https://atthebarrier.com/2023/12/01/kc-jones-roots-album-review/

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http://hotmusiclive.co.uk/MAGAZINE/magazine/article?article=13743

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"KC Jones are Karen Killeen and Colin Jones, a husband-and-wife acoustic duo from the Midlands. This is their second album and starts in fine style with a mid-tempo poppy shuffle called Hey! Shifting into folk mode for My Love, the quality of their voices is obvious. With flute joining the guitars this sits above the routine folk songs that we hear so many of. They also resist the temptation to lengthen it. At just over 2 minutes it has got the message across and leaves.

Karen takes most of the vocals and is a fine singer with a range that works for the more delicate songs like Dreamer's Lullaby and Goodbye Little Girl. The Coming of The Cannon is a vocal feature for Colin and has a bigger arrangement than some of the other songs, with marching drums to reinforce the military tale. They return to the theme with Tommy's War. Sung by Karen her voice has similar clear, pure tone to Annie Haslam of Renaissance, although a few tones lower. Fiddle enhances the melancholy feel of this tune.

Everyone needs a sea song these days and here we have Siren's Call. Cutthroat Jack is a traditional folk tune with more fiddle and a sea shanty swing. KC Jones leave one of their best songs until last with Time for Us To Leave You. An end of the evening song that captures the moment when guitars are packed, and drinks finished perfectly. A great end to an album that is notable for the thought that clearly went into the sequencing of the songs. So often the temptation to load all the best songs into the front of the album leaves a slow drift into the songs that didn't work so well. But not here where the quality of writing and performing keeps up and draws you through the album. Not that there are any weak songs here anyway.

KC Jones have been playing live with another acoustic duo, Tu-kay & Ryan, who have featured in our singles column several times recently. Both duos highlight the quality of music being played and recorded around the country that never gets the attention it deserves. If you get the chance to see KC Jones live, I'm sure they are every bit as good there as they are in record. Buy their album as well. This is music that needs and deserves your support."  Tim Martin, Fatea Magazine

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"Well, what can I say but WOW!! True artistes that you are, you had the audience in the palms of your hands last night, mesmerised by the beauty of your melodies and the emotions radiating from your songs." Tamworth folk club

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"I LOVED KC Jones “It’s Christmas Again” and Tommy’s War”. Their voices and harmonies were tight and spot on. Karen is totally easy to listen to, lilting and pure. I was impressed with her interpretation of the lyrics as she told these two stories. I particularly liked “It’s Christmas Again” because the message of the holiday and the nostalgia it contains was very uplifting to me in these difficult times where a bit of escape into a better time is very welcome."  Jeff Hyman

 

"One of the most rewarding aspects of being a 'touring folk/acoustic performer is meeting other musicians/writers/performers by chance at your gigs. These days markets are over-subscribed with 'singer-songwriters'. The term has almost become non-descript compared to its 1970's blooming in the form of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Neil Young and so-on. Karen Jones and her partner Colin are a talented musical duo from the heart of Middle England. It would be so easy to just say: 'Oh, OK, more folkie singer-songwriters', until you actually sit down and listen to the heart and craft in Karen's songs. The duo are ably assisted on this CD 'Roots' by a host of the Midlands finest - and most celebrated performers: Keith Donnelly, Lauren South and Mick Bisiker, to name but three. Their contributions are subtle. Very much in the 'less-is-more' train of thought. But, to be fair, many of these songs are robust and memorable enough to stand alone no matter who is playing on them. Karen has a slightly mournful contralto which puts me in mind of Fiona Simpson, Aj Webber and even Joni herself! The songs are philosophical musings on the everyday condition ('Stronger', 'Hey!' and the touching 'Special') and full-on comments on conflict, fear and skullduggery ('Tommy's War', 'Cut Throat Jack', 'The Coming Of The Cannon'). The set finishes with another valedictory chorus song that seems destined to be sung by others in folk clubs, house concerts and small gatherings ('Time For Us To Leave You'). Overall the music takes its inspiration from tender, modern balladry with more than an occasional nod to 'the tradition'. I'm a big fan of 'Cut Throat Jack' and 'Goodbye Little Girl'. These again are songs with strong legs. Any constructive crits? Not really. I'm not a fan of sound effects or the spoken-word, as happens here on 'Sirens Call'. But the song itself is great. Also there seem to be more than one or two tracks in the key of 'E major?' that sit next to each other. I've done this myself in the past and it sometimes can lead to a 'flatlining' feel to the experience. However, that's just me desperately trying to seek out balance, rather than just be too gushing! In the end, this stuff largely deserves to be gushed about. So, I would forget all the heavily-promoted, blandly-marketed 'singer-songwriters' and seek this out. If you travel round folk clubs you'll find a fair bit of stuff not too dissimilar, but some of these songs will make you cry. They are that affecting. Check out: KC JONES - ROOTS (Own label)." Phil Hare