Jana Herzen's life and musical adventures include writing songs in Bali, jamming with aboriginal tribesmen around campfires in Outback Australia, recording in Africa and Paris with Afro-Pop stars, working out her album demos with members of the Carlos Santana band, and even, one time performing at a state gala for Nelson Mandela in Paris. The songs of her debut album, “Soup's On Fire”#(Motema 2003) travel through exotic far-reaching musical territories, while never straying far from the heart. The richly layered soundscapes of the album were tracked in San Francisco and Paris with an unusual cast of musicians led by Afro-Parisian producer-composer-performer, Shaka Ra, who is known best for his work with Papa Wemba and his song, “Yaleo” on Santana's hit cd “Supernatural.”

Jana draws musical inspiration from her deep American roots and her encounters with the music of many cultures from around the world. A self-described ‘groove' musician, Jana plays acoustic and electric guitar, bass, kalimba, “dub” didjeridu and assorted percussion instruments. She has performed at clubs and events around the U.S.A as well as abroad in England, France, Italy, Japan, Zaire, Bali, Australia and Ecuador.

In 2003, Jana founded the Motema label which has been much in the press for it's award-winning Jazz artists. Motema promotes Jazz, World and other creative music by musicians with a knack for 'changing the molecules in the room' when they play. The current roster includes Lynne Arriale, Babatunde Lea, Bujo Kevin Jones & Tenth World, Marc Cary & DJ Jackie Christie. Jana has performed her reperatory to great effect featuring The Marc Cary Jazz Trio as well as the Babatunde Lea Jazz Quartet. Please ask about attractively priced package deals for booking Jana's act along with one of these two award-winning Motema bands for the same venue or festival.