CD Reviews: Tazewell Duo Releases ‘Jewel Ridge Coal’

JENI & BILLY, “Jewell Ridge Coal” (Jewell Ridge Records)
Tazewell singer Jeni Hankins pays tribute to the coal mining town of Jewell Ridge, Va., with an irresistable CD called “Jewell Ridge Coal.”
Together with partner Billy Kemp, the act known as “Jeni & Billy” provide acoustic music lovingly dressed with graceful phrasing and old-time charm.
It’s soothing, relaxing, heartfelt and richly steeped in the traditions of old-time country and bluegrass. Better yet, it provides many great stories of a “Miner’s Reward” and a “Tazewell Beauty Queen.”

Jeni & Billy are hosting a CD release on Sept. 13, 7 p.m., at the Friendly Chapel Church on Smith Ridge Road, off state Route 67, in Jewell Ridge, Va. Call (276) 881-8951.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD, “Then and Now, Vol. II” (Sancutary Records)

Two members of the current Lynyrd Skynyrd band – Billy Powell and Gary Rossington – were part of the classic ’70s lineup.
But even the six-man supergroup that emerged in 1996 with the late Hughie Thomasson and the late Leon Wilkeson (another ’70s member) has also shifted in recent years.
Regardless, Lynyrd Skynyrd keeps soldiering on, albeit with a more metallic approach to both new and older material.
Released in 2005, an 11-song collection called “Then and Now, Vol. II” showcases some of the band’s best work and will give you an idea of what you would expect to hear at a Skynyrd show of today: crunching guitars and raspy vocals provided by current singer Johnny Van Zant.
Lively versions of classics like “Call Me the Breeze” are here, along with solid songs that take the band in new directions, particularly the sonically soaring “The Way” and the funky, party anthem “That’s How I Like It.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd is performing on Sept. 12, 8 p.m., at the Holmes Center in Boone, N.C. Tickets start at $32.50. Call (828) 262-6603.

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