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Seems like everyone in music has a side project going these days, and Norah Jones is no exception. She’s moonlighting as the lead singer for The Little Willies (named after Willie Nelson), a group she formed with four friends: guitarists Jim Campilongo and Richard Julian, Lee Alexander (bass), and Dan Rieser (drums). For The Good Times is the quintet’s second album of classic country covers and lesser-known gems by some of their favorite songwriters, including Willie Nelson’s “Permanently Lonely,” Johnny Cash’s “Wide Open Road,” and the title track from Kris Kristofferson. It’s clear the group has much love for country music, yet Jones isn’t afraid to put her own stamp on these classic tunes; on Dolly Parton’s ”Jolene,” for example, she slows the tempo just enough to break your heart with the desperation in the lyrics. On the lighter side, there’s Loretta Lynn’s “Fist City” and Lefty Frizzell’s “If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time.” Cal Martin’s “Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves” features Julian on lead vocals, and his Lyle Lovett-like voice is a pleasant complement to Jones. If you’re in the mood for bourbon and a good cover band, then pour yourself two fingers and enjoy this bar-room super group’s feel-good tunes
By Sherri Lehman
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