Search - Kacey Jones :: Kacey Jones Sings Mickey Newbury

Sweetly wistful recollections and nostalgic remembrances

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 11/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playng Time - 66:03



Who They Are: Kacey Jones is an affecting singer who does a very nice job covering Mickey's songs.



What They Do: The talented Mickey Newbury has a large body of moving songs that are well-crafted. You can hardly go wrong covering them and Kacey Jones provides us with some sweetly wistful recollections and nostalgic remembrances.



Little Known Facts: Jones and Newbury first met in a Nashville studio nearly three decades ago. He became a strong influence and mentor for Jones.



The Songs: Jones doesn't rely upon Newbury's biggest hits like "Funny Familiar Forgotten Feelings," "Just Dropped In," "Here Comes the Rain, Baby," and "Sweet Memories." But she finds many others from his graceful pen such as the charming "San Francisco Mabel Joy" and "Some Memories Are Better Left Alone." Kacey was influenced by Mickey and has been singing his songs for years. For this album, she picked gems like "You've Always Got the Blues," "Apples Dipped in Candy," "Lovers," "Remember the Good." There are also some from his later albums like "Ramblin' Blues" and "Lie to Me Darlin'" and "Some Memories Are Better Left Alone." Some short interludes from Mickey himself are a treat.



The Musicians: The musicians who help out are guys from her band, studio players, people who had played and recorded with Mickey, and members of his family. They all had (or developed) a sincere appreciation for the ingenious tunes. They include Eddie Dunbar (bass), Jimmy Nichols (piano), Mark Dreyer (gutiar), Brent Moyer (guitar, tumpet), and Paul Scholton (drums). Some poignant background vocal contributions come from Toni Jolene Clay and Chip Davis (who sang on Mickey's two final albums), as well as Laura Shayne Newbury (Mickey's youngest daughter and a singer/songwriter herself).



Of Special Note: The opening cut ("Song of Sorrow") reminds us that if we dream long enough, we may just be fool enough to see our dreams come true. Those are the kinds of insightful and perceptive lyrics that Mickey's songs embrace. Kacey Jones' voice has a warm texture, and it emerges with clarity and emotion.



Any Recommendations: "Why You Been Gone So Long" is about the liveliest song chosen for the hour-long set. A few more uptempo pieces could have shooken things up a bit more, but all are still very nicely arranged in thoughtful, delicate and soothing style. Nichols' string arrangements provide considerable spiritual glow.



The Bottomline Is: Newbury's songs deserve far more attention than they're received over the years, and Kacey Jones gives them supple and radiant delivery on this generous 66-minute album.



Reviewed By: Joe Ross (staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

"

Just What the Music Doctor Ordered

kriss wagner | 08/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

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At a time when the music business is churning out monotonous, sometimes talent-starved, clones and drones where the only discernable differences are the song titles, Kacey Jones Sings Mickey Newbury is the tonic for what ails us. Kacey has respectfully and artfully woven her generous vocal style into Newbury's songs, adding touches of the vamp in "Apples Dipped In Candy", the wistful lilt of understanding in "Time Was" and the dichotomy between pleading and graceful submission in my favorite, "Blue Sky Shining". From first to last track, Kacey makes it clear that she not only understands these songs, she seems to be living in them, trusting their impact and resolve. The lyrics are deep only if you look for a deeper meaning. They are not esoteric unless you seek philosophy. But, if you want tunes to identify with and lyrics for adult lives and music for a thirsty soul, then this album needs to live with you. Kacey Jones Sings Mickey Newbury, to all of us.

"

Kindred Spirits Kacey Jones and Mickey Newbury

RRT | High Desert, N.M. | 06/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm so impressed with Kacey Jones and her ever evolving and improving musical journey. I believe she is by far one of the most underrated singer's (male or female) out there today. I can't imagine any singer doing a better job let alone coming close to her interpretations of these great songs. I think Joe Ross gave the absolute best review

(Sweetly wistful recollections and nostalgic remembrances) and so right on. This CD will definitely stand the test of time and will sound just as good in thirty to fifty years from now as it does today. This is a "CLASSIC" by a terriffic singer / songwriter."