Biography

Contact email:alecianugentmusic@gmail.com
Contact phone: 615-495-9222


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I've had the honor and privilege through the years to sing with so many of my heroes. Among those are some of the greatest female vocalists to ever sing a country or bluegrass song. After folks have had the chance to hear this CD, they'll all say to me how proud I must be to have been able to perform with the likes of Emmylou, Dolly, Linda, Rhonda, Alison, and Alecia. They'll be right...she's a singer that truly deserves first name recognition - Carl Jackson

ALECIA NUGENT (self-titled)
Released: March 9, 2004
Rounder Records

Producer Carl Jackson asked one day if I could listen to a couple of tunes by a new artist he was producing. Knowing I'm quite difficult to impress, Carl promised he wouldn't be wasting my time. He could not have been more correct about the artist, who happened to be a young lady from Louisiana. What I heard really moved me. So much, in fact, that I stated that both she and this collection were destined for female vocalist and album of the year awards.

Alecia Nugent possesses one of the most honest, refreshing, and believable voices I've heard in many years. There is no substitute for life experience, and much of what Alecia sings about, she has actually lived. Her full volume, open throat approach to singing, along with the great selection of material, coupled with the first-rate production of this, her debut release on Rounder, will undoubtedly win her countless fans. - Eddie Stubbs, WSM Grand Ole Opry Announcer

MUSICIANS
Carl Jackson acoustic guitar and banjo
Ben Isaacs bass
Aubrey Haynie fiddle
Ronnie McCoury mandolin
Randy Kohrs dobro

Produced by Carl Jackson
Recorded and mixed by: Luke Wootenat Station West
Mastered by Toby Mountain at Northeastern Digital, Southborough, Massachusetts
Photography: Carrie Nuttall
Design: Steven Jurgensmeyer

Order of songs on ALECIA NUGENT

1. I'll Stay Around (2:47)
(Lester Flatt)
APRS, BMI

Aubrey Haynie's jaunty kickoff sets the tone for this upbeat farewell to a wandering lover, an old favorite Alecia brought to the session. It comes from Flatt & Scruggs' November 21, 1950 recording session - their first for Columbia Records.

Harmony vocals by: Carl Jackson and Rhonda Vincent


2. Red, White and Blue (3:24)
(Carl Jackson, Ray Kirkland)
Universal-Polygram International Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP), Universal Songs of Polygram International, Inc. - Banjo Boy Music (BMI)

Though the lyrics to this desolate story don't give away the narrator's sex, its classic country construction seemed indissolubly tied to a male voice after Lou Reid's powerful reading of more than a decade ago - that it, until Nugent's bold, insightful remake. "You get used to that family harmony," says Alecia of Roy and Jimmy Nugent's contributions, "and its hard to find that blend elsewhere."

Harmony vocals by: Jimmy Nugent and Roy Nugent


3. If Your Heart Could Talk (3:02)
(Carl Jackson, Chris Austin)
Too Strong Songs, admin. by ICG - Warner Refuse Music - Blowing Rock Music, (ASCAP)

Written years ago by Jackson and the late Chris Austin, for whom the prestigious Merlefest songwriting contest is named, "If Your Heart Could Talk" features stunning harmonies from Rebecca Lynn Howard. "I've known her sine she was fourteen or fifteen," the producer says. "She's one of the most talented singers in town, especially when she sings that kind of song. I thought it would be a great blend because of the edge on their voices."

Harmony vocals by: Carl Jackson and Rebecca Lynn Howard


4. My First Mistake (3:12)
(Larry Cordle, Larry Shell)
BMG Songs - Kelveychord Music - Pier Five Music, Inc. (BMI)

Astonishingly, this elegantly bittersweet song - originally written for Alison Krauss - remained untouched until this recording. Jackson and co-writer Larry Cordle provide harmonies that alternate between duet and trio passages, while skittering solos and backups and Ben Isaacs' subtle rhythmic variations underline the song's complex emotions.

Harmony vocals by: Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle


5. Jealous Heart (3:34)
(Jenny Lou Carson)
Acuff-Rose Music, Inc (BMI)

A huge hit for Tex Ritter at the end of 1944, this durable country lament also received a fine reading from Johnny Rodriguez on his 1973 debut. Here it gets a distinctive arrangement by Jackson, that adds a modern, yet still thoroughly country touch.

Harmony vocals by: Rhonda Vincent and Rebecca Lynn Howard


6. Think of What You've Done (2:21)
(Carter Stanley)
Fort Knox Music Corp. - Trio Music Corp Inc, (BMI)

Another staple of Alecia's repertoire, this quintessential Stanley Brothers number was first recorded in 1958.

Harmony vocals by: Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle


7. Paper and Pen (3:35)
(Jerry Salley, Allison Mellon)
WBM Corp - Beach Nut Music (SESAC) Bases Loaded Music (ASCAP)

A waltz that has the emotional and literary impact of a short story, "Paper and Pen" opens in a spare, intimate setting, reserving its full strength for the powerful, rhythmically accented choruses. Here Alecia is backed by Cordle and co-writer Jerry Salley, who - like Jackson - have known her for years.

Harmony vocals by: Larry Cordle and Jerry Salley


8. But I Do (3:03)
(Tibby Edwards)
Starrite Publishing Co (BMI)

Prominent dobro adds an extra measure of country feel to the cleverly contrasting rhythms of "But I Do's" verses and choruses, written by Tibby Edwards, a Louisiana artist who alternated between country and rockabilly stylings in the 1950's.

Harmony vocals by: Jimmy Nugent and Roy Nugent


9. For Love's Sake