Diana Jones 'Better Times Will Come' album

Diana Jones channels the "flavour of a bygone era" (The Guardian UK) on 'Better Times Will Come,' (May 19th, Proper American). Combining high lonesome singing, traditional strains of mountain and old-time music, and a highly literate lyrical sensibility, Jones has produced a collection of songs which Uncut magazine says "sound like they've spent a couple of generations being marinated on an Appalachian mountain porch." As it turns out, each one is Jones' original work.

The follow up to her critically acclaimed 2006 recording, 'My Remembrance Of You,' Jones' newest songs have already drawn diverse praise and recognition ranging from raves in the UK press (where she's currently on tour) to a connection with Joan Baez, who recently covered "Henry Russell's Last Words" (the third track on Jones' new release) on the Grammy-nominated album 'Day After Tomorrow'.

There may be a reason this music sounds so natural for Jones: it's in her blood, although she didn't always know it. Growing up in the northeast with her adoptive family, Jones felt rootless until she discovered her birth family in Tennessee. Connecting to her birth family completed Jones not just as a person, but as an artist. Since, she has immersed herself in the mountain sound that is her birthright (her grandfather, also a musician, performed with legend Chet Atkins), playing her music anywhere she could: from the busking on streets in Europe, to sold out shows in New York, Nashville, London, and beyond.

Her compelling life story is apparent on the new album, informing impressionistic lyrics that evoke vivid, timeless characters and scenes, updating the rich folk tradition. The title track, "Better Times Will Come,' glows with the simple comfort of a family fireplace. As Jones' high lonesome voice -- joined by guest vocals from Nanci Griffith -- soars over the spare strumming acoustic guitar and fiddle, she speaks of the happiness and better times that only come from home.

In contrast, "If I Had A Gun" spins a story worthy of the classic murder-ballads tradition, burying unnamed antagonist "in the cold cold ground" before going home to "sleep sound." On other tracks Jones embodies a woman going off to fight in war ("Solider Girl"), a miner dying alone in dark mine, scratching out his final message to his family ("Henry Russell's Last Words"), and many other forlorn souls.

Jones has an ambitious schedule of dates planned for this Spring and Summer, including stops in all of the country's major venues. A finalized itinerary will be available in the coming weeks.

Diana Jones biography
Diana's music is informed by the themes that have run through her life…love, loss, and redemption...bringing to mind both Emily Dickinson & Loretta Lynn in the same breath. From the mournful lament of a dance hall girl, to the stomping melodic rant of a young woman's burial instructions, each of Diana's original songs from her latest CD, My Remembrance of You, draws life from the rich cross currents of old timey, country blues and mountain music.

Adopted as an infant and raised in New York, Diana left home at the age of 15 in search of her roots. Unlike most of her friends, Diana was attracted to the music of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, as well as contemporary artists Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. It wasn't until she was reunited with her birth family and the music of the Eastern Tennessee hills some years later, that she discovered why that music had always moved her.

After establishing a solid folk career in the late 90’s in the fertile Austin music scene, Diana returned to the northeast seeking time to heal from the loss of her beloved grandfather, Robert Lee Maranville, who as a young man performed with Chet Atkins among others. It was during this time of healing and isolation, that Diana started writing from a deeper place, and after some serious wood shedding, she emerged with some of the most honest songs of her life.

"When Diana Jones went in search of her birth family, she not only found them in East Tennessee, she also found her voice - as a writer and a singer. There's an authenticity to her stories and her singing that is truly special." --John Platt, WFUV

My Remembrance of You, recorded at Signature Sounds Studio with Mark Thayer, contains 11 of songs from that retreat. The record also includes stellar musicians like Ferron on harmony vocals, Jay Ungar on fiddle and Duke Levine on mandolin and various guitars. My Remembrance was listed on several critics’ Top CD’s of 2006, including the #1 Country record for the year by the Chicago Tribune!

"Jones is on the verge of a critical breakthrough. Increasingly compared to the likes of Iris DeMent and Gillian Welch, Jones just might be the best American songwriter most people have never heard of." -- Chicago Tribune

With Diana busy touring and promoting, My Remembrance of You continues to gain new listeners and rave reviews. She has shared the stage with Martina McBride, Del McCoury Band, Guy Clark, Odetta, Old Crow Medicine Show, and John Gorka among others. Summer of 2007 Diana played several top music festivals, including Philly, Newport, American and Rhythm & Roots. My Remembrance was released in Europe in May, while Diana followed with 3 tours including performances at Cambridge Folk Festival, Galway Arts Festival and a supporting tour for legend Richard Thompson at some of Europe’s top venues. Diana has won several songwriting awards including the 2006 Kerrville New Folk Contest.

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Diana Jones - Better Times Will Come