Search - Jeannie Kendall :: Jeannie Kendall

Stellar musicianship, beautiful vocals, but no banjo

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 06/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many remember The Kendalls. In this duo with her father (the late Royce Kendall), Jeannie Kendall had a strings of hits (like "Leavin' on a Jet Plane," "Pittsburgh Stealers," "You'd Make an Angel Wanna Cheat," "I'm Already Blue," "Teach Me To Cheat," "Sweet Desire," "Thank God for Radio"). Their "Heaven's Just a Sin Away" was a number one country hit, crossed over to the pop chart in 1977, won a Grammy and took home the CMA Record of the Year award. The Kendalls' unique harmony gave them a contemporary sound with enough traditional flavor to win them many fans.
Jeannie now steps into the spotlight with her first solo album, an all acoustic country and bluegrass project. Although her father passed away at age 64 in 1998, he is included on two cuts ("I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" and "Train of Thought"). The former is a straight-ahead presentation, but not hard-driving, high and lonesome. Besides Dan Tyminski, Adam Steffey, Barry Bales and Rob Ickes, other sterling guests include Ricky Skaggs, Stuart Duncan, Alan Jackson, Carl Jackson, Rhonda and Darrin Vincent, Pat Flynn, Bryan Sutton, Allison Moorer, and Ron Stewart. Percussion is offered by Kenny Malone or Milton Sledge on all but one cut, "Jack and Lucy," a duet that Jeannie sings with Steve Gulley. Another special duet on the project is a remake of the 1988 McCarter's hit, "Timeless and True Love," sung by Jeannie with Alan Jackson. Laurie Lewis' hit, "Love Chooses You," is arranged with angelic vocals of Jeannie singing with Rhonda and Darrin Vincent. The same trio harmonize on "The Color of Her Eyes," a beautiful song written by Mike Stults. Jeannie sings with Alison Krauss on another Laurie Lewis song, "Old Friends."This project began back in 1998 when Jeannie and Royce Kendall started recording an acoustic project with Alison Krauss' band, Union Station. It has taken four years and various recording sessions to bring the album to completion, but that is to our advantage because there is a lot of variety on this album.I wouldn't have minded hearing banjo on at least one or two cuts. Even if soft-driving banjo-less bluegrass with a country twist, light percussion and piano, may not be your main cup of bluegrassy tea, you'll find songs to peak your interest and grab your attention on this project. The choice of acoustic country material is excellent, with a nice mix of covers and new material. Every song is given a unique Jeannie Kendall treatment and arrangement, but they all have certain elements in common: stellar musicianship and beautiful vocals with Jeannie's divine voice always out front. I am very pleased to see such professional productions of this quality in the acoustic music market. This album deserves a place in your collection, and I hope to hear its tracks frequently on the country, bluegrass and Americana radio airwaves. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)"

"Jeannie Kendall will keep the light burning bright"

J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 02/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This talented young artist was born in my hometown of St. Louis, Mo. on November 30, 1954. Bluegrass at it's best comes from the heart of Jeannie Kendall, her dad the late Royce Kendall set the stage for her life's goal ~ music that will never go out of style, but will live on forever. This album is a star studded list of guest artists ~ Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Carl Jackson, Rhonda Vincent, Darrin Vincent, DeAnna Cox, Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Cody Kilby, Jason Moore, Kenny Malone, Ron Block, Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Sonny Garrish, Bryan Sutton, Larry Franklin, Milton Sledge, Bruce Watkins, Gary Prim, Glen Duncan, Johnny Long and David Russell...make this an event to remember.Twelve tracks in the vain of "O Brother Where Art Thou", almost an hour of tender upbeat mountain music. Some stand outs "SMOKY LONESOME", featuring Ricky Skaggs and Rhonda Vincent with vocal harmony in perfect pitch perfection. Next we have "OLD FRIENDS", they just grow dearer with the likes of Alison Krauss ~ "TIMELESS AND TRUE LOVE", a duo with Alan Jackson, tender melody with lyrics that will tug at your heartstrings.Bluegrass fans, there is not a track on this album under a five star rating. Songs that Jeannie has painted on the "Bluegrass Canvas" for so many years. With her dad Royce, "TRAIN OF THOUGHT", keeps coming back, must be on a one-way track just picks up steam. And Jeannie we wish you all the best...keep the light burning bright.Total Time: 45:58 on 12 Tracks ~ Rounder 11661-0401-2 ~ (2/25/2003)"

A Wonderful album to listen to over and over! What a voice!

Gloria Morgan | Nacogdoches, Texas USA | 09/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeannie Kendall came to sing at our Americana Music Festival in Nacogdoches, Texas and I just happened to read an article in the paper that afternoon and realized that she was the daughter from the Kendalls duo that I remembered from "way back then". I am so glad that I went to see her, because she was amazing. Her voice is wonderful, and she has some really great songs on this new CD. I have been listening to it over and over."