Within the songs of Justin Jones are stories from a life lived long enough to know heartache, loneliness, addiction, and lost love. But the 29-year-old Virginia native has not lost touch with a youthful spirit that imbues his music: raw excitement, romance, and optimism.
That description is from the MySpace page of Justin Jones & The Driving Rain. It pretty much hits the spot for an artist among many in the today’s jungle of Alt-Country/Americana artists. While that description would be used by many I am sure, it just might be a bit more true for Justin.
From North Carolina as a youth to the Washington D.C. area currently, Jones has been performing his style of true Americana to his growing audience. The 15 years of transition engulfing North Carolina to D.C. include his roots playing guitar for whiskey soaked ears to successful tours throughout the I-95 area (for you Americans who know the area!). While Justin currently records with his “Driving Rain”, he was a lone performer until at least 2002 and his move to Washington. The move brought more performing and need for the inclusion of talent - talent he found to assist in filling out his sound - notably on his “Love Versus Heroin” album from 2006. This album is ridiculously good for you “new country” fans. The album worth it for the song “Dying With You” alone!
While I get ahead of myself, we can’t forget Justin only official solo release “Blue Dreams” which is described as both “Blues” and “Hillbilly Soul” - quite a description I must say, and also a great solo and mostly acoustic album. Although I do often appreciate the lone performer more often, his group efforts are just soo strong. This is most recently assured by his 2007 release “… and I Am The Song of the Drunkards” which definitely picks up where “Love Versus Heroin” leaves off. The albums are full of up tempo country/bluegrass to the ballad crooning heart-breakers.
For the up and coming info, Jones is working on the next album out at the legendary Sunset Sound studio with producer Jamie Candiloro (from R.E.M. and Ryan Adams fame). They will be in the studio this week, so we can hope for quick and successful sessions in order to get us more of this great sound in the new year.
I have included a track from last years “… and I Am The Song of the Drunkards” and a solo effort in the form of a Bob Dylan cover for “Boots of Spanish Leather” (recorded with Jones on guitar and Candiloro on piano).
Visit Justin on his website, pick up a copy of Blue Dreams, Love Versus Heroin or …And I Am The Songs of the Drunkards over on CD Baby.
~Smansmith
Their first full-length album : ‘Make it Feel Better‘ is powerful and really fits my demand. Even if I’m not a fan of the intro track which is a bit too psychedelic for me… the second song titled ‘Actress‘ and the transition with ‘Tennesse Dancing Nights‘ is simply joyful ! And this feeling won’t leave you until the two closing tracks : Joyful Bis - ‘jouissif‘ is the right French word I was looking for ! Both songs are exceeding the regular format - 7:32 and 6:39… but not enough to be replete : all you have to do is replay ! And be sure, your enthousiasm will grow on each loop !
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