Customer Reviews

"Blue Shades"

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's difficult to know just where to begin this review, in that BLUE SHADES holds so MANY pleasures. Ms. Jackson plays a VERY mean piano on her various blues, and with tremendous sensitivity on her ballads; it's evident she writes and sings from the heart (alternately, with knowing wit or considered reflection); and she's wisely chosen to provide us with a crystal clear, "no frills" production, wherein she and her small circle of accomplished musical friends sound like they're right there in the room with us.I first found out about Ms. Jackson via Reba McEntire, who's recent hit "Take It Back" was a Jackson composition. On BLUE SHADES, she offers her own welcome version of the hit, as well as nine others which effectively showcase the impressive range of her songwriting and interpretive talents. (I've recently learned that Ms. Jackson is in constant demand on the Nashville music scene. It's no wonder!)From the pedal-to-the-metal blues and boogie confessionals, "I Got It Bad" and "Kick Down The Door", to the smoldering burn of collaborator Cliff Goldmacher's "Slow Fuse", to the introspective heartbreak of "Me And Mr. Pride", Ms. Jackson delivers a deeply satisfying, and varied, collection of originals. In spite of that variety, or, more to the point, BECAUSE of it, she never loses sight of her strong identity or her resolute artistic vision.I, for one, can't wait to see just where this still-blossoming talent takes us next!

Some very good artists have had debut CDs with a raw, unpolished energy and enthusiasm that is not yet manipulated by label sales. Add another one to this short list 'cause Kristy Jackson's "Blue Shades" is a great example of music that seems to come directly from the artist to you. What is especially gratifying is the fact that you simply cannot put this album in a standard musical catagory. Shades of Lyle Lovett's "Joshua Judges Ruth" and Loggins and Messina's "Full Sail"? These are two of my favorite CDs and the coolest part is when you listen to "Blue Shades" I have a sneaky suspicion you will hear trace's of some of your own favorite's. But mostly you will hear Kristy Jackson's strong vocals, a brilliant songwriter and music that could stand on it's own. This is a very special artist. It's also my new favorite CD and you owe it to yourself to give it a listen.

This may sound passe, but I actually went to high school with Kristy Jackson, and, after having heard this CD, am thrilled to admit it! Believe it or not, the percussionist really DID only use items they found in the kitchen! Cliff Goldmacher plays an AWESOME harmonica - you really have to hear it to believe it. All of the keyboard and vocals were Kristy herself - and she only gets better with time! Her intro calls the CD a "racket", I call it a joy to listen to. She sings from her heart with feeling and inspiration, and every emotion she feels while singing will pass through each listener, guaranteed! One of the best things about this CD is that Kristy has not allowed the music itself to drown out her terrific voice, and the combination of the clarity of her voice and her excellent enunciation lets the listener really hear and understand every heartfelt word! No straining to hear her voice over the music, as is so often the problem these days. Perhaps it is the sheer simplicity that makes this CD such a pleasure to listen to. Way to go, girl - I'm proud to know you!

This is a GREAT CD - Kristy Jackson's songs are all hits! I listened to the CD for the first time, and couldn't stop singing... the songs just stayed in my head for days. Her voice is so expressive and the production is SO cool. I'm sure we'll be hearing her songs ALOT in the coming months, sung by Kristy AND other major label artists. I always loved Reba's version of "Take It Back" but Kristy sings it the way only the writer can - she's awesome!

It's difficult to know where to begin this review, in that this CD holds so MANY pleasures. Ms. Jackson plays a VERY mean piano on her various blues, and with tremendous sensitivity on her ballads; it's evident that she writes and sings from her heart (alternately with knowing wit or considered reflection); and she's wisely chosen to provide a crystal clear, "no frills" production wherein she and her small circle of accomplished musical friends sound like they're right there in front of you.I found out about Ms. Jackson by way of Reba McEntire, who's recent hit "Take It Back" she had written. Here, Ms. Jackson offers her own welcome version of the hit, as well as nine others which successfully showcase the impressive range of her songwriting and interpreting talents. (I've recently learned that Ms. Jackson is in constant demand on the Nashville music scene. It's no wonder!)From the pedal-to-the-metal barrelhouse confessions of "I Got It Bad" and "Kick Down The Door", to the smoldering burn of collaborator Cliff Goldmacher's "Slow Fuse", to the introspective heartbreak of "Me And Mr. Pride", Ms. Jackson delivers a deeply satisfying, and varied, collection of songs. In spite of that variety, or, more likely, because of it, she never loses one iota of her strong identity, or compromises her overall artistic vision.I, for one, can't wait to see where this blossoming talent takes us next!

This lady has a very different style and sound. She kinda sounds like a cross between Stevie Nicks and Delbert McClinton. I really liked all the songs but "Birds And The Blues" is awesome!!!

Clarity. That says it all for this album and artist. The clarity of direction and depth of emotion keeps you wanting more. "I Got It Bad" probes the emotions that wreck us all and her raucous "Kick Down The Door" will become a classic with heavy rotation. These songs are well written, beautifully produced and they will become some of your favorite brain candy. I am glad I purchased "BLUE SHADES", you will be too.

The notes inside the album's front cover make a reference to the use of kitchen utensils as percussion. If this is true that must be some kitchen and it definitely makes a statement regarding the sense of fun on this CD! Combine Kristy's roadhouse piano, mix in guitar, boogie woogie harmonica,and a batch of original songs and you have one of the freshest sounding CDs released in '99.

Kristy Jackson's voice and attitude are perfectly suited to her material. The writing is clever and the tunes have a witty and straightforward message and are often touched with humor. Why is there only one recording available by this entertaining artist?