Karen Jonas - “Country Songs”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Dolly Parton, Norah Jones, Iris Dement

Karen Jonas made a unique choice for her fourth record Lucky, Revisited, rerecording tracks from her first three albums to reveal how her songs have evolved live over the years. These tracks don’t steer far from her country/Americana roots however, instead they just are tighter, cleaner versions that really enunciate the natural soul in Jonas’s softly powerful vocals. There’s real throwback reverence in the Virginian artist’s music, a perfect artist to steep yourself in classic country melody this SXSW. (Kevin McStravick) 

2019 Review: “Butter” is her third album and while still rooted in country music, she liberally borrows from other genres – Americana, barroom soul, and the blues – providing much needed variety. For example, “Mama’s First Rodeo” and the softer “My Sweet Arsonist” use gentle humor and lots of pedal steel channeling Dolly Parton. “Gospel of the Road” is organ-backed barroom soul, and the title track opens with a blast of horns but lands in a jazzy torch song groove. The lyrics reflect her wit and thoughtfulness, and fully embrace her life as a full-time mother of four who strives to find a balance between her music career and her family.