Jewly Hight

02.01.2008 -- Review by: Don Zelazny

Jewly’s instrument of choice is the drums. Her love of rhythm is evident throughout the disc as well. Of the music, she wrote it is “colored by the molten physicality of the blues and the deep, unceasing pulse that I internalized through several years of playing the drums.” Add some doses of southern rock and gospel and you have Darlin’ Understand. Most of the songs ride a strong unchanging rhythm throughout while various instruments add highlights. After an odd “popping and cracking vinyl” opening, the music starts with the most country sounding tune on the disc “JuneBug.” The next two tunes are more haunting and rhythmic. The first of these, “White Knuckles,” is one of my favorites on the disc. The lyrics also follow a rhythmic pattern and a gospel feel, constantly repeating “Lord honey don’t leave me now.” “Knockin’” is a great tune with a bouncy start with a nice rhythmic guitar line and some male harmony vocals- a whoopin’ it up tune. Another highlight is “Wheels Come Off,” a bit more of a rocker.

Jewly’s haunting voice is excellent throughout. She is joined by a stellar cast on the disc including Charlie Rich, Jr., Delaney Bramlett and Dave Perkins, who has played guitar for Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams and Ray Charles. Listening to the disc leaves me somehow thinking about New Orleans and black magic (so I’d be crazy to criticize the disc, I might wake up as a frog). The more rhythmic feel of the music is a nice departure from the usual singer-songwriter fare and I look forward to hearing more from Jewly.