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By James Kelly
As anyone who's ever stood on a stage and played music knows, once it's in your blood, you have to keep doing it. After a four-year hiatus, Marietta-based country rock band Liberty Jones is doing a reunion show for a good cause, and to have some fun. Back in the mid-'90s glory days of Atlanta's Americana scene, Liberty Jones came out with a sound bred from Southern rock and outlaw country. Rhythm guitarist, singer and songwriter Steed Kettles recalls the adventure with mixed feelings. "We worked with John Gallichio, who was the owner of the Buckboard in Smyrna for several years. But when we played at the Buckboard, we did original music. The house band, which played mostly Top 40 country would come on after us and open their set with a song called 'Too Rock for Country, Too Country for Rock.' I think they were trying to tell us something."
Armed with a cache of tunes and plenty of energy, the band released its debut album ... twice. Each time the label folded before the CD was properly distributed and promoted. Frustrated with bad luck, and getting distracted by family commitments and career choices, Liberty Jones eventually disbanded in 2001. Kettles continues to pursue his goals with frequent trips to Nashville and he reports, "I'm still involved in music, with a publishing deal and some production projects in the works. Every once in a while, I do some solo shows, but I'm more involved in writing these days."
The upcoming reunion show at the Red Light Cafe is a benefit for the Kyle Cruce Fund, set up to provide financial assistance for 7-year-old Kyle, who is currently facing his second battle with lymphocytic leukemia. More information about the young man and the foundation can be obtained at www.carepages.com, a free website set up to provide ongoing information and updates for the families and friends of chronically ill children.
Liberty Jones plays the Red Light Cafe Sat., Jan. 1, 9:30 p.m. The Bamboozlers, featuring local Atlanta harmonica player John Banchierri, open the show at 8. Admission is $7, and goes to the Kyle Cruce Fund.
- Creative Loafing
INDIAN PROUD ENTERTAINMENT
LIBERTY JONES/Atlanta, Georgia: Southern flavored roots rocking crew that seems to have popped out of nowhere fully formed, ready to kick ass, take names and take it to the top and beyond. Not a throw back to a golden age of whatever, this wild bunch exists in tier own time and place and seems like they want to do nothing other that deliver a roof raising good time. It feels like they know how to party in a genuine way as opposed to offering up something devised by a stylist, Liberty Jones is sure to make an impact if you give it a spin. Hot stuff.
Chris Spector - Mid West Record Re Cap
— Southern Rock quintet Liberty Jones take on some classics and lend their sound to some excellent originals.
Blogcritics Mag, Kate Harding
- Blog Critics.org
ATLANTA, GEORGIA , Liberty Jones
The genre of Country Music has several different sub-genres within its’ walls. One of those is Southern Rock. An act that wants to make their mark in that style is Liberty Jones. The band has just released a new album that proves that they have the talent to go far with their wide-open approach. I do have some gripes with the technical aspect of the album, but I’ll get to that later. Musically, these guys are strong. They have a definite 70’s feel, a la The Eagles or Poco, with their tight harmonies. That comes into play immediately on the soaring “Left Behind.” While the bulk of the album is more rock-styled than country…..they do show a love of the twangier stuff on cuts like “Gina” and a remake of Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road.” The music is definitely there. The only thing is…..the album just doesn’t SOUND right…..Don’t get me wrong, I think Liberty Jones has what it takes…..but the mixing leaves a lot to be desired. The band’s harmonies sound as if they are in an echo chamber. That’s my main complaint about this album. When the band has a solo mom ent, like they do with Jeff Eno’s faithful remake of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind,” the sound isn’t bad----only on the more harmony laden tracks. Like I said, the talent is there, and I hope that the band continues on and on. You just would like to be able to hear it to the maximum potential. Still, I think these guys have what it takes to become a crowd favorite!
- MUSIC NEWS NASHVILLE
Nearly a decade of playing together, complete with false starts, personnel changes and ill-fated record releases would dampen the spirits of most bands. Liberty Jones have fought through it to create an impassioned collection of Southern rock, power-pop and, oddly, but fittingly, Canadian folk. The originals are simple odes to love and heartbreak... and kiss-offs. They complete this highly enjoyable record with covers from George Harrison, Steve Earle, Neil Young and Gordon Lightfoot. -- Jeff Weiss, Miles of Music (Indian Proud Entertainment) - Miles of Music
Liberty Jones - Atlanta, Georgia
Written by Kate C. Harding
Published May 30, 2007
I hate compartmentalizing music. I wish we could have just a few all-encompassing tags - pop, rock, classical, rap, country. Yup, as far as I'm concerned, that about covers it all. Everything is just a little faction of the whole. Pop-punk, classic rock, new-wave, screamo... it goes on and on. It would make life as a music critic (and a music lover) so much easier.
Sadly, though, my world of five genres is not to be. One of the biggest debates about crossing music lines right now is the blurring between Southern Rock and Americana. Falling squarely between those lines is Liberty Jones, a five piece outfit from Atlanta, GA. Their album, by the way, is cleverly titled... ahem... Atlanta, Georgia.
It's a little bit country, a little bit rock (all Osmond references aside), and a whole lot of heart. That's the best part of this band and this album in particular. Their passion for what they do shows clearly in the impassioned vocals and quality musicianship. Steed Kettles mandolin is exceptional and my absolute favorite part of the album.
