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Janiva Magness
Janiva
Magness is all about blues attitude. The L.A. singer doesn't waste her time
trying to be a Blues Mama; she is what she is and that's better than any wanna-be
Blues Mama.
The first thing you notice about Janiva is that she doesn't have to shout to make a song get your attention. Nope, she can coo and caress songs right into your wheelhouse. Clearly, this is a woman who listens to nuances in songs and recognizes what works best for her.
Raised in Detroit, Janiva obviously felt the pull of blues and R&B from people such as John Lee Hooker, Aretha Franklin, Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams, Jackie Wilson and Della Reese. But there is certain links to the vocal styles of Billie Holiday, Memphis Minnie and Etta James in her music. Janiva never wanted to be anyone else, though. She sings from her soul and the results stand the test of time.
Through three CDS, "It Takes One to Know One," "My Bad Luck Soul" and "Blues Ain't Pretty," Janiva has been building an impressive resume of her talents.
The release of her latest album, "Use What You Got" on Blues Leaf Records coincides with this year's Bluesfest and promises to be her best yet.
Janiva wins plaudits from the musicians she has worked with and from the many others who stand in line to work with her. They all seem to know she is a consummate professional and someone whose stock rises by the day. She lives in Los Angeles these days and in a town loaded with pretenders, she is the real deal.
She has a commanding stage presence, but for those who may not be paying attention, she'll bring out her anatomically correct rubboard and send heads spinning.
This is Janiva's second appearance at the Volkswagen San Diego Bluesfest. She had barely walked off the stage last time when she turned to ask when she could come back.
"I love this," she said. "You can just see what a good time people are having."
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