New review of "Life Stories"

Julia Rohan:  Life Stories by Julie Miller, CFLX-FM 95.5

There is something about the songs on Julia Rohan’s CD, “Life Stories”, that calls to mind the gently rolling hills and distinct seasons and colours of the Eastern Townships area of Quebec, where she is based.  She makes her way calmly through a series of original songs, the melodies setting a pace that acts as a balm in these hurried times we live in. Like the landscape of the Townships and the towns and villages that dot the map, each song is distinct in its own way, but flows easily and naturally from one to the other.  Her lyrics, backed up by stripped down and tuneful accompaniments, give voice to the many ways we find ourselves vulnerable in relationships, but Rohan is able to reveal vulnerability for what it really is:  bittersweet strength.  This is best reflected in the songs “Enough”, “Angels in Her Pockets”, “Better” and the album opener, “In Love”.  She communicates a sense of how we are all connected to each other in other tracks, such as “There”, which is marked by a haunting penny whistle solo in the middle.  There are a couple of beautiful songs where her love of nature comes through—such as “Beautiful Dream” and “Silent Night Starry Night”.  Shading each song with inflections of folk, country, swing and blues, the album is solid and includes some really catchy tunes; a must-listen for commuters on their way to work, or for those who hearken to days when they can kick off their shoes, sit out on the porch, and watch the sun set slowly over the horizon.

Four new reviews of "Life Stories"

The "Life Stories" CD has been circulating since late 2012, but it's never too late to hear nice things said about it. :-) Here are a few recent reviews...

"In this fine collection of songs, Julia does a remarkable job of sharing her most intimate life experiences. ‘Life Stories’ is an extension of her exhilarating live performances that have been capturing the hearts of audiences for years. She's a prolific songstress who takes you for a ride to the far reaches of her soul and back again."

Johann Lowenberg
iPitchMedia Digital Design

“Julia's song-writing brings her audience in and wraps them in a familiarity that both comforts and feels like a friend.”

Darleen Bell
BellVie Productions

“Julia Rohan`s wonderfully evocative talents blossom on stage. Julia not only performs interpretive covers, but also heart-felt original material that delves into the nucleus of her life experience. Her cover work presents new slants and interpretations that transform the original into something entirely new and fresh. Julia`s original compositions grab your soul and hesitate to let go, drawing the listener into her world. Her performances at The Acoustic Village have been nothing short of brilliant.”

Bill Duke
The Acoustic Village

“Life Stories by Julia Rohan is just that – a series of song vignettes each reflecting some aspect of life, love and relationships. These are mature songs at the three-way junction of folk, country and pop music that flow through a variety of moods. Julia’s warm singing draws you into each of the songs, and the arrangements – nicely tailored for the individual songs – form a seamless listening experience for the whole album.”
Mike Regenstreif,
Host of “Folk Roots, Folk Branches” radio show

 

 

 

Julia & France at The Acoustic Village, March 8,2014

Julia Rohan and France LePitre
"Where the Two Solitudes Meet"

 

Here we are singing the Zachary Richard song, "Au bord de lac bijou"...

http://youtu.be/hDplvAtG-Gg