Rickie Lee Jones, and many collaborators over the years....
CURRENT additional lineup includes: Joey Maramba (bass,vox), Petra Haden (violin/vox), Xander Smith (vox/gtr), john kirby (piano/keys),Kenny Wollesen (drums),Peter Atanasoff (gtr)
Influences
Laura Nyro, the Beatles, the Zombies, Miles Davis, Harry Belefonte, Taj Mahal, Soul Coughing, Thelonious Monk, Betty Carter, Nina Simone, Randy Newman, John Prine, Tom Waits, Lassie, Shirley Temple, Marlon Brando, my dad, Aurthur Rimbaud,
Dylan Thomas, Mark Helprin's ' A Winters Tale,' and Ursula Le Guins 'Earthsea Trilogy' and yes, Harry Potter's "Prisoner of Azkaban".
ok i said it.
Sounds Like
Only herself...one of the most distinctive and talented singer-songwriters of our time.
RICKIE LEE JONES' NEW ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE FROM NEW WEST RECORDS
CRITICAL ACCOLADES POUR IN FOR RICKIE'S NEW ALBUM
"...some of Jones's finest vocals. When she sings on the first single, "Falling Up," of the painful letting go of old routines and of the unexpected ascension into new planes, she could be describing her own artistic reinvention as much as a spiritual experience." - The Washington Post, February 9, 2007
" ...it rocks, it rolls, it swings and strolls...Sermon on Exposition Boulevard feels raw and immediate, and most of all, it rings true. The music here was made because Jones had to make it...The songs on this record feel like they come from the street in order to go back there, not to witness or testify, but simply to be there as a witness to life in the process of spending itself....a masterpiece. (4 1/2 stars out of 5)" - Allmusic.com
“…veers from punk rock minimalism to ethereal, whispery rock… Jones neither preaches nor proselytizes, but instead witnesses, through Jesus’ eyes, her ever-evolving faith.” - MOJO (4 stars), March 2007
“This majestic, thoughtful collection, among Jones’s best, is the kind that only comes with age, when an artist has something pressing on her mind.” - TIME OUT NEW YORK, February 25 2007
"...the most startling work of her career...a compelling rock record that isn't preachy and has rightly been compared to Patti Smith's Horses and Van Morrison's Astral Weeks for its raw intensity and emotional honesty."
--Scott Mervis, PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE (4.5 stars), February 8, 2007
“Strangely accessible and highly addictive, it’s her best work in three decades.” - UNCUT (4 stars), March 2007
"... rocks in a way Jones never has before, building from the Rolling Stones/Velvet Underground riffs of ‘Nobody Knows My Name,’ ‘Tried to Be a Man’ and ‘Elvis Cadillac,’ which provides poignant commentary on modern deities. This Sermon is a real conversation piece." - BILLBOARD, February 17, 2007
"As usual, her lyrics showcase what’s on her mind with a brash insight and daring that often posses the questions we all want to ask, but won’t or can’t. The lone instrumental, ‘Road to Emmaus’ teeters like cherry blossoms falling in the dark before the power of a coming typhoon, while ‘Tried to Be a Man’ gathers in that wind-blown energy with a rumbling under-current, saw cut guitars and Jones’ anguished, whispered growl. Throughout, there is a dark undercurrent, a mellow abrasion and slanted instrumentation—her husky voice included—that makes this repeat listen." - RELIX, Feb/Mar 2007
"...the album is among Jones’s most deeply personal and emotionally intense. She plays all sorts of instruments here–guitar, keyboards, dulcimer, percussion, etc. – but the most affecting passages come from her singular voice. From ethereal and fragile to stentorian and tough, it conveys feelings in words and phrases and sometimes just sounds, as though actual words have failed. Although the songs in part channel the words of Christ, they’re also naturally entwined with her own perceptions and emotions, so the collection never feels preachy but more like a quest." - LOS ANGELES CITY BEAT, February 1, 2007
My dearest Lady, No words could tell you my love and sheer admiration for your work althrough the years. I worship the inspiration and strengh you gave me to face and sing my daily life, troubles, joys and rebirths. One of my dearest souvenir goes back to 1980 (or was it 81 ?) when I first saw U on stage in Le Palace in Paris touring for your first album... what a night in my life... I simply hope this msg will find you well & as happy as could be. I wish you all the best, faith and courage for the days and new records to come... not so easy to make through, I heard... My love and respect will always be near you, Hugs and tenderness from old France, niconu
It's great pleasure to have you in my list of friends! I first falled in love with your music,in the summer of my 19 back in 1979. Great summer,great first album. The soundtrack of my days.....
I can't go a single day without listening to your music. My kids can't, either. My 5 year old daughter always asks to listen to Ricka Lee Jomes. Past, present and future; your music will ALWAYS be relevant. PS: You still never let me know what you thought about Alexz Johnson's voice. If you ever have any time available, I wouldn't mind if you'd give me an opinion about her. -Iona
Thank you for adding me! I really appreciate it, I am pleased to have you as a friend! I am enjoying the music and your beautiful voice on yourspace! Yuichi Akita
Online a few scattered places it looks like you may be lining up dates in Somerville, Mass., Philadelphia, Ridgewood NJ, Annapolis MD, Cerritos CA . . . hope you can make it down to Florida . . . hope you have a day of joy and wonder
Dear Rickie: you are the angel that teaches me to sing and cures me. I adore you and I respect you. Thank you for accept my add. Amazing Rickie, I'm happy today, All Love of the world. Grace.
Truly one of a kind. What an inspiration. Saw you at Pappy & Harriet's. Before you even played I knew the night would be magic. After you played, I knew my life was magic. XO Linda
We're all unique you know, Rickie. Each and ev'ry one. It's just once in awhile there's somebody comes along and that somebody really got somethin' that shines. Thanks for sharing that with the rest of us. We are grateful for your beauty and authenticity.
