Jordan Caress doesn't really sound like anyone else, which is usually a good thing. Perhaps this is the result of being raised in a ridiculously musical family, or the fact that she listens to equal parts country and indie rock. She is a midwestern girl, despite her current location. This explains alot . constant references to Michigan, dangerous levels of sentimentality and nostalgia, and, maybe most importantly, the kind of temperment that allows her to draw from heavy experiences with earnesty rather than cynicism. Drawing comparisons to everyone from Americana favorites Emmylou Harris and Gillian Welch to the college radio friendly likes of Rilo Kiley, Aimee Mann, and Tegan and Sara, Jordan cannot be pegged in a genre. She was last heard fronting Boston based indie rock outfit, Scotch Rocks, who released a critically acclaimed album in 2006. Unhappy on the east coast, she packed her bags and sold all her stuff and made a scary move to Nashville, Tennessee where she has been lucky to meet a talented and welcoming community of musicians. Her debut solo EP, "real quiet" is now available. Contributors include Alex Caress, Brian Ritchey, and producer/drummer extraordinaire, Brian Siskind. You can also check out Jordan in her new project "korean is asian," a collaboration between Caress and long time musical partner Brian Ritchey. Their heartbreaking harmonies have already created a stir. Hear them soon on their upcoming 2009 release!
Recent praise for "Real Quiet":
"Considering singer-songwriter Jordan Caress moved to Nashville from Boston last year and producer Brian Siskind (Fognode) just left town for NYC, Nashville should be thankful the two had the chance to cross paths and record this beautifully hazy batch of spaced-out indie folk. Most of Real Quiet lives up to its name, as Caress' fragile pipes, reminiscent of Aimee Mann, are softly surrounded by robust synth drones, folky strums and subtle percussion, but country-tinged rocker "Evidence" is intriguing in its straight-shooting strength . cross your fingers that Caress doesn't plan any future moves anytime soon." - Dave Paulson, The Tennessean
"After merely the opening track I became a devout believer. What gives Real Quiet such power is the masterful balancing of arrangements, lyrics, and vocals. She hearkens back to a time in country music when women drank whiskey from the bottle, and wore their hearts outside their chests. It permeates throughout the record in both tone and structure, yet this is by no means a country album. There’s an alt-country and indie influence greatly present amongst Caress’ seeming roots, as well as electronic arrangements that do nothing but add to Real Quiet’s weight.
These avenues come together to frame Caress’ voice and lyrics, her most powerful tools in an arsenal of musical ass-kicking, with a tasteful and heartbreaking delicacy. Real Quiet is an album that grabs you and won’t let go. It’s a tender reflection compelled by great music, and a voice that grips you by the balls and says, “pay attention.” For fans of Gillian Welch and Loretta Lynn all the way to Wilco and Beach House, Jordan Caress’ Real Quiet is one you can’t miss." - Bill Peden, Nashville Femme
"If you met Jordan Caress on the street you would never imagine that the seemingly shy,
unassuming, plainly dressed Caress would hold inside her such power, depth and resonance radiating from her lungs. A recent Nashville transplant, Jordan Caress is a breath of fresh air in a musical climate that seems intent on cookie-cutter dullness and unabashed replication of 'the next big thing'. With 'Real Quiet', Jordan Caress delivers a collection of songs that evoke the power and passion of Chrissy Hynde and the upbeat melancholy of Gillian Welch. Her tight, abundant vocals go from Emmylou Harris subtlety to Joan Jett ferocity in the beat of a heart seemingly without the slightest effort. Sparse arrangements perfectly frame Caress’ delicate vocalizations making 'Real Quiet' a self-fulfilling prophesy that fits like a glove. If this is the tip of the iceberg, I can’t wait to get in under the water."- F. Daniel Kent, Inside Out Nashville
