...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 have traveled musically divergent paths, beginning in their native Montana, through years of musical exploration in Los Angeles, and have arrived “home again” with a new project that brings them together. Joselyn is a singer, songwriter and percussionist, who founded women’s world music band, ADAAWE, supported artists like James Brown and Mickey Hart, and toured the U.S. She released two albums of original music to rave reviews, independent radio airplay, and regional tours. In this new project, Joselyn is joined by her husband, Don Barrozo, a multi-instrumentalist who played with many artists and fronted a solo trumpet project while also serving as the film editor for “The Simpsons.”
Together, Joselyn & Don explore the crossroads between modern folk and soul through well-crafted songs planted firmly in American roots, with elements of folk rock, sophisticated ballads and soul. Their sophisticated, stripped down live arrangements feature fingerpicked guitar, tenor ukulele and percussion, allowing Joselyn's soulful voice to shine through with clear-eyed emotion. The duo performs live at regional festivals, events and venues with their warm and engaging show, and have opened for artists including Willie Watson and the Living Sisters. Watch for a debut 2020 album release!
Photography by Spencer Wilkinson and Taso Papadakis
...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
