I saw E'lissa Jones at the Sugar Loaf Street Fair and cannot get her voice out of my head - I find myself singing snatches of the new songs she sang at the fair.  I can't wait for her new album but while I wait I will purchase this one.
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E'lissa is such a wonderful talented singer, violinst, pianst and teacher. MUCH LOVE.
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I'm slowly, slowy falling in love with this CD. Think of India Arie, N'dambi, Yazarah and Erykah - then welcome E'lissa into this same pantheon of divine greatness. They are who they are, and she is who she is. Time is (I feel) on her side !
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E’lissa Jones’ ideal performance scenario takes place in a cozy venue with a laid back atmosphere in front of a small audience. An inexplicable intimacy is felt at this type of gig and the same feeling describes the style and sound of E'lissa's latest album. "This Melodie" is Jones' first album on MB Records. It gained recognition at this year’s 46th annual Grammy awards, receiving one nomination for Best Pop Vocal album and another for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The modest solo-artist, who is a song-writer first and foremost, remains easy-going and speaks in a peaceful manner. The album, released on July 22nd of last year, satisfies a variety of musical tastes and accents Jones' eclectic sound. The common thread holding the album together nicely is beauty and grace. Her voice is softly sweet yet a sense of depth is heard on the album. She describes her own voice as being “warm, soothing, and soulful.” Darkness is exemplified on "Beneath", an intriguing track which makes you wonder what it's all about. 
E’lissa traveled to Boston from her home in Hudson Valley, NY every weekend in order to record and spend time with her family. Collaborating with MB Records offered a positive working environment and allowed for ample flexibility and musical freedom. Recording resulted in emotional days. E'lissa immersed herself into the songs- each one a powerful story. Recognized as an acclaimed writer she has catalogued over three hundred songs. Thirteen are featured on “This Melodie”. She is a talented musician and prominent in her piano, acoustic guitar and violin skills. The young woman (at 26 years )is a bit of an "old soul" and her wisdom translates through the lyrics. "Jungle-ho" is a powerful anthem of strength which demands respect. 
Mika, her five year old daughter, is the light of E'lissa's life and the inspiration for her music. Mika's young voice debuts on "Raccoon song", a cute ditty on the album. The photos gracing the CD’s jacket come across as artwork portraying classic beauty. E'lissa's FUN side shines through on one of her favorites "Joven". Her album is deeper than a "feel good album". It is also serious and sad at points. 
E'lissa enjoys collaborating with other musicians but is, without a doubt, a solo-artist. "I can’t really imagine anyone else singing my songs. It's my music. They're my songs." Her individual style has been influenced by many. Vocally, she has looked up to Karen Carpenter, Sarah Mcloughlin, and Roberta Flax. In the Jazz department E'lissa admires Julie London. Marvin Gaye also played a major role in E'lissa's musical sense. Her ever-changing band brings elements of jazz to her sound which is also a mixture of Soul, R&B, and Folk and cannot be assigned to one genre. 
She grew up in CO surrounded by a musical family with five sisters and one brother. Her Mom is a professional singer and pianist. Her Dad is an expert on horns. E'lissa picked up the violin at age 5. She played throughout elementary school and continued to study the instrument during college. Granted a full scholarship, E'lissa attended The University of Northern CO. She studied music, performance, education, and released her first album, “Shadows”. “We recorded in about five hours" she reminisced. "It was more of a college project that I did. Friends and other musicians helped out and received payment of dinner and beer." 
When asked what message she wishes to convey with "This Melodie" E’lissa laxly responded “I'm not trying to convey messages or preach. It sounds silly but I just like pretty songs.” The ironic thing is she sings messages of strength and wisdom simply by telling her own stories…and the songs are pretty.
 This article was originally published by Skope Entertainment Inc. © 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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