“Smooth-as-buckwheat-honey vocals…a bona fide comparison to Emmylou Harris is not out of order…”
- Eric Thom, Exclaim Magazine
Toronto-based singer/songwriter Kirsten Jones had only one producer in mind for her sophomore album, The Mad Mile: former Jayhawks front man Gary Louris. "I knew I wanted to try getting in touch with Gary before even trying to think of anyone else, so I looked up his management online and just sent them a package." A few months later, Louris’ management e-mailed Jones, saying Gary was interested in the project. By summer, Jones and Louris were writing in her Toronto living room, where they also finished all the preproduction for the recording in three days. They hit the studio later that fall. Creating a sound that combined her alt country and folk influences with her own unique writing style came naturally, thanks to Louris' firsthand experience with some of Jones' favourite artists (The Dixie Chicks, Kelly Willis, Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks).
"She has interesting lyrics, pretty heavy duty lyrics and a hook sensibility. She has it, you know? I’m jealous - I wish I had written these songs.
- Gary Louris
In what proved to be a banner year, Kirsten also received a coveted FACTOR award for over $20,000 toward the making of the new CD. The Mad Mile was released on May 11, 2010, and is distributed through Fontana North/Universal. Guests include pedal steel whiz Greg Leisz (Emmylou Harris, Tracy Chapman, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss), Oh Susanna, and Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and Bob Egan.
“The end result of their fruitful partnership is 'The Mad Mile,' an alt country/roots record which could very well do for Jones what 'Failer' did for Kathleen Edwards”.
– Jason MacNeil, spinner.com
Throughout the last two years, several aspects of Jones’ career have fallen into place. She was chosen by Billboard Canada as one of five artists to watch in 2010, and The Mad Mile has already been nominated for a 2010 Juno Award, thanks to an early iTunes release. Jones has been a Top 16 finalist two years in a row in the International Songwriting Competition in the Americana category (out of over 15,000 entries), a Top 3 finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the country category (alongside Canadian success story Gordie Sampson), was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk Contest, and has received honourable mention in both the Billboard and Nashville Songwriter’s Association songwriting competitions. The Canadian Country Music Awards invited Kirsten to perform two years in a row at the prestigious Songwriter's Cafe, alongside such celebrated songwriters as Victoria Banks, Lisa Brokop, Jamie Warren, and Jessie Farrell. Kirsten wrote or co-wrote every song on The Mad Mile, and two songs were co-written with producer Louris.
Most recently, Kirsten was invited down to Nashville to sing on WSM, the official radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, at the Country Music Awards’ Music Fest Celebration. Still eligible for the Junos next year, and just gearing up her touring in support of The Mad Mile, 2010 is shaping up to be a big year.
Previously…
Kirsten Jones released her debut album Drive-In Movie in 2005. It received airplay in all Canadian provinces, peaking at 3 on CBC's Galaxie Folk/Roots chart. She has toured in the US and Canada, including dates with Jim Cuddy, Lynn Miles, Oh Susanna, Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, Minnie Driver, Rose Cousins and numerous others.
“The music of Kirsten Jones combines the best elements of alt-country and contemporary folk. She’s also an engaging live performer, bringing both introspection and high humour to her shows”.
- Mark Rheaume, CBC Radio
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