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ACL review: Jones Family Singers
Here’s the scene at the WaMu stage, which is known as “the gospel tent” when Bay City’s Jones Family Singers are onstage: Led by the volcanic Alexis Jones-Roberts, whose voice could dust an abandoned house, the group has about 100 audience members doing a simple synchronized dance. When the five Jones sisters vamp ten steps to the right on “I Am,” the crowd follows them. Then it’s ten paces to the left, with the crowd aping their slinky movements.
It’s still Friday morning, just past 11:30. It’s on, peoples!
What seemed like boneheaded booking, putting the ACL show-stealers on so early Friday, may turn out to be a tradition. The JFS had the tent at least half-filled and most of the folks were on their feet throughout.
The material is getting a little too secular- Roberts’ rewording of “Saving All My Love For You” was a vocal showoff, but didn’t hold up the intensity. And a short “Wind Beneath My Wings,” for a couple in the audience’s 25th anniversary, fell totally flat. Still don’t like “Shout” as the set-closer, but when this wonderfully joyful band kicks out a rock groove, it’s just plain irresistable.
I vote for having the JFS open every ACL, right after the “Star Wars” theme. This family group just puts everyone in a great mood with their choreography and electric smiles.
Photo: Erich Schlegel FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN
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Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: ACL 2008: Friday, ACL Festival
Comments
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By Mezz Mezzrow
September 26, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
“Wind Bdeneath My Wings,”
Hey Michael,
You need to work on your spelling. There’s this thing called “spell check” that works pretty good. Might want to give it a spin. If that doesn’t work, just learn how to spell before you publish.
By ROBERTO T.
September 26, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
I WITNESSED THIS AMAZING GROUP AND I AM A FAN FOR LIFE. ACL, I REALLY THINK THIS GROUP SHOULD BE TRIED ON ANOTHER STAGE FOR MORE TO SEE. I COME YEAR AFTER YEAR AND AS LONG AS THIS FAMILY IS APART OF THE FESTIVITIES, I WILL CONTINUE COMING. THANK YOU ACL FOR THE GIFT OF JOY GIVEN TO US THROUGH THE JONES FAMILY SINGERS.
By Diane
September 27, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I am also a fan of The Jones Family Singers and I’ve been coming to see them perform for the last three years. I think it’s time to put them on a bigger stage because they rock the house every year they have been there. As long as they come, I will will be apart of this festival. They are just full of fun and excitement. Thank ACL for bringing this family group into so many of our lives. I look forward to seeing them on a bigger stage next year.
By Luvenia Rugeley
October 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
I am not a religious person but I am a fan of good harmony & great musical abilities, but when I witnessed the Jones Singers I was left in amazement. They seem to connect with their audience greatly including a non-religionist like me. needless to say I went to church sunday and really enjoyed it for the first time in a long time.. Austin City Limits producers I will be coming next year with “my family”. Keep the Jones Singers on and I’m a fan for for life. Lu
By Kurt L.
October 15, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
The Jones Family is awesome I’d vote for them to return
By John Barrett
November 10, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
This is a rare treat forall in attendance. This family is truly amazing to watch. They rock and steady. This band should be on a larger stage. I first witnessed their performance at the SXSW festival with Ice Cube (the rapper/actor). I look forward to seeing them again…I definitely would purchase tickets just for that. JB -outta here