Dusting Off Jessi Colter's Out of the Ashes
Lately I've been revisiting one of my most treasured albums, Jessi Colter's Out of the Ashes from 2006. I took this photo of her three years ago when I was first exposed to her music. I can still see her pounding the keys as she performed "You Can Pick ‘Em," a sassy little ditty about a womanizing man. I was floored by her attitude and talent. She was confident and polished, yet assertive and refined. After watching her perform, I purchased the album and have enjoyed it ever since.
She wrote or co-wrote almost every song save a few, including Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35." A couple of my picks would include "Velvet and Steel," a witty tune referring to a relationship reaching the final moment of truth. I always smile when I hear the lines, "What are we gonna call this relationship/Not quite in love and not quite it," because Lord knows I've been there. Take a listen to "Out of the Rain" featuring her late husband Waylon Jennings. Just by listening, you will feel as though you're witnessing their chemistry through each note. And if you're feeling reflective, pay close to attention to "Please Carry Me Home" a bone-chilling, gospel-influenced tune regarding life's temptations and also features her son, Shooter. As Kris Kristofferson so eloquently quotes on her Web site, "Jessi Colter is the real thing: Truth and Beauty. No music is closer to the music in my soul."
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Joe says:
I was exposed to her around 2005 and 2006 and I love her earlier work too from the Mid 1970’s outlaw era.
I got 2 of her albums hanging on my wall, and I really would love to see her in concert.
I hope she tours and makes a new album cause I know she could write some killer tunes.
Redmaz says:
I remember when she married Waylon. “Out of The Ashes” is some of her best work ever. Jessi Colter is the original Outlaw Woman.
Twang Nation - Americana Music, Roots Music, Alt.Country Music and Culture says:
[...] CMT Blog’s Whitney Self revisits Jessi Colter’s Out of the Ashes. [...]
Lisa K says:
Man, Jessi is the greatest. Always has been and always will be! She’s my hero. Love and rock on Jessi!