Atlanta, Georgia is more covers than not, with reworked versions of Roger Mathis, George Harrison, Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, Steve Earle, and even Jimi Hendrix. The covers are obviously included as a send-up to the live show fans that keep things rolling, and most of them are very good versions, staying true to the originals while playing around with the Liberty Jones sound. This is done remarkably well on Gordon Lightfoot's "If You Could Read My Mind."
There are some problems, most notably the covers of "Left Behind" (Mathis) and Harrison's "If I Needed Someone." Neither of these songs were ever masterpieces and they are equally as boring here. In fact, they sound very much alike. They are not suited for opening tracks and I only hope that new listeners don't hear these and quit listening before they get to track three.
What surprised me most, though, is the strength of some of the originals. Southern Rock bands often get mired in covering "Sweet Home Alabama" and never really find their own voices. Liberty Jones can be proud of the best track on the album, "Gina," written by Steed Kettles. It's an ideal vehicle for lead singer Jeff Eno's radio friendly tone.
As they start getting more radio play around the country I wouldn't be surprised to see Liberty Jones take quite a stance in the Southern Rock/Americana/Country... oh, whatever... world.
- BlogCritics.org
Liberty Jones
Atlanta, Georgia
(Indian Proud Entertainment, 2007)
These Southern rockers from Atlanta, hence the CD's title, are essentially a garage band that sweated its way into a recording studio to lay down 11 tunes – five covers and six originals. While nothing amounts to a musical revelation, it's all serviceable, well-played, tuneful stuff. "Gina," written by band rhythm guitarist and mandolin picker Steed Kettles, is the best of the fresh cuts. Its soaring chorus brings to mind vintage Firefall meets Pure Prairie League. Of the remakes, Steve Earle's "Copperhead Road" rocks roots-style.
Mario Tarradell
- Dallas Morning News
The Listening Room
Adriana Chavez
Liberty Jones, "Atlanta, Georgia." Liberty Jones has been on the Americana scene for years, consistently blending their strong harmonies with country and southern rock, and has evolved from a quartet to a quintent featuring Jeff Eno on lead vocals and guitar, Mike Duckworth on lead guitar, Steed Kettles on rhythm guitar, Tim Maguire on bass and drummer John Pike. After a frustrating few years trying to release their first album, the band recently released their newest album, "Atlanta, Georgia," on the Indian Proud Entertainment label. The album, titled after their hometown, mixes covers (Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl," George Harrison's "If I Needed Someone") with original tunes, and although the band covers classics quite competently, their true talent lies in their originals. Highlights: "Gina," "Left Behind." - El Paso Times
Discography
Liberty Jones - Liberty Jones - 2001 Gas House/Twin Horses
Liberty Jones - Atlanta, Georgia - Jan. 2007 Indian Proud Entertainment
Photos
Bio
As the distinction between Country music and Southern Rock gradually closes, more and more of what gets played on country radio sounds like the latter as opposed to the former. But it’s a natural progression, as the connection and the shared roots of both Country and Southern Rock run deep. The current crossover trend is not a new one, as artists like the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and even the Beatles were blending styles forty years ago. But it takes work to make it sound fresh, and in a music scene populated by bands that claim Hank and Lefty as their roots but sound more like Skynyrd and ZZ Top, you have to stand out.
Meet Liberty Jones, born and raised in Atlanta Georgia. No, Liberty isn’t a dude, it’s a band. Comprised of Jeff Eno on lead vocals and guitar, Mike Duckworth on lead guitar, Steed Kettles on rhythm guitar, Tim Maguire on bass, and drummer John Pike, Liberty Jones has been performing and recording for years. They are proud to announce the release of their newest collection of tunes on the Indian Proud Entertainment label, the aptly titled “Atlanta, Georgia”. The album is a mix of their unique originals and unusual covers, reflecting both the band’s personal focus and the breadth of their taste.
The journey to “Atlanta, Georgia” has been a long tough road for the band, fraught with frustration and dead ends. Their initial 2001 release was ill-timed, as soon after they signed on, the label had barely put the CD on the market when it folded. A second attempt to release the album on another small label met with the same fate. Frustrated, the guys dissipated for a while, but their collective love of the music they were making brought them back together.
Playing parties is cool, even if it’s just on a lark. Bands get to have fun, take chances, and the essentially captive audience is usually quite supportive. After a couple of reunion shows at parties and benefits, the band realized that they were still having fun and entertaining people, and they needed to keep doing what they had been doing all along. Liberty Jones officially regrouped and went to work on “Atlanta, Georgia”. The final result is worth a listen. Or three.
Several things stand out on “Atlanta, Georgia”. First, the musicianship. These boys can play and sing, and they can play both Rock and Country. Second, the original tunes are catchy, and they stick in your head. That is important. Whether it’s one of former member Roger Mathis’ tunes (“Left Behind” and “Dixie Wheels”) or Steed and Jeff’s “Four Winds”, the creative commitment and non-gratuitous acknowledgement of their influences is strong. Third, the covers. Some may question a 70’s Gordon Lightfoot rehash, but Liberty Jones makes it work with their own take on the classic “If You Could Read My Mind”. And the inclusion of their crowd pleasing medley featuring Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” and Steve Earle’s quintessential “Copperhead Road” is an homage to the fans of their live shows. Then there is the Beatles (actually a George Harrison) tune, “If I Needed Someone”. Remember them? We are back where we started, and that’s a good thing.
Take some time, and listen to Liberty Jones. It may not be the most groundbreaking album you hear this year, but it’s a familiar, honest, and heartfelt effort by a group of people who truly love what they are doing. They say everything old is new again, and Liberty Jones paves a new road with an old sound, all the way to “Atlanta, Georgia”.
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