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Maverick-Country.com Four Stars Enter another talented contestant in the packed race of new female vocalists-but this time add seasoning. Twenty-something Stephanie Urbina Jones has been studying, performing and writing music for years. Born in San Antonio, she moved to Nashville in her early twenties and found success and credibility as a professional songwriter, garnering cuts from major label artists like Lorrie Morgan, Jon Randall and the Lynns. Following numerous label showcases, Jones decided to strike out on her own and formed her own Casa del Rio Records to release this excellent debut album. Recorded partly in Nashville and in San Antonio and featuring such players as Dan Dugmore, Larry Franklin, Russ Pahl, Darrell Scott, Kenny Vaughn, Jon Randall and Michael Rhodes, along with members of El Mariachi Azteca, this never falls into the Music Row soundalike trap that mars all too many country albums. Laced with Texas authenticity, Jones' work pays homage to country's best traditions while sounding freshly minted for today's crowd. The opening song, the self-penned Shakin' Things Up, was the title track of a 1998 album by Lorrie Morgan, but this version is much more personal, having been written from Stephanie's own experiences in the music business. Real life inspires the best music and Old Friend is a perfect example; A reflective, yet positive remembrance of past acquaintances. La Reyna De Los Angeles was inspired by Stephanie's grandmother. Melodically, each note offers a pleasant surprise as the song weaves from its beautifully constructed verse to the simply sung but absorbing chorus. Stephanie Urbina Jones is star material and this stunning debut album if proof aplenty. AC |
© 2004 Stephanie Urbina Jones