"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
“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
“Joyann Parker is the real deal...a powerful vocalist, an accomplished musician on both guitar and piano, and the writer of songs that hold up over time. This is blues and deep southern soul of the highest order. Joyann Parker is a 21st century blues woman.”
— Bill Wilson, Reflections In Blue
“She is immersed in the blues and it is now a part of her life, just like breathing and her heart beating... the shoes are kicked off and she is very much at home here. ”
— Bob Gottlieb, No Depression