"Joyann Parker is the best Twin Cities female singer you've never heard. Imagine a sober Janis Joplin. And that's a good thing. Imagine a taller Shemekia Copeland without the my-dad-was-a-blues-star pedigree. And that's a really good thing. There's pain in Parker's heart - and in just about every song she writes and sings. And, onstage, the grimace on her face, the clenched fists and the ache in her roar let her listeners know that she knows hurt...Whatever she plays, Parker owns it. She's a powerful, animated blues-rock singer, capable guitarist and pianist, and a writer of praiseworthy originals." - Jon Bream/Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"Hard to Love" Isn't Hard To Love - Read the reviews!
“'Hard To Love' is a colorful musical tapestry woven by a consummate artist out of the warp and wool of jazz, soul and blues. Parker's passionate vocals deliver what might be one of the best albums of the year so far.”
— Henry L. Carrigan, Living Blues
“Joyann Parker presents a package of originals and serves notice that she’s a blues performer to the bone. Bravely risking emotional exposure, this Minneapolis- based singer and multi-instrumentalist shows a penchant for depicting a unique response to the ups and downs of life. The album sweeps through well-titled numbers like “Envy,” “Evil Hearted,” and “Take My Heart And Run.” Parker and company work styles ranging from Chuck Berry and bluesy funk to French Quarter parades and Memphis soul approximations.”
— Frank-John Hadley, DownBeat Magazine
“ (Hard To Love) showcases her as a singing, songwriting, guitar-playing, self-producing, self-aware powerhouse, but the driving force is unquestionably her voice — a formidable instrument she wields with soul and taste.”
— Pasadena Weekly
“...Some of the smokiest, smokingest green eyed soul you are going to encounter. Killer stuff throughout.”