Joni Compretta & Baytown Groove
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | SELF
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A musical tapestry that enshrines Southern music and the moods and tempos of the
Joni Compretta Out Of Mississippi Westwood International Records The full story is, of course, more complicated, but here's my vote for the legend version: Hurricane Katrina made it prudent for a LOT of families to go somewhere else, and one family said, "Well, let's go to Nashville and see what Joni can do with her music." And they did, hence: "Out Of Mississippi." And what Joni has done so far with her music is quite impressive. She and producer Lonnie Ratliff have honored the texture of her voice (which is hauntingly reminiscent of Teresa Brewer) by assembling songs and musicians that showcase her range and influences. The interweavings of country, pop, and R&B remind me of our rides through the Carolina countryside, listening to Ralph Emery when the static cleared and to John R. when it didn't. And please note our word "interweavings" -- this is not a collection of songs that jump here and there; it's a musical tapestry that enshrines Southern music and the moods and tempos of the American experience. The songs are solid -- some more familiar than others -- the musicianship is impeccable, and the singing is fresh and communicative, including the background vocals of Christy Cornelius and Marcia Ramirez.
- Bill Littleton
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CD REVIEW: Joni Compretta - Out of Mississippi
By Chip Withrow - 08/26/2006 - 01:03 PM EDT
Artist: Joni Compretta
Album: Out of Mississippi
CD Review: The first time I listened to this CD, I was tempted to dismiss it. It seemed like yet another attempt at country star-making - you know, someone else calling the shots, choosing the songs, grooming yet another pretty face as a product and not a performer.
But I was wrong. (As my wife just said: "Changing your opinion. A sign of intelligence.")
First of all, Jodi Compretta can sing. Listen to "Long and Restless Nights," one of my favorite cuts on Out of Mississippi. She has the vocal presence of someone like Loretta Lynn, dramatic and authoritative, and the song swings. Later in the disc, "Old Flames" works the same way.
These days, some popular country ballads veer too close to pop for my twangy tastes, but "Before You Turn to a Memory" suits me just fine. The band behind her adds some nice, heartbreaking touches of fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel and piano, and Jodi turns in a sultry performance.
The ballad "Even Now" is more typical of what you hear on country radio. "I Love You" also seems to be geared toward country-crossover appeal, but Jodi kills on the vocal, and it is soul- and doo wop-influenced enough to be interesting.
I was wary of her cover of the old Dobie Gillis hit, "Drift Away." Too obvious a choice, I thought. (Certainly I was turned off because Uncle Kracker's bombastic version of a few years back annoyed me.) But Jodi's is countrified with bouncy fiddle, and in the right hands you can't deny it's a great song.
Jodi can rock, too, "Baby Run That By Me One More Time" is peppy. I'd like to hear more of a snarl to the vocal on this one. But I'm not the producer, and Lonnie Ratliff seems to know what he's doing when it comes to getting Jodi ready for bigger things.
"Waitin' For Your Love To Come Around" has more swagger, like a good Bonnie Raitt tune. "The night goes down harder than a shot of whiskey" is a great line, too. "That's What Rock and Roll Means To Me" is a bit too obvious lyrically, but it's one of those songs that would appeal to classic rock fans who make the switch to country.
The album closes on a pretty note with "When It Finally Happens." It starts with Jodi's voice and guitar, and then the fiddle comes in. I'd love to hear a version with just those three instruments.
I don't dig the idea of country industry execs crafting a willing performer to sound like what's popular at the moment. I'd like to see Jodi Compretta succeed, and I'd like to see her avoid that trap. Out of Mississippi makes her sound like she's gutsy enough to do that.
www.jodicompretta.com
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Get Yourself Heard with the Huge Resources available with the Ultimate Indie Bundle!
The Muse's Muse
Muses MailMuses Newsmuse chatsongwriting resource home
QUICK NAV --> Songwriter's Toolkit Songwriter's Store Music Instruments & Equipment ------------- Take Songwriting Courses Online Find Other Links & Add Your Own Muse's Muse T-Shirts, Mugs & More! Advertise Here Artist Spotlights -- QUICK LINKS -- Help! Site Map Interactivities Resources Columnists Spotlights Music Reviews About The Muse's Muse The Muse's News Songwriting Newsletter Classifieds Message Boards Songwriting Contests Market Information Songwriting-Related Articles Interviews Suggested Reading Songwriting Organizations Chat Rooms Jodi's Music
Regular Columnists
CD REVIEW: Joni Compretta - Out of Mississippi
By Chip Withrow - 08/26/2006 - 01:03 PM EDT
Artist: Joni Compretta
Album: Out of Mississippi
CD Review: The first time I listened to this CD, I was tempted to dismiss it. It seemed like yet another attempt at country star-making - you know, someone else calling the shots, choosing the songs, grooming yet another pretty face as a product and not a performer.
