Janice Burns and Jon Doran

Discovering the Folk Magic of Janice Burns and Jon Doran

Janice Burns and Jon Doran. If you’re into music that feels like a warm conversation by the fireside, these two might just become your new favorites. This Anglo-Scottish pair brings a fresh yet timeless energy to traditional folk, blending tight harmonies with instruments like mandolin, bouzouki, and guitar. So, who are they, and why should you care? Let’s dive in.

The Origins of a Folk Partnership

Janice Burns and Jon Doran didn’t stumble into music by accident. They met back in 2017 while studying folk and traditional music at Newcastle University—a place where their shared love for old songs sparked something special. Picture two people digging through dusty archives, unearthing melodies and stories that have been around for centuries, and you’ve got the gist of how this duo came to be. They even spent a year together in Norway, soaking up Scandinavian influences that still ripple through their sound today.

What’s cool about Janice and Jon is how they clicked over a mutual passion for songs that explore life’s big questions—nature, love, loss, and our place in it all. It’s not just about the tunes; it’s about the stories woven into them. And when they sing, you can feel that connection in every note.

A Sound That’s Simple Yet Spellbinding

If you’ve ever heard Janice and Jon perform, you know their music has this effortless quality—like they’re letting the songs speak for themselves. Janice’s voice pairs beautifully with Jon’s, creating harmonies that feel both intimate and expansive. Add in the gentle pluck of a mandolin or the rich hum of a bouzouki, and you’ve got a sound that’s understated but impossible to ignore.

Their arrangements aren’t flashy, and that’s the point. They take traditional folk songs—some dating back hundreds of years—and breathe new life into them without overcomplicating things. Critics, like the folks at *Songlines*, call it “clever and uncluttered musical storytelling,” and honestly, that nails it. Whether they’re playing a quiet ballad or a lively tune, there’s a warmth that draws you in, like they’re sharing a secret just with you.

Albums That Tell a Story

Janice and Jon kicked things off with a self-titled EP in 2020, recorded live with minimal fuss. It was a small but mighty introduction, earning them airplay on BBC Radio 2 and a growing fanbase. Then came their debut album, *No More the Green Hills*, in 2022. This one landed on the Official UK Folk Chart and got people talking—*R&R* called it “superb,” praising the singing, harmonies, and thoughtful backing.

Fast forward to late 2024, and they dropped *Great Joy to the New*, a winter album that’s been seven years in the making. It’s not your typical holiday record—sure, there are carols, but it’s more about hope and renewal than jingle bells. With guest artists like Ben Nicholls on double bass and a brass band arranged by Jon Boden of Bellowhead fame, it’s a rich, layered listen that still feels cozy and personal.

Why They Stand Out Live

Here’s where Janice and Jon really shine: their live shows. They’ve played everywhere from Sage Gateshead to Cambridge Folk Festival, and audiences can’t get enough of their relaxed, friendly vibe. It’s not just about the music—it’s the way they connect with the crowd. You get the sense they genuinely love what they do, and that enthusiasm is contagious.

Take their winter tour, for example. It’s become a tradition for them to hit the road in December, bringing festive songs to venues across the UK. Back in 2020, during lockdown, they even hosted a livestream that turned into their best-paid gig of the year. People crave that kind of authenticity, and Janice and Jon deliver it every time.

#### What’s Next for This Folk Duo?

With *Great Joy to the New* out in the world as of November 2024, Janice and Jon aren’t slowing down. They’re already back on tour, and if their track record is anything to go by, they’ve got more stories and songs up their sleeves. Their knack for finding hidden gems in folk archives keeps their music evolving, blending English, Scottish, and even Norwegian influences into something uniquely their own.

Why You Should Listen

So, if you’re looking for music that’s honest, heartfelt, and a little bit magical, give Janice Burns and Jon Doran a spin. Start with *No More the Green Hills* for a taste of their roots, or jump into *Great Joy to the New* for a winter vibe that’ll carry you through to spring. Better yet, catch them live if they swing by your area—their performances are the kind you’ll still be talking about weeks later.

Folk music doesn’t always get the spotlight, but Janice and Jon are proving it’s alive and well. They’re not chasing trends or rewriting the rulebook—they’re just telling stories the way they’ve been told for generations, with a twist that’s all their own. And in a world that’s always rushing forward, that feels pretty refreshing, doesn’t it?

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