Out of the woods and into the caves of the downtown St. John’s music scene comes Bird & Bear – a duo born from circumstance and love of music.
Bird & Bear are Jillian Freeman (lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica, and piano/organ), and Jon Janes (percussion, organ, accordion, banjo, vocals and drum machine).
Jillian Freeman is a classically trained singer-songwriter and guitarist who refuses to colour inside the lines. Freeman could be heard singing before she could speak, and she began writing poems and songs at an early age. For many years, Freeman stayed out of the spotlight, with the exception of playing the odd talent show, open mic, or fundraiser. She always dreamed of sharing her immense passion for music with a larger audience. She is pleased as punch to have met Janes – a fellow closet songwriter who shares her vision, and helps breathe more life into her acoustic songs.
Jon Janes is no novice when it comes to the St. John’s music scene. Better known as The Mountains & The Trees, Janes takes a back-seat in Bird & Bear, happy to support Freeman’s powerful vocals with whatever instrument he can lay his hands on. Coolly and calmly switching between traditional instruments, such as banjo and accordion, to rock-oriented, such as organ and drums, and finally to experimental territory, with the drum machine, Janes adds extra colour to an already solid set of songs.
Bird & Bear seek to create thoughtful indie-folk-rock, with a smattering of electronic experimentation for good measure. Freeman’s poetic songwriting and complex vocal and guitar melodies combine with Janes’ talent for multi-tasking instruments, to create a rich, yet quirky, sound (not unlike their name). Bird & Bear: A powerful songbird perched on the back of a grizzly multi-instrumentalist. A boundless, thoughtful approach to song-writing that is part human, part animal, all heart.
Into The Moon, the debut EP from Bird & Bear, was released in November 2009!
"With all the bands dipping into the classic folk sounds, relying on seamless harmonies and heartache, it's refreshing to hear how Bird & Bear channel classic folk sounds, but use the organ (and every other instrument they can find) and energy to keep the effort sounding fresh."
-Bryan Acker, Herohill.com
Taken from:
http://www.herohill.com/2009/11/sunday-morning-coffee-bird-bear.htm
"Jillian Freeman has the type of voice that sounds like it came down from heaven: smooth as silk, supernaturally graceful, peaceful and calming like a prayer."
-Jim DiGioia, quickbeforeitmelts.com
Taken from: http://www.quickbeforeitmelts.com/2009/11/like-a-prayer/
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