Hidden Gems Part 2 - Jewly Hight

Previously I identified Twilight Hotel as a gem that could be easily missed in the plethora of releases on July 29th. The other one is Jewly Hight - Darlin' Understand. Hight is a music critic who is releasing her first album. In fact, you have probably read her in No Depression. Well, she needs to consider putting down the pen and picking up the microphone full time. She is a talented songwriter. Additionally, the arrangements and influences she includes in her compositions allow her to stand out in the crowded female singer-songwriter marketplace. Lyrically you would expect a writer who lists Flannery O'Connor as one of her biggest influences to deliver, and she does. The songs range from Blues to Gospel to country to rock all wrapped in a sort of Southern Gothic package. Some songs like "White Knuckles" are more ethereal others like the Gospel of "Answer" are more upbeat. The Rock numbers range from the guitar heavy "Wheels Come Off" to the Southern Soul of "Poke Salad." Her voice, which sounds similar to Rosanne Cash, allows her to pull off all of these style changes without a hitch.

If you are not convinced yet, check her out on MySpace

This review also appears on Twanville

1-29 Releases

January 29th appears to be the first big day of the year for new releases. There is a lot coming out that day but I thought I would highlight a few of the releases.

Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin' Shelby doing a Dusty Springfield tribute Need I say more.




Willie Nelson - Moment of Forever Okay this album was produced by Kenny Chesney which makes me skeptical but the first single "Gravedigger" is excellent and it is on Lost Highway. Not to mention it is Willie so I bet it is good.

Listen to "Gravedigger"

Malcolm Holcombe - Gamblin' House "Rich in idiosyncratic epigrams with echoes ranging from Guy Clark to Bob Dylan, Holcombe (with "Jelly Roll" Johnson's ever-ready harmonica adding emphasis) delivers elusive tales of a life that may not have always been wisely lived, but was always worth writing about." Billboard Magazine

Sample it on his website

Dailey & Vincent Dailey & Vincent - One of the most highly anticipated Bluegrass debuts in recent memory. Dailey is along time member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Vincent has been playing with Ricky Skaggs for 10 years.

Sample at Rounder records

Joe Jackson - Rain Heard a cut off this one on Reg's Coffeehouse sounds like it will be a good one. Welcome back Joe.

Blind Boys of Alabama - Down in New Orleans After forming over 50 years as kids in a deaf school in Alabama, The Boys have garnered 4 Grammys in four years and recorded with a lot of different artists like Ben Harper. This records takes them quite obviously to the crescent city where they team up with Allen Toussaint, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Hot 8 Brass Band.




There are also a couple of releases from artists you might not have heard before:

First is:

Twighlight Hotel - Highway Prayer This band out of Canada plays a brand of roots music that is sometimes haunting but always steeped in the traditions of American music. I encourage you to check these guys out. I will do a full review in a few days.



Jewly Hight- "Darlin' Unerstand" This album Counry, Soulful and altogether Suthern. As a lyricist she is as inflnced more by Flannery O'Connor than any musician. She is a music jornalist but is also a talented musician. The album is self-released. I will also do a full review of this one in a few days.

Check her out on MySpace