But I was wrong. (As my wife just said: "Changing your opinion. A sign of intelligence.")
First of all, Jodi Compretta can sing. Listen to "Long and Restless Nights," one of my favorite cuts on Out of Mississippi. She has the vocal presence of someone like Loretta Lynn, dramatic and authoritative, and the song swings. Later in the disc, "Old Flames" works the same way.
These days, some popular country ballads veer too close to pop for my twangy tastes, but "Before You Turn to a Memory" suits me just fine. The band behind her adds some nice, heartbreaking touches of fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel and piano, and Jodi turns in a sultry performance.
The ballad "Even Now" is more typical of what you hear on country radio. "I Love You" also seems to be geared toward country-crossover appeal, but Jodi kills on the vocal, and it is soul- and doo wop-influenced enough to be interesting.
I was wary of her cover of the old Dobie Gillis hit, "Drift Away." Too obvious a choice, I thought. (Certainly I was turned off because Uncle Kracker's bombastic version of a few years back annoyed me.) But Jodi's is countrified with bouncy fiddle, and in the right hands you can't deny it's a great song.
Jodi can rock, too, "Baby Run That By Me One More Time" is peppy. I'd like to hear more of a snarl to the vocal on this one. But I'm not the producer, and Lonnie Ratliff seems to know what he's doing when it comes to getting Jodi ready for bigger things.
"Waitin' For Your Love To Come Around" has more swagger, like a good Bonnie Raitt tune. "The night goes down harder than a shot of whiskey" is a great line, too. "That's What Rock and Roll Means To Me" is a bit too obvious lyrically, but it's one of those songs that would appeal to classic rock fans who make the switch to country.
The album closes on a pretty note with "When It Finally Happens." It starts with Jodi's voice and guitar, and then the fiddle comes in. I'd love to hear a version with just those three instruments.
I don't dig the idea of country industry execs crafting a willing performer to sound like what's popular at the moment. I'd like to see Jodi Compretta succeed, and I'd like to see her avoid that trap. Out of Mississippi makes her sound like she's gutsy enough to do that.
www.jodicompretta.com
[ Current Articles | Archives ]
Help For Newcomers
Help for Newcomers
Interactivities
Interactivities
Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources
Regular Columnists
Columnists
AudioShapers Audio Production Tips
How To Practice Guitar
Hit Song Secrets
Viva La Voice!
Your Band Is A Virus!
Biz Talk
Songcrafter's Coloring Book
Tom Hess Guitar Lessons
Nothin' But The Truth
Blue Collar Rockin'
Music Reviews
Make A Suggestion
Spotlights
Spotlights
Services
Services Offered
About the Muse's Muse
About Muse's Muse
Subscribe to The Muse's News, free monthly newsletter for songwriters
with exclusive articles, copyright & publishing advice, music, website & book reviews, contest & market information, a chance to win prizes & more!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join today!
Created & Maintained
by Jodi Krangle
Design:
© 1995 - 2013, The Muse's Muse Songwriting Resource. All rights reserved.
Read The Muse's Muse Privacy Statement
- Chip Withrow
Discography
Joni's most current single, "It's My Party", is currently at # 8 on the Roots Music Charts and is quickly climbing the "New Music Weekly Charts"
The single "Run That By Me One More Time" debuted #2 on the ECMA Charts
The single "Love Holds On "Debuted # 2 on the ECMA charts in Belgium
" Before You Turn To A Memory Debuted # 2 in Sweden, #18 in France as well
as the top 100 most played songs on the ECMA charts s
The single "Driftaway " debuted #76 on the "New Music Weekly" charts Feb.8th.
Lead vocalist Joni Compretta's music is being played in Europe as well as the US on many Independent radio stations, and Joni has just been nominated for the "European Country Music Association" Future Star Award.
Photos
Bio
Joni Compretta & Baytown Groove is a group full of talent and musical experience and skills. From the powerhouse vocals to the seasoned sound of the musicians, this band is sure to have you on your feet dancing and grooving all night long. The Groove offers something for everyone, no matter age or genre. From Country, Blues, Rock & Roll, Sultry Soul, Swamp Pop, Funk and everything in between, Joni Compretta & Baytown Groove is sure to please and make your event one they will never forget!
Band Members
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