Concert Review
Intimate evening with Rickie Lee Jones

By Tina Potterf
Seattle Times staff reporter

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As she sings about heartache or unrequited love, Jones opens her lungs and reveals different parts of herself with each breath. Hearing her poetic tales of pain and hope, rebellion and romance, the listener can't help but be pulled into a world that is as colorful as it is difficult. And, unlike many of today's chart-topping female singers, Jones' writes and records in an organic, free-thinking fashion that is relevant and real to people of all ages.

In a nearly two-hour long show Thursday night at the Moore Theatre, Jones proved why she is one of music's most interesting and original singer-songwriters. The former Washingtonian, joined on stage by a sizable band of gifted musicians, flaunted her dexterity on the guitar, keyboards, even bongo drums.

Concert review Rickie Lee Jones, The Moore Theatre, Seattle, Thursday night.

Sampling largely from her latest recording, the fine "Evening of My Best Day," Jones casually fluttered on stage like something of a gypsy, wearing draping pants, a knitted shawl and a signature cap. Equal parts ethereal folk singer and socially conscious rocker, Jones opened with the bluesy "Lap Dog," a song that allowed that remarkable voice to shine.

Jones took a few jabs at "the man" and the current political climate with "Ugly Man," and "Tell Somebody (Repeal the Patriot Act Now)," and was met with a warm response from the audience.

"A Second Chance," a breezy, jazz-infused number from "Evening of My Best Day," had many grooving mildly in their seats, while the melodious and moving "We Belong Together" had others clutching their loved ones tight.

While much of the evening was dedicated to her latest material, Jones reflected on her long career with a couple of strong cuts from "Pirates," including the melancholy "Pirates (So Long Lonely Avenue)," and the bruised ballad, "We Belong Together," which Jones delivered from behind the keyboards.

One of the highlights was her body-tingling version of the Tom Waits classic "(Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night," her voice alternating from an almost angelic lightness to a deep, rich tone.

On this night, fans young and old got an intimate evening with a performer who doesn't need to rely on slick production or flashy clothes to make a statement.

Tina Potterf: 206-464-8214 or tpotterf@seattletimes.com

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