Her upcoming record boasts a roster of talent usually reserved for a major label artist with a major label budget. She is neither . . . yet.
Peter Malick, who early on spotted, gigged with, and later produced the then unknown Norah Jones just before her runaway success with “Come Away With Me”, is producing the 12 track debut album. Highly sought after, and in demand, sound engineer, Mark Needham, who struck multi-platinum success with several mixes on The Killers critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated “Hot Fuss” album, including the mega-hit “Mr. Brightside”, is on board to mix the tracks. Her backing musicians include Lucinda Williams’ current touring rhythm section, Butch Norton and Dave Sutton. Peter Malick adds his guitar genius, and Stevie Blacke whose recent work includes projects with the ultra-hot Colbie Caillat, Anna Nalick, Timbaland, and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, provides the lush string arrangements for her songs. Just for good measure, Paula Cole’s touring bassist John Ossman and the legendary Bob Glaub make guest appearances as well.
The recently turned 21 year old, Miss Jones, wrote each song on the album and is financing the entire project by herself. She is helped by the generous donation of time and talent by many of those involved with the record, who believe in her and her music. She is the real deal, a refreshing diversion from the all too frequent, cynically driven, efforts to manufacture music rather than create it.
She has opened for a half dozen (and counting) major label artists as diverse as Warner Bros.’ Australian Pop superstar Missy Higgins and KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” favorite Bitter:Sweet of “The Mating Game” fame. She has shared festival billing with Augustana, Joshua Radin, and the aforementioned Ms. Nalick. XM Satellite Radio and CBS Radio affiliates have featured her music.
While gaining a following with industry heavyweights, and building a fan base from Seattle to San Diego with her relentless and rigorous touring that has encompassed tens of thousands of miles, countless hotels, and over 120 shows in the past year, Courtney and her music remain largely unknown; that may all be about to change.
Back in 2000, producer Peter Malick was working with an unknown, 21 year old keyboardist, with the last name Jones, just before her meteoric rise. It appears lightening may be about to strike twice.