The Callen Sisters

With their unique instrumentation (harp and guitar), soaring vocal harmonies, and unforgettable original songs, The Callen Sisters make an impact from the first listen. More than a singer-songwriter duo, they are family, friends, and musical partners. They share each other’s lives, a closeness that informs their music and that is displayed to stirring effect on their self-titled debut album, which stands as a testament of shared experience, loss, and love.

Raised in Westport, Massachusetts, and Saratoga Springs, New York, The Callen Sisters are Jessa Callen (harp and vocals, age 26) and Beth Callen (guitar and vocals, age 24). Playing and writing songs together since childhood, by high school, the girls were performing live as a duo at venues throughout Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region—open mic nights, coffee shops (such as the legendary Caffé Lena), special events hosted by local businesses and community organizations, street busking during the crowded Saratoga summer months, and wherever else they could. Audience reaction has always been ecstatic. Curiosity is naturally directed towards the harp—an unusual instrument in a “folk” context, but once audiences hear the interplay of harp and guitar, they never forget it.

The sisters both enrolled at SUNY PurSinger/songwriters Jessa and Beth Callen are The Callen Sisters, a NYC-based duo blessed with an innovative sound of new-fashioned alternative using the harp and guitar as accompaniment. Their music conjures up aural images of some of the musicians they list as influences, such as the raw emotion of Tori Amos, KT Tunstall-like guitar and hints of modernized Joni Mitchell, yet flows with a gentle, soothing undertone creating a sound all their own.

The modern use of the harp creates a sound unique to the duo. As one fan commented, “you use your harp in a very modern way. Sometimes I know it's a harp. Other times it acts like a piano and at some points I'm even hearing a banjo.” Listeners often comment on the sisters' angelic voices that blend together in rich harmonies, soaring above the accompaniment of their harp and guitar.

With the release of their sophomore album, No Shelter, in December 2010, the sisters' sound portrays a decided maturity and growth since their first record, released in October 2007. Producer Dan Castellani's arrangements are rich with sibling vocal-harmony and fleshed out with beautiful string arrangements, sprinkled here and there with a throaty horn section. A larger palette of instruments was used this time around, both traditional (saxophone and trumpet) and more original (accordion and actual chains purchased at the hardware store for the backbeat of Canyon) that brought out unique and unexpected textures to the songs. Although the material is deep and emotional, some of the songs, such as the upbeat Avalanche, cleverly masks their darker lyrics. This record gave Beth the opportunity to explore the electric guitar on some tracks and Jessa to flex her classically trained muscles on intricate harp parts on songs like Down on Mission Street and Disarmament. No Callen record would be complete without the lush harmonies the sisters have come to be known for.

This record is their “winter album,” an introspective work that explores the cold, hushed starkness of the winter months, delving into the depths of emotion, exploring complex feelings and coming to terms with a difficult past. Winter holds a quiet beauty; all the earth is still and although there is a feeling of loss, there is the knowledge that spring is just around the corner. The time of the solstice is an opportunity for reflection and an unraveling of the old, making way for the new. Each of these songs is a journey that confronts the darkness, seeing it as an opportunity to transform and to become stronger because of it. This transition, although difficult, allows for an unprecedented sense of freedom and release, and is made plain in lyrics such as these:

Disarmament, dance of descent
Falling leaves, my arms now bare, like a tree in winter
~ Disarmament

No Shelter marks the death of an era for these two young women and offers hope and excitement for a rebirth into the next one to come. Each sister approached the writing process with a different intention. For Beth it was “more about going outside of myself – trying to explore more themes, people and places – and the feelings that these places provoked.” For Jessa “this record was a deep introspective journey into my past that allowed me to find healing and triumph.” Both sisters agree that this work is a personal exploration of loss, saying goodbye to an era and of letting go. It marks the transition to a new place in their lives.

It is the sisters' hope that these songs will connect with others on a deep, emotional level and offer support to those who need it. Although it may be challenging to move on, there is a strength and triumph in making your way in the world, summed up by Jessa's song, My Own Way:

I don't want to go
But I know I can't stay
And in this constant evolution
I will find my own way

The sisters began their musical journey at a young age and both graduated from Purchase College in New York with a Bachelor of Music. Upon graduating, the sisters migrated to NYC to hone their craft. With the release of their first, self-titled record in 2007, The Callen Sisters performed at clubs such as The Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End and The Knitting Factory in NYC and branched out into the Northeast to venues such as Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY, The Fire in Philadelphia and Club Passim in Boston. They were also fortunate to share a bill this summer (2010) with Paul Dempsey, one of Australia's most well-known singer/songwriters, sometimes described as “Australia's Peter Gabriel.” They have earned write ups in a variety of magazines, blogs and newspapers, such as the last issue of Harp Magazine with Dave Grohl gracing to cover, a music magazine now called Blurt. They have also been interviewed and performed on various radio stations and local TV shows. Jessa was also asked to be the body double on the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic with Isla Fisher during a scene where the actress is supposed to be performing the harp (sadly the scene was cut). She was also in the running to give a harp lesson for the taping of an episode of Flight of the Concords, season 2.

What do the sisters hope to accomplish with this record and their music? Beth says, “I want to create a place where people can come and feel like they are part of a community. I always felt like an outcast and like I didn't fit in anywhere and I want to offer a place for others so that no one else has to feel that way.” Jessa has a more introspective approach. “It's my hope that I can reach others who need a helping hand to feel supported along their journey and to know that they are not alone. Growing up I always felt lost and just wanted someone to pass along kind, inspiring words to help me on my way. My favorite songwriters helped me through some dark times and I hope I can do this for others.” Their record is on sale December 7, 2010 and can be purchased on their website or on iTunes. The digital album offers an exclusive song, "Stay," not available on the CD.chase and socialized in the same musical circle. Their closeness increased and their music horizons expanded as the result of a series of family losses. The two sought refuge in each other and in their music, gaining strength and perspective from their experiences. The sisters’ personal tragedies have earned them a deep compassion for others and a realization that life must be lived to the fullest each day—qualities that are poignantly conveyed in their music.

Their self-titled debut album, produced and arranged by Dan Castellani, displays the dynamic and dramatic range of The Callen Sisters’ songwriting and vocal skills. The songs on The Callen Sisters' debut record deal with the personal experiences, societal insights, and raw emotions of both sisters. The album’s 12 original songs (each sister wrote six songs apiece) include the plaintive and lilting “Like You,” written and sung by Beth, and the haunting and rich “Irrelevant,” written and sung by Jessa. The sweetness of “Lullaby” shows the lighter side of Jessa’s writing, while “Anomie” reveals the edgy side of Beth.

The Callen Sisters are currently living in the New York City metro area, playing in such legendary clubs as The Bitter End, The Knitting Factory and The Living Room. Their performances have garnered them positive write-ups in several press outlets. In September of 2008, The Callen Sisters signed to Cordless Recordings and have begun recording their sophomore album.