2008 Woodie Awards
Folk-singer Jewel matures, new CD sparkles
Leslie Benson
Issue date: 1/2/02 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Since releasing her debut album, Pieces of You, at age 17 and the acclaimed Spirit in 1998, actress, humanitarian, musician and poet Jewel Kilcher took a break from fame to reconnect with her inner voice. Her years out of the limelight proved appropriate, enabling the young woman to mature and write another hit record.
Jewel's new album, This Way, sparkles with musical sophistication, quiet sincerity and skillful ease. Witty lyrics sprinkled with political undertones on such tracks as "Jesus Loves You" and "The New Wild West" prove to be both savvy and controversial.
Recorded in Nashville, This Way combines Jewel's classic folk flare with country-western experimentation enhanced by producer-guitarist Dann Huff, who has worked with such diverse artists as Megadeth and Faith Hill.
The album includes both solo tracks and collaborated musical scores such as the flowing title track and the album's melodic first single, "Standing Still," a vulnerable plea for love and understanding co-written by Rick Nowels (Madonna, Dido, kd Lang).
Jewel credits her beau, seven-time world rodeo champion Ty Murray, for whom she wrote the gentle ballad "Break Me," with helping to write "Till We Run Out of Road," a wispy, laissez-faire tune with vocal harmonies. She also worked with Itaal Shur (co-author of Santana's "Smooth") and Cesar Lemos on the Eastern-spirited "Serve the Ego."
Jewel has sectioned herself off from contemporary pop musicians. Unlike others, her music is fresh and vibrant. Hats off to this little lady.
For more information, visit www.jeweljk.com.
Jewel's new album, This Way, sparkles with musical sophistication, quiet sincerity and skillful ease. Witty lyrics sprinkled with political undertones on such tracks as "Jesus Loves You" and "The New Wild West" prove to be both savvy and controversial.
Recorded in Nashville, This Way combines Jewel's classic folk flare with country-western experimentation enhanced by producer-guitarist Dann Huff, who has worked with such diverse artists as Megadeth and Faith Hill.
The album includes both solo tracks and collaborated musical scores such as the flowing title track and the album's melodic first single, "Standing Still," a vulnerable plea for love and understanding co-written by Rick Nowels (Madonna, Dido, kd Lang).
Jewel credits her beau, seven-time world rodeo champion Ty Murray, for whom she wrote the gentle ballad "Break Me," with helping to write "Till We Run Out of Road," a wispy, laissez-faire tune with vocal harmonies. She also worked with Itaal Shur (co-author of Santana's "Smooth") and Cesar Lemos on the Eastern-spirited "Serve the Ego."
Jewel has sectioned herself off from contemporary pop musicians. Unlike others, her music is fresh and vibrant. Hats off to this little lady.
For more information, visit www.jeweljk.com.
