hoist upon a rare talent such as hers. This unassuming chanteuse is, as they say in the business, a true “triple threat” – a superb songwriter and adept multi-instrumentalist with an extraordinary voice that can sing the birds from the trees.
Her music takes root and draws from an era when country music, contrary to popular belief, was downright sophisticated, and filled with instrumentalists who were every bit as hip musically as their jazz counterparts – stretching back to a time when Western swing bands and jazz bands played a lot of the same material – albeit with a different accent, informed by their physical location. Location has a lot to do with the new Miss Tess album, but I’ll get to that in a minute. I would like to stress here that Miss Tess is not necessarily a “country” artist per se, although if she were invited to play the Grand Ole Opry, she would not be out of place, and would no doubt be very well received. Country Soul might be a better descriptor if I was forced to label it, but her music also has elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, country blues, rock n’ roll – but never manufactured to re-create a particular sound or era. I’m tempted to call this new Miss Tess album “easy listening” except she’d probably slap me. But damn, it really is so easy to listen to: laid back, soulful, funky, and addictive … much like the place it was recorded in and inspired by.
The new Miss Tess album – Cher Rêve – out Feb 7, 2025 is the product of an on-going love affair with the culturally rich region of South Louisiana known as Acadiana, or more specifically, the magical little city of Lafayette. If New Orleans is the “Big Easy,” then Lafayette is certainly the “Little Easier.” It is hard to describe this sleepy little town unless you’ve been here and experienced its infectious atmosphere for yourself. It may not be for everyone, but if you are of a certain disposition, it could affect you in ways you might not have imagined – it might even change your life.
Thomas Bryan Eaton
Nashville based producer, guitarist, singer, songwriter, pedal steelist, teacher, fun time haver; who spends a lot of time on the road with Miss Tess & the Talkbacks and Western Centuries as well as playing solo and with his band Hobson's Choice.
KC Jones
Music has been a central part of K.C. Jones’ life since birth (her father, highly respected roots musician and songwriter Carl Jones, fondly remembers spotting tiny K.C. asleep in the soft lining of a guitar case while he performed onstage), and she’s a busy lady too! In addition to being an active member of Louisiana-based Cajun outfits T’Monde and the Grammy-nominated Feufollet, she’s just completed her debut solo album, Queen Of The In Between – and it’s quite something!
