Search - Jessie Lee Miller :: Now You're Gonna Be Loved

Cowgirl Conquers City Slickers

J. McHenry | Detroit, MI | 07/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a retro-styled collection of Western Swing, and thus it has the perky beat of Swing music with '50s Country/Rockabilly chord changes. But it's not as hectic as Rockabilly - more like mid-tempo Patsy Cline. But Jessie has a mellower voice than Patsy - she rarely gets her feathers ruffled. Tho she's not as sedate as Julie London (or as sensual), either. So what DOES she sound like? Her voice is very pretty, and not exotic except for a very tight, controlled quaver on the end of many notes which may be an acquired taste to some. Not as pervasive as with Joan Baez, but still quite prominent. She carries a tune well and is not overly-mannered. She sings the melody as opposed to talking the lyrics, like some do. As for the music, it's neat and tidy - probably a touch too sterile for me. If I could produce her, I'd try to get more passionate performances, and a more airy, rollicking vibe. (Call me, sister!) Still, this is a very ear-pleasing batch of decently-written tunes, and I would think most anyone could listen to it and like it."