2006 was an incredible year for Jace Everett. Being named an AOL Breaker Artist, performing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, touring the UK with Dierks Bentley, achieving a #1 smash record (as a songwriter) with the Josh Turner recording of “Your Man”, and finally releasing his debut album on SonyBMG!

But the music business is a volatile thing. After the merger of SonyBMG was finally complete in Nashville, Jace found himself, along with over 40 employees and a dozen other artists, without a label to support his music. “Of course, it was frustrating, but the truth is it’s afforded me a great opportunity. I can go back to making music on my own terms again,” says Everett. When asked what that means, he elaborates, “Well, I have always liked music that was raw and untamed. You know, stuff that speaks on a real gut level. With no one to please but my fans and myself I get a chance to bring it all back home.”

Apparently so. Gone the slick country/pop production of his debut, Everett has a brand new record as raw as they come. Everett says, “Well, the concept was to really step away from the Nashville sound. I really like my debut album. There are some great songs and performances on there. Still, I needed to go somewhere completely different. I needed to strip it all down and see what I really had.” Why go acoustic though? “Well, for one, my guitarist and I have been doing the acoustic duo a lot on the road lately; particularly in Europe.” Everett adds, “In fact, this record is really a nod to our great experiences in the UK in the past year or two. We’ve had so much fun just playing acoustically that we wanted to capture a piece of that on tape”.

Mission accomplished. The ten songs here, all penned by Everett except one, is a collection that represents his live show far more accurately than ever before. From the familiar rockabilly of “Bad Things” to the radio hit “Your Man” to the more intimate “Greatest Story”, this is a true reflection of Jace Everett the writer and performer. “The key was to get the heck out of the way. We recorded all ten songs in one day. No overdubs, no edits, no digital tricks.” Everett says defiantly, “Hell, we didn’t even use reverb or echo. Just some room microphones.” Produced by Chris Raspante, there is a simplicity and directness to the approach that is truly satisfying. “Chris really knows his stuff when it comes to microphone placement and recording techniques.” There is one extra player on the record though, Jace confesses, “We did add a little extra low end! Chris and I called up our good friend Phillip Pence. He brought an upright bass over. I’m a pretty good bass player, but that guy really knows what to play… or what NOT to play!” Jace laughs, “It really added so much to the project.”

What’s next on the horizon? “I think the future is wide open right now. I’m going to be spending a lot more time in Europe, especially the UK. I’m writing a new full band record. Hopefully, that will be ready to roll in the spring. But right now this is exactly where I want to be.” Sounds like he’s got it figured out. Everett smiles at the thought, but then slowly shakes his head, “Dear Lord, I hope not! What would I write about?”

COLD HARD FACTS and GOOD OLD PROPAGANDA ABOUT JACE EVERETT:

Place of Birth:

I was born in Evansville, Indiana. At the age of six my family moved to Texas (Dallas/Ft.Worth). I went with them, as I was a well-behaved boy.

Influences:

I was influenced by a lot of different styles; 70’s country, 80’s pop, reggae, blues, soul, funk, and everything else in between. As a professional bassist I’ve played everything under the sun. Occasionally I even played some things well. I’m a big fan of anything with real emotion. Country song craft, rock and roll energy, and soul, soul, soul…that’s what I want!

The Road to Fame and Fortune:

Is really long and extremely irritating… I have had a lot of tough jobs; ditch digger, truck driver, fry cook, bus boy, waiter, truck washer, office gopher boy, whatever it took. I don’t mind not being rich or famous, but I really don’t want to wash trucks again! Actually, I would like to be rich. I think I would be good at it.

Where I Am:

I live in Nashville at this time. I have lived in Texas, Indiana, Missouri, Switzerland, and Monaco. I will do my best to continue living wherever I go.

Desert Island Discs:

 “Dreamin My Dreams”-Waylon

“Legend”-Bob Marley

“Red Headed Stranger”- Willie

“Closing Time”-Tom Waits

“The Essential Guy Clark”-Guy Clark

“Living With the Law”- Chris Whitley

“The Essential Johnny Cash”- J.R. Cash

“Achtung Baby”-U2

“Romantic Favorites For Strings”-Leonard Bernstein

“Veedon Fleece”- Van Morrison

What the Heck Kind of Music Is This?:

It’s mine and I’d like to share it with anyone who’ll listen.