Ignored Obscured Restored
This week I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Rickie Lee Jones from the second row of an intimate venue, the Guild Theater in Menlo Park, CA. Jones, who will be 70 years old later this year, was in fine voice. I swear, she sounded just like she did on her Grammy nominated debut album that was released 45 years ago this month! Her voice was strong, and she could still hit the high notes with ease.
In 2023, she released a new studio album, her 15th, titled Pieces of Treasure. It is a collection of jazzy standards from the Great American Songbook, sung by Jones with verve and panache. The disc has received accolades, earning the #46 spot on MOJO’s list of the 75 best albums of 2023, and another Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Tomorrow night we will learn if she wins.
Today’s SotW is that album’s lead single, “Just in Time.”
“Just In Time” was written by Jules Styne (music) with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and first released in 1956. It has been recorded by every famous vocal artist from Frank Sinatra to Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Barbra Streisand, and Nina Simone.
Jones’ version opens with vibraphone, played by Mike Mainieri. Mainieri may be best known to SotW readers for his work with Dire Straits and Carly Simon. But he has been a fixture on the jazz scene too, often collaborating with artists such as Buddy Rich, Bob James, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and David Sanborn, among others.
Jones wraps her voice around this tender love song.
Just in time
You found me just in time
Before you came
My time was running low
I was lost
The losing dice were tossed
My bridges all were crossed
Nowhere to go
Now you’re here
And now I know just where I’m going
No more doubts or fears
I found my way
‘Cause love came just in time
You found me just in time
Then you changed my lonely life that lovely day
Now you’re here
And now I know just where I’m going
No more doubts or fears
I found my way
‘Cause love came just in time
You found me just in time
Then you changed my lonely life that lovely day
You changed my lonely life that lonely day
If you haven’t read her 2021 memoir, Last Chance Texaco, you should. It was named Book of the Year by MOJO and Pitchfork, NPR, and other media outlets.
Enjoy… until next week.