Kristine Jackson
Simply KJ Vol. 2 (self-released)
Local blues player Kristine Jackson got her start on the trumpet switched to guitar and vocals about 10 years ago. She's one of the better-known acts on the local scene and this new album confirms how talented the husky voiced singer and guitarist really is. It commences with the sparse ballad "Cried without Tears," a somber tune that sets the tone for the entire disc. Narrative songs such as "Mary Belle" and "Outside In" have the same kind of grunge-y blues sound that's made Jack White into a superstar. Jackson is known for delivering inventive covers and that's the case here as she plays the traditional number "Cut You Down" and then vamps it up for Sonny Bono's "Bang Bang." It's a testament to her talent that the original material here holds up just fine next to the various covers.
Kristine Jackson performs at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, as part of the Raccoon Music Festival at Geauga County Historical Society Century Village Museum, and opens for Mavis Staples at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Music Box Supper Club.
