Courtney Jones'
unique sound and songwriting
style has been compared to Sarah McLachlan meets KT Tunstall, with a hint of
Keane thrown in just for good measure. Her debut album, "Awake & Dreaming", boasts a roster of
talent usually reserved for a major label artist with a major label budget. She
is neither . . . yet.
Peter Malick, who early on spotted, gigged with, and later produced the then
unknown Norah Jones just before her runaway success with "Come Away With Me", produced the 12 track debut album. Mark Needham, who struck multi-platinum
success with several mixes on The Killers critically acclaimed and
Grammy-nominated "Hot Fuss" album (including the mega-hit "Mr. Brightside")
mixed the tracks.
The title track;
"Awake & Dreaming" was featured on KINK fm102’s first ever local artist
compilation CD. In addition, KINK welcomed Courtney to Portland’s legendary
Aladdin Theater for her official CD Release Event, on Friday, July 25th. It was
one of a series of KINK events Courtney was involved in during the Summer of
2008.
Jones' backing
musicians include Lucinda Williams' rhythm section, Butch Norton
and Dave Sutton. Peter Malick adds his guitar genius, and Stevie Blacke, whose
recent work includes projects with Colbie Caillat, Anna Nalick, Timbaland, and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, provides the lush string arrangements for her songs. Paula Cole's touring bassist John Ossman and the legendary Bob Glaub make guest appearances as well. The 22-year-old Miss Jones
wrote each of the songs on the album.
Courtney Jones has
opened for over a dozen (and counting) major label artists as diverse as Warner
Bros.’ Australian Pop superstar Missy Higgins, Kenny Loggins, Edwin McCain, and
KCRW’s "Morning Becomes Eclectic" favorite Bitter:Sweet of "The Mating Game"
fame. She has shared festival billing with Augustana, Joshua Radin, and Anna
Nalick and recently co-headlined with The 88.
She was the "Hear It
Now" featured artist on ChannelOne the week of Dec. 8th, 2008 to coincide with
the release of her video for "Awake & Dreaming" The music video was produced and
directed by Sarah Weinstein (The Hitmaker).
She has gained a
following of industry heavyweights and built a fan base from Seattle to San
Diego with her relentless and rigorous touring that has encompassed tens of
thousands of miles, countless hotels, and over 120 shows in the past year,
Courtney and her music are about to break nationally with the release of her
debut album; "Awake & Dreaming"
Back in 2000,
producer Peter Malick was working with an unknown, 21 year old keyboardist, with
the last name Jones, just before her meteoric rise. It appears lightening may be
about to strike twice.
