Mimi Jones - A New Day

Mimi Jones, bassist, vocalist and composer, brings a beacon of musical light and a deep positive message on her debut CD 'A New Day.' Mimi’s elegant sound is an eclectic mix of genres based in a strong jazz foundation that leave room for funky bass grooves, world beat rhythms, gentle textures and the soulful cries of the Wurlitzer. Remarking on the CD, Mimi says: “My music taps in directly to the senses using elements of jazz, folk, rock, blues and different sounds from around the world which have all had such a profound effect on me.” This inspiring recording is bursting with original compositions seamlessly melting from one song to another and caressed by the warmth of Jones’ sultry voice. The music is a statement of rhythmic & melodic textures and compositional variations, all flawlessly executed with Marvin Sewell (acoustic and electric guitars, Miki Hayama on piano, key board and Wurlitzer), Marcus Gilmore on drums, and Lucianna Padmore on drums for tracks 1 and 11) and Ambrose Akinmisure on trumpet.

The title of the CD speaks of embracing a changing world with a positive point of view while maintaining the courage to move forward just as the new persona and alter ego, Mimi Jones, was transformed from “side man” Miriam Sullivan in order to fully express her individual messages of change and personal evolution. Songs like “Fast Lane,” “Spiral,” “Watch Your Step” and “Mighty Time” send those messages by allowing the music to take shape without fear of definition and genre restriction. The concept is to cross borders and to reach out to a broader perception of time, space and rhythm. Mimi’s philosophy is profound, yet simple, “It’s important to me that this music is for everyone. I believe that I have a calling to heal and make people feel good so I want to pass on what comes to me musically. Hopefully this music will make our world. Here are some track notes from Mimi Jones.

Track 1 – Fast Lane: This song represents a flow of steady forward motion or moving toward a desire. Picture a New York scene in midtown, full of taxis and people doing their daily grind while moving in fast motion. The fast lane is like the pace of life, not necessarily a good or bad thing, combined with a sense of freedom that allows one to let go and let life happen spontaneously.
Track 2 – Watch Your Step: This song has several meanings: watch what you are doing, take your time and get it right while moving from the past to the present. The guitar is the instrumental symbol for the old south with people of all sizes, shapes and colors dragging their bags onto the train. Once the music changes it demonstrates the train moving through time to the present making stops through space almost like a time machine. Instantly everything becomes current and the people’s clothes change from frumpy to dazzling because this is what happens when you get on this train. It’s the last call and you definitely don’t want to miss it!
Track 3 Spiral: This song is about holding on and bending through the loops of a spiral, similar to a roller coaster, while being able to remain in your seat. You’ve got to be flexible. The last verse basically says that since history repeats itself we can expect the same outcome until we finally make a conscious effort to make different choices.
Track 4 – Mighty Time: Respect the passage of time and remember that as time passes the reality of what is really important in our lives becomes clear.
Track 5 – Suite Mary: (In homage to the great pianist, composer, and arranger Mary Lou Williams). This selection is a celebration of her accomplishments as a pioneer for women, especially African American Women musicians, coming up in the years between 1910 and 1981. I enjoyed experimenting with different textures and sounds to represent some of the ups and downs she may have encountered in her life. She has definitely been a huge inspiration to me as an artist and composer.
Track 6 Silva: The song is about a little boy whose mother is giving him advice about how to overcome negativity by dancing and moving. She tells him not to be ashamed to shake things off so that he can be happier in life.
Track 7 – Close Your Eyes: I wrote this song while watching my mother hold her sister’s hand as she was preparing to die. Her sister was very scared and it seemed as though time stood still in that moment as my mom softly cried while telling her sister how much she loved her and assured her everything would be all right. It was a moving experience for me that I hope listeners will interpret in their own way.
Track 8 – For Granted: Value what you have and don’t take anything for granted. It seems we never appreciate what we have until it’s gone so I want this song to be a reminder to pay attention now.
Track 9 – All Things: I wanted to express the idea that everything changes and nothing is forever. We must try to learn something from all of our experiences, good or bad, and in the process remember to live our lives fully and deeply.
Track 10‐ Sista: This song deals with world poverty issues. In this global, fast paced world with tons of money being passed back and forth there are still people in need of food and shelter. Many of them are right in our own communities. So this song is a cry for help and the intense passion and frustration behind being in need.
Track 11 - Thank You: pays homage to the creator and thanks to everyone who has been a part of my life’s journey.
Track 12 - We Shall Overcome: is an inspirational song to help us to remember to keep our dreams alive, especially in these difficult times. The song also reflects on how far we’ve come and how we must continue and evolve in order to raise our consciousness to create a better world.
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