Carly Jo Jackson
In an impromptu gig at Roy’s Restaurant on August 16, locals were treated to the music of upcoming Generation-Y songstress Carly Jo Jackson, who was in town to begin recording her first LP with music guru producer and par-none sound master Chris Pelonis [Jeff Bridges], at his studios, Lost Coast Records. The album’s release date is slated for October.
Her current recording band members in California are Dishwalla drummer George Pendergast and SB bassist Randy Tico, with Pelonis on harmonica and guitar. Chris discovered her at NAMM, performing on one of the constant gigging stages.
Chris said, “I was struck by her vocal sound, her on-stage upbeat persona, and she looked like an avatar standing 6 feet tall, slender with long blonde Rasta tendrils to her waist. She is a star, a natural talent with charisma. I invited her to California to record an LP without all the over produced tracking that is usually done. She agreed and here we are.”
Carly Jo’s opening set list included the songs “Chain of Fools” and “RESPECT” dedicated to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who passed away earlier that day. Continuing on with originals, “Oh Yeah” and Clipped Wings” – along with covers – she filled the restaurant with new fans and came back for set two till closing.
Originally from Orlando, the town that also birthed Mandy Moore and Matchbox Twenty, Carly Jo’s style is a blending of all that with some ska-reggae double-time beat. Her vocal range is about three octaves, but she naturally gravitates in the soulful mids and singing in cross-tempos with her guitar strumming. She has written originals, to date 10, which will be on the new LP.
She also enjoys singing her versions of songs by artists Amy Winehouse, The Revivalists, Collective Soul, The Outfield, and Drake. She plays guitar, ukulele, and harmonica.
Carly Jo and I talked before the gig:
Q. What was the first song you played?
A. Honestly, it was a Taylor Swift song, “Teardrops on My Guitar”. I was 16 years old and at that time, it was very relevant in my world.
After Taylor…?
It felt that I was just doing copies of what she had already done. It was very quick that I was deciding where can I fit in, and what is my own style. I looked at reggae and rock sounds. I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Slightly Stoopid from San Diego, who has a nice acoustic guitar feel. I like the sound of all these things together and that is my music. I feel like you have to be wide open; I would even do opera if I had the chance. I’m at the starting stages and I want to remain open as a door, for sure.
And recording?
It goes back to that I am at the beginning stages. I would like to imagine doing everything on my own and be successful at it, but right now, if the opportunity came in from a label and it was a safe contract for the artist, I would look at it. I am very open-minded to all the processes of music.
What is it about your music you want us to know?
Music should be bringing people together, if you come to any of my shows, that is my main goal. I try to leave every one of my shows making friends and uplifting people.
Also present: Lena Pousette screenwriter, Alan Kozlowski photographer-cinematographer-music producer, Laurie Kirby [FestForums], Katelyn Mires of Stolen Thunder band, and Traci Collins Little Wing PR [Lollapalooza].
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