...minimalist lyrics capture the tugs at a mother’s heart: wanting to soar, wanting to stay close to care for young ones, and the pain when they leave the nest.
Joselyn & Don
“With passionate delivery, Joselyn and Don wrap rich pleasing vocals and just enough instrumental accompaniment around compelling lyrics that range from reflective to socially relevant to playful. This is music for the ears and the heart, but also the mind and soul. ”
— - Taran Schindler, Grand Annex Music Hall, CA
Modern Folk
Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo, both Montana natives, met in Los Angeles in the early 2000’s while jamming in the Venice arts community, and soon learned they were soulmates. After years of performing in separate projects and raising a family, they found a new musical identity working together.
Joselyn & Don explore the crossroads of modern folk and soul through evocative songs planted firmly in American roots. Their debut album, “Soar,” takes the listener on an emotional journey through innocence lost to wisdom, and dreams deferred for something better. Joselyn’s soulful voice recalls both Laura Nyro’s soaring tones and Emmylou Harris’ country folk, while Don’s guitars play duet partner, at turns embodying outlaw twang, plaintive blues, and muscular rock. The music of “Soar” is essentially an acoustic duo, enhanced with lush textural layers and unexpected instrumentation, bringing to mind the fluid genre-hopping of artists like Yola and Michael Kiwanuka.
Joselyn is the founder of women’s global fusion band, ADAAWE, a festival favorite, with whom she plays percussion and sings. They have supported artists like Michael Franti and Ladysmith Black Mambazo and toured the U.S. numerous times. She previously released two albums of original music and toured throughout Southern California. Don, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, also serves as film editor for long-running animated series, “The Simpsons.”
Joselyn & Don’s intimate live arrangements feature fingerpicked guitar, tenor ukulele and percussion, allowing Joselyn's voice to shine through with strength and vulnerability. The duo has performed live at regional events and venues with a warm and engaging show and opened for artists including Willie Watson and the Living Sisters. During the pandemic, they pivoted to performing high quality livestream shows from their home studio, which allowed them to continue creating community and supporting social and environmental causes. Keep up with them on Facebook.com/JoselynandDon and on their website (bit.ly/Joselyn-Don) for info on the release of their debut album, “Soar” in September 2020 and upcoming livestream shows.
photography by @gallodp
...brooding, bluesy, and a little stanky - like Santana stepped into a backwoods bar - "Trouble" is a warning, wrapped in a smile.
A unique track that showcases the power of the Missouri River as a metaphor to the differences that divide us. - Independent Music Reviews
Praise for Debut Single, "All it Takes is Time"
“Montana natives, Joselyn & Don, have crafted a unique track that showcases the power of the Missouri River as a metaphor to the differences that divide us. This is rootsy, country and a hint of soul poured out and on display. The instrumentation is balanced and raw, and the delivery in the vocal is captivating.”
- Independent Music Reviews
“In these divided times, we need the poignance and edge of folk music to unite us. That’s where LA-based duo Joselyn & Don come in. Sonically, the tune presents layers of folk, Americana, and blues, with rhythmic ukulele and finger-picked acoustic guitar guiding us forward beneath Joselyn’s rich, soul-inspired vocal. Those with keen ears will also notice some outlaw country-inspired electric guitar licks, tastefully inserted to lend additional grit to the track.
– Underground Music Collective
