their previous CD Soar, Joselyn & Don and guests put on a robust concert. Consummate performer, Joselyn, sang, played and entertained the audience — in addition to bantering with her bandmates. It's a special gift to carry this adept level of performing, with back to back shows and do it as elegantly as this songstress achieved.
Joselyn & Don’s soulful, blues infused modern folk soothes on a psychic level. Their dynamic song-weaving of music and poetic narrative create scenes in your mind's eye that conjure mother nature in all her power and wisdom, and human compassion — through hope. The hypnotic Deep Down from their album Seeds & Bones is an expansive, rhythmic number that reveres nature’s strength and our connection to it, no matter how much man tries to conquer her.
A crisp clear production, both live — and notably, on their albums — Joselyn & Don’s sounds resonate deeply. Still basking, you’ll carry them effortlessly well after they enter your consciousness, making your days sweeter.
Photo by Gina Valona
https://www.patreon.com/posts/joselyn-don-live-78284445