Goth Reviews: Christabeland the Jons

Christabel and the Jons CUSTOM MADE FOR YOU (Roots and Rizomes Records)
http://www.christabelmusic.com

Spike: Based in Knoxville, Christabel and the Jons toured through Williamsport in the chill of winter, but they warmed a lot of people up. Musically, they’re part of a burgeoning alt-country scene that’s brewing everywhere in the South except Nashville.

Goth Woman: Nashville insists on ready-made pop country, which Chistabel isn’t. Instead, she creates warm, friendly, jazz-laden, retro-urban country from the sultry South, somewhere this side of the Mississippi from Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks. Besides great singing and playing, Christabel comes on with a luscious attitude, sexy and almost brazen but brainy.

Spike: The CD packaging is designed like an catalog from a 1940s variety store. The band appoints themselves like characters from a Tennessee Williams play.

Goth Woman: Favorite cuts: “Losing Sleep,” “Last Night’s Dress,” “Boy Crazy,” “Galaxy Song.” Excellent!