| Recent Press and Reviews: From Paste Magazine: Writer: Andy Whitman
Oct 2007
Alt.country debut packs quiet punch
Atlanta’s Jackson County Line camps out at the mellow end of the alt.country spectrum, and the band’s sweet, laidback harmonies and all-acoustic instrumentation conjure the hippie-cowpoke ethos of the early Eagles and Harvest-era Neil Young. But this is no mere exercise in retro nostalgia. Chamber-pop cello and muted trumpet—hardly mainstays out on the trail—are featured prominently, and lead singer/songwriter Kevin Jackson’s reedy, soulful tenor is more indebted to Bill Withers and Dobie Grey than Don Henley. Jackson is also a fine writer, transforming the loping “Let Me Ride” into an apocalyptic nightmare and using understatement to devastating effect on the deceptively lovely title track, which chronicles a harrowing night spent in a jail cell because of racial profiling. Jackson, who is black, is clearly one cowpoke who has more on his mind than a peaceful, easy feeling. This is a gently moving and disquieting debut. From Southeastern Performer: Writer: Selena Lawson
Sept. 2007 Though the self-titled album is the first for the band, Kevin Jackson is not an Atlanta-scene virgin. Jackson has been playing the Southeast for over 15 years, both as a solo artist and as a member of many bands, including the Drexlers. He’s teamed up with other music veterans to form Jackson County Line and the new album shows their experience and talent.
The album artwork leaves a listener expecting a country and western or southern folk work, but it offers much more. The opening track, “Let Me Ride,” could have come from a Johnny Cash album, alright, but then the album moves into “Free From the Light.” Matt Phillips’ trumpet adds the feel of a smoky jazz club to Jackson’s soulful vocals on this track. “Losing Faith” continues to showcase Phillips’ raspy trumpet blended with Jackson’s siren-like vocals. “All Alone” offers a solo showing Tim Anderson’s classical guitar skill, while the title track features Rob Bruce (Ethan and the Ewox) on electric guitar. “At the Seams” brings an R&B influence and Jackson twists his voice into a Babyface kind of croon. “Colors in Her Eyes” blends a prominent mandolin and harmonica, returning the album back to its folksy, western beginning.
Cade Lewis plays upright bass to the album, keeping with both the jazz and rootsy feel of the album, while Steve Warner seamlessly transitions his drumming style to create the feel for each track. Overall, the album is relaxing, thought-provoking, and original. While it may have a folky country and western base, it shows that the art of originality can take an amalgamation of genres. From Metro Spirit, Augusta
regarding our initial 3 track demo
Writer: Rich McCraken
March 2007
Three-track EP reveals a promising contemporary folk group This three-track EP from Jackson County Line reveals a promising acoustic-based contemporary folk group.
The self-titled disc starts with an “Angie-esqe” riff, then, with the introduction of Matt Phillips’ trumpet in the background, cascades into a slow ballad. It seems that vocalist Kevin Jackson is trying to focus on the lyrics and the message of the song, rather than just focusing on the instruments in this track.
”Free from the light” offers strumming acoustic and trumpet accompaniment. The tempo of this ballad is extremely slow. The harmonies from vocalist Kevin Jackson, Cade Lewis, Steve Warner, Tim Anderson and Matt Phillips are strong, and the unique use of trumpet makes it sound as if another set of sustained vocals is being used.
“Drown” has the fastest tempo of the disc. It seems that Jackson is describing a personal experience in this song, not just writing a fast ballad. The lead mandolin playing from Phillips and the cello of Anderson complement this track with its Dixie Chicks-meets-R.E.M. style of pickin’ and grinnin’.
I know this is not country music, but Jackson’s vocals remind me of a young Merle Haggard crossed with Jeff Buckley.
This five-piece Atlanta-based band recently played the Soul Bar in Augusta. These tracks show some song-writing potential, unplugged musicianship and good vocals. I recommend a listen.
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