Ashes
JP Jones
Vision Company Records
1999
11 tracks
I have to admit that I approach any recording that looks religious with more than a little scepticism. I have nothing against the messages these songs contain. However, so often the message is undercut by an over-zealous lyricist's bad writing. So many of these songs, especially in Christian music, are pedagogical cliches whose lyrics preach only to the already converted. Once in a while, under all that dross can be found something pure, simple, and true. JP Jones' Ashes may not be pure gold but, compared to much of the new spiritual music, it shines.
There is a humility about JP Jones that comes through in his work. Jones refers to his music as "secular...with a spiritual goal." Like the early Cat Stevens, Jones writes songs that have a rich spiritual content but never harangue his listener. Jones' songs bear repeat listening. The message that might have been lost by preaching at an audience is reinforced each time the songs are played. As with Stevens, these songs may be specific to one faith but their message is universal.
It's hard to pin Jones down. His sound tends toward roots rock. His raw vocals and rocking folk backup give him a sound similar to John Mellenkamp, with an occasional slip toward the harder-edged sounds of Bruce Springsteen. A couple of the songs, however, have more of a pop or folk sound. Others feel more like the old country music of artists like Doc Watson, and in songs like "Some Sunny Day" there's even a touch of the blues.
Jones does not have a great singing voice, but what his voice lacks he makes up for in conviction. There is an emotionality to his singing that breaths life into his stories. Jones could give heart to even a poor lyric. His own lyrics are far better than that, making their point simply and unobtrusively. What is strongest in Jones' songs is their apparent honesty.
Jones lyrics have the feel of poetry, of the work of Leonard Cohen especially and Bob Dylan. Much of Jones' imagery has the same melding of the spiritual and the mundane that is found in Cohen's best work. "Adios Columbus" [the title of which also brings to mind the old movie, "Goodbye Columbus"], is especially reminiscent of Cohen with its counterpoint of religious and more down-to-earth imagery. There is even an allusion to a "beautiful loser," which may or may not be a reference to Cohen's novel. Certainly the themes of Cohen's novel and this song are in many ways similar.
"Sandy" stands out among the songs on this release. A soft love song, "Sandy" has the feel of a hard rock ballad redone acoustic. Sweet and sentimental, this song manages to avoid sinking into cliche and schmaltz. If any song on this release could reach the broader market, this is the one.
"Stand in the Fire" is another strong contender. Based on the traditional folk formula, this story carries with it a sense of portent underlined by the simplicity of its traditional melody. The imagery is again reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, simple yet rich and powerful.
Jones' ninth release since his debut album in 1973, Ashes demonstrates that this fine songwriter still has a lot to offer. Those who enjoy hearing a songwriter who has finely honed his craft will enjoy the songs of JP Jones.
Those interested in learning more about JP Jones and his music will find information at www.jpjones.net.
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