Reviews and Letters
Body & Soul
"Deftly zeroing in on the heartstrings, Jackson soars and saunters, exploring
lyrically and musically those emotions uppermost at one time or another in
everyone's life. Alternating moods in rapid succession, Jackson swings back and
forth between razor-sharp observations, mellow recollections and poignant
longings. Jackson's entertaining mix of blues-rooted jazz, which swings smoothly
into country with a touch of rock and torch, produces a style all her own.
Jackson's mercurial style refuses to be pegged. It's one that was nurtured in a
home where, according to the performer, music, love and and encouragement were
part of the daily diet. And with grateful acknowledgement to the parents who
made it possible, the CD's last number is a hidden track put together by Jackson
as a tribute to her parents. Listening, one feels the same tug that has shaped
their talented daughter's destiny."
Susan Farrington
Sanford Herald ------------
With All Of My Broken Heart (first track off Body & Soul)
"Recorded in Nashville, this simple piano-vocal performance throws the
spotlight where it belongs, on her remarkable songwriting ability. Somebody sign
this chick"
Robert K. Oermann
Music Row Magazine ------------
"Listeners
moved to tears by Kristy Jackson’s headline-creating 9/11 song “Little Did She
Know” will hear the new CD Body and Soul and be reminded just how much fun this
artist can be.Always introspective and philosophical, Jackson kicks some spunk
into some of her musical musings. I love love love that saxophone and
attitude-driven vocal in the aggressive jazz “It’s Gonna Be Me.” I’m also
touched by “You Believe,” which is spiritual in its affirmation of the heart’s
ability to get through tough times. (“There can’t be a rainbow if there isn’t
any rain.”)Her characteristic honesty can still deliver sharp blows in the
not-so-happy songs. “With All of My Broken Heart” starts as a sweet melody, then
that voice simply sings, “I don’t think I love you anymore.” No melodrama in
this story of growing apart – no abuse, no infidelity, no Oprah-like assertions
of freedom – just a helpless realization that the words “I love you” don’t ring
true anymore, and what’s worse, she’s not quite sure when they stopped. “Room
533” is a song that will spark something familiar in almost all touring artists.
In fact, all these songs deal with familiar feelings without sounding trite.
There are tears, but there’s also a strong determination and spirited optimism
as well. This whole CD feels like healing. After using music to help us cope
with the terrorist attacks, Jackson now uses it to lead a welcome emergence into
sunlight."
Jennifer Layton
Indie-music.com
------------
"Singer/songwriter Kristy Jackson knows how to get to the heart of the
matter. Body & Soul explores the intricacies of love, lust and loss like only a
woman can. Jackson leaves you with a smile on the closing tune, "Beige." That
song, in addition to "With All Of My Broken Heart," "If Someone Else Does" and
"Slide," merit hitting the repeat button -- as does the hidden track, showcasing
that Jackson came by her talents honestly."
Wendy Newcomer
Sr. Writer, Country Weekly Magazine ------------
Little Did She Know (She’d Kissed a Hero)
Writer: Kristy Jackson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Fever Pitch, BMI;
Fever Pitch
"Recorded with nothing more than piano accompaniment and her extraordinary
voice, this is a stunningly emotional tribute to the folks who fought back on
Flight 93. It’s a lump-in-throat experience, and if the rest of this woman’s
songs are this good, she needs to be signed and promoted at once."
Robert Oermann
Music Row Magazine ------------ "Kristy
Jackson's songwriting credits speak for themselves, but she is a wonderful
singer and entertainer as well. She performs at The Bluebird Cafe as a feature
singer/songwriter, and has also received a coveted invitation to appear as a
special guest for our Sunday writers' night series. Each time she has graced our
stage, her warm personality and well-crafted songs have captivated our demanding
audience."
Sher
The Bluebird Cafe, Nashville, TN
Letters
Hi Kristy,
I first heard you last October singing Little Did She Know on a local Radio
station. I was so impressed I immediately found your web site and Ordered
several copies. I checked some of the tracks on your other CD,s
but didn't catch the same spark, ( I just ordered Blue Shades to give it a
better listen). Anyway, when I received an e-mail announcing your new CD, I
checked it out and when I saw the cover and title I thought it might be
something special (or maybe just good marketing). so I ordered it. I arrived
home one evening and found your CD in my mail and immediately started listening
to it. Ten seconds into the first song I knew it was special. Even though
I played the CD in it's entirety many times it took me two days to get past
"with all of my broken heart". It's been two weeks and I still play it
constantly listening to every song, (ok.I skip over slide sometimes). I love
finding music that gets inside of you and stirs your emotions. Most of the time
I find it from the songwriters and not
the " performers ". Sorry that this message dragged on so long but I had to let
you know that Body and Soul touched both my heart and my soul and I needed to
thank you for that. Wishing you all the best
Thanks again
Barry
Cincinnati, Ohio ------------
Kristy!
AWESOME new CD!
I wouldn't say that "Little Did She Know" was your only gift from God, these
songs are without a doubt from the same place. Keep up the great work. I
listened to the CD in its entirety at least 35 times now. (HONEST!) Super! I
love so many songs on this CD. I get a laugh out of "BEIGE" every time I hear
it. Scary, but I can see myself doing "SLIDE ON OVER TO ME" (which has
excellent guitar rifts in it) at karaoke some night. (VERY SCARY! My children
would be mortified. Ha, Ha!) YOU GO GIRL!
Sherry :-)
Pennsylvania ------------
Kristy!
I just got done opening my Favorite Present! Your autographed CD (thanks)! It
was very nice of you to sign it! I showed it off to my family and told them I
knew a Star! I am playing the new CD for the third time! Girl you put it all in
this one and it shows! The different styles of music is just Better than
anything I've heard and I can just sit back and relax and listen and forget
about everything! The Country, R&B, and all the songs are Great! It shows me
where your music comes from and it is the Bomb! (That's a Good Thing!) You do
have a Lot of Soul into it!
Mike
New York, NY ------------
Kristy,
I just listened to your new CD. Thanks for being brave enough to lay your heart
out there for us. You keep writing & singing them and I'll keep buying the CDs!
As a woman of 52 years, I love "Beige", but don't tell!
Kate
Cleveland, Ohio ------------
Dear Kristy,
Let me first start out by saying that your new CD (body and Soul) is fantastic.
From the lovely Ballads (with all of my Broken Heart) to the pop songs (first
time) it is an excellent and A+ masterpiece. I believe that "First time" should
be in the top 5 on the pop charts.
Bryan
New Jersey ------------
Most people from outside the United States probably don't know Kristy Jackson as
a recording artist. As with many singer-songwriters, her songs are much better
known than she is herself. Kristy's most famous song would probably be Reba
McEntire's hit single "Take It Back". Of course, she has written many more songs
and sometimes, she takes the time to record some of her own songs. Now, in
November 2002, she has released her latest album, entitled "Body & Soul". The
feel of this third record is much less bluesy than her previous one, Blue
Shades. It opens with "With All Of My Broken Heart", a beautiful ballad sung by
Kristy while playing the piano. Many jewels pass by, such as "I Want What She's
Got", a duet with 'my best friend Barb'. Sensitive little songs are taking turns
with up tempo tunes, such as "It's Gonna Be Me", reminiscent of Toto. The 9/11
tribute song, "Little Did She Know (She’d Kissed A Hero)" is not included on
this CD. Kristy: "It does not include "Little Did She Know" as that will remain
a single as we believe that song was a specific gift for a specific purpose."
Emilie de Ruiter & Martijn de Mooij
Holland |
