Did you know that vocalist/guitarist Janet Gardner went back to school in 2005 to become a dental hygienist after leaving the all-female glam band Vixen? More importantly, she’s also been consistently putting out great new music since 2017.

Janet and her husband, Justin James, have a brand-new album, entitled No Strings, available on June 9 through Pavement Entertainment. And this follow-up to the duo’s 2020 powerhouse, Synergy, is not to be missed.

We all remember the classic Vixen hits, “Edge of a Broken Heart” and “Cryin’.” If you liked Janet’s vocals back then, you’ll be happy to know that like a fine wine, they’ve only improved with age. The first track on No Strings, “I’m Livin Free,” is all the proof you’ll need!

“Turn the Page” is up next and it’s definitely NOT a Bob Seger cover. Justin James shines on this one. The guitarist/songwriter/producer previously worked with members of Staind, Collective Soul and my personal favorite, Tyketto. Full of flashy guitar riffs and a standout solo, his fingerprints are all over this song.

James says, “I’m so proud of what Janet and I have created with No Strings. From the first chord recorded to the last note sung, No Strings is a piece of who we are.”

The pair get nostalgic on “85” with lyrics like, “Back in ’85, we felt so alive. To hell with the 9-to-5.” Who wouldn’t agree with that? It’s a fun song – just as rock and roll should be.

The title track, No Strings, is a bluesy tune that highlights the strengths of this talented couple – Janet’s deep vocal range and Justin’s polished guitar chops.

As with their previous efforts, the production on No Strings is stellar. Stacked guitars – electric and acoustic, a solid backline of rhythm and well-proportioned background vocals. And without many of the underlying keyboard fills that were prevalent in Vixen’s early days, this album definitely has a modern feel to it.

Janet says, “Justin and my work flow has become so effortless that the creative process never gets bogged down in the technical aspects until it comes time to mix and master. Justin’s determination to bring this album to the next level, sonically, has had the biggest impact on this release.”

Don’t miss what this dynamic duo have to offer on No Strings.  And if you like what you hear, you’ll dig their back catalog, too. 

You can bet that Janet’s the hardest rocking dental hygienist in the business. And I can’t help but wonder if the new album will be on the office playlist? It would definitely make a trip to the dentist much more enjoyable.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski

For the latest on Janet and Justin, visit: https://www.janetgardnermusic.com/