Beatrice (CD)

8 reviews for Beatrice (CD)

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Parth – July 29, 2023

   Waiting for it.

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Daniel Townsend – July 29, 2023

   Julianne Petersen has a very unique voice. I first encountered her music as part of The Petersens (a bluegrass band), so I was a little surprised that this album has more of an indie/folk sound. The two best tracks here, in my opinion, are “Silly Girls” and “Perfect Thursdays”.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Don Steines – July 30, 2023

   Nice! Specially liked Silly Girls!

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Boston – December 29, 2023

   It was a real delight to discover Julianne put out what I imagine was both an exploratory solo album as well as, in hindsight, an accomplished freshman effort. The album proves that Julianne’s almost on-the-edge-of-breaking voice can come alive on more than just perfectly matched Dolores O’Riordan covers. “To the Lighthouse,” “Perfect Thursdays,” “Silly Girls,” and what is really the magnum opus on this album “May Baby,” all prove Julianne’s unique voice is well-suited across a range of music styles, including soft-piano-led jazz, soft-alt rock and a sweeping cinematic soundtrack number in “May Baby.” Of the last song, at 1:33 Julianne’s emotive ballad veers into a heartbreakingly gorgeous two-part protracted bridge (2nd part at 1:55) that instantly commands your attention. As a freshman effort goes—and I suspect Julianne’s intention was quite serious—the net result is one incredibly beautiful personal album. I look forward to her sophomore effort.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Name *Isaac B (verified owner) – July 18, 2024

   Your review *I discovered Julianne’s solo album a little less than a year ago and I still can’t get enough of it. I’ve listened to this album all over the country when living in new places, whether that be the coast of Georgia from the many lakes of Minnesota. In both these places and all the stops along the way, this album has touched my soul in such a surprising and personal way. The song “Mom and Dad” especially hit the “feel strings” since I have moved away from home. With a voice that’s a cross from Neko Case and Regina Spector, you won’t regret listening to this album.

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Name *Russell Ray Lewis – December 2, 2024

   What is an eye Roller? And yes the Dimple thing is of a unique beauty as a Rose would have a unique beauty to each one! I think poetry is not your project itself but the movements making it possible through perseverance and understanding the use of poetry is in itself poetry because it comes from a living breathing human born poetry in motion in Time what is referred to as a 🌹. For that is a hundred everytime and a perfect grade point average from God!

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Name *Russell Lewis – March 15, 2025

    Poetry! A person’s soul! A story to be told! Of course I Love the bluegrass and Gospel but I like poetry also. I hope in the poetry of Life yours is told as a warm breeze that never turns cold!

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Matthew Todd – May 29, 2026

   I purchased Julianne Petersen’s 2023 album “Beatrice” at the Petersen’s May 19th Little Opry Theatre show during my wife and my recent trip to Branson. This was our fourth trip to Branson in the last three years and second trip since discovering the Petersens Band last November. I know, you ask, “What took you so long to discover them!?!” I regularly ask myself the same thing.

   But I digress.

   “Beatrice” was Julianne’s college capstone project, “… to write an album of poems that could function as songs…”. Its theme is love in many forms, including heartbreak. “Beatrice” is an incredible work of art, especially considering it was a college project. It’s a credit to Julianne’s talents, the influence of her faith and family, and her commitment to the craft of songwriting.

   Julianne’s lyrics and unique vocals remind me of a legend from my generation, Joni Mitchell. Her music is an impressionistic blend of poetry and confessional storytelling. And her vocal delivery allows the listener to experience the emotions behind each story.

   This album is so different than what we’re use to from the Petersens. It is more like much of the Indies music of the 80s and 90s. It highlights the diversity Julianne possesses, much like the aforementioned Joni Mitchell who was able to transition from folk music to pop and jazz.

   I’m sure each time I listen to “Beatrice”, I will find new favorites among the lyrical imageries. But three songs, for now, capture me. “Mom and Dad” is such a beautiful story of a child coming of age and venturing on her own for the first time, “Silly Girls” with great harmonies by Julianne and Katie Ellis, and “May Baby” with its closing statement, “Whenever I look out the window, I still see us through the trees. Behind every Midwest road sign taking you away from me.”

   I may be late to the party on this original work, but it’s as new, fresh, and delightful as it must have been three years ago. It is a poetic journey from learning to swallow pills, to silly girl friendship and dreams for the future: “When love comes to take your breath, I’ll store mine in a jar.”, from separation from parents and siblings: “Everyone fell into their rhythm last spring. It took a fall of getting used to a winter without me.”, to love found and lost: “I love you now, what about forever?”. We can only hope that if it’s in God’s plans we’ll get to hear more solo projects from Julianne in the future.