KAREN JONAS

LUCKY, REVISITED

OPHELIA–LOVESICK BLUES–OKLAHOMA LOTTERY–LUCKY–IT TAKES A LOT TO LAUGH, IT TAKES A TRAIN TO CRY–BUTTER–COUNTRY SONGS–WASTING TIME–RIVER SONG–MONEY–GOSPEL OF THE ROAD

The last time we heard from Virginia-based Americana songstress Karen Jonas, it was early summer of 2018 with her release of “Butter.” That project found her successfully, albeit with her share of difficulties, jugging the challenges of young motherhood and a career in the music business. For the last five years, she’s been constantly touring, along with guitarist and musical partner Tim Bray. During the course of numerous live shows, they discovered that many of the songs from her previous albums had taken on new meanings when performed in front of a crowd. That set the stage for these new versions of some old friends that comprise “Lucky, Revisited.” Herein, the guitar parts are more diverse and become an even more of an integral part of the arrangements, and Karen’s vocals are allowed to soar.

We had a slew of favorites. Oh yeah, our slightly-naughty little Siren still “cooks with Butter,” and she still “drinks straight whiskey,” too! Our lovelorn heroine laments just “Wasting Time” in a relationship, pondering whether to stay or punt the whole thing. That no-good lover did leave her with one redeeming quality, tho–the ability to appreciate those good ole “Country Songs,” so she can “dance all over my broken heart!” This one showcases Tim’s guitar in a cool, two-steppin’ arrangement. I’m jumpin’ right up to show my age here, but Karen really captures that “feelin’ called the blues, since my baby said goodbye,” on a flawlessly-lovely read of Hank’s iconic “Lovesick Blues,” made all the more unique by the use of clippity-clop percussion throughout!

The re-imagining of these songs only adds to the growing legacy of Karen Jonas’ and Tim Bray’s contributions to the American genre.’ Sit back, relax, and allow her beautiful voice to go from sultry to powerful as you bask in the grooves of “Lucky, Revisited.” Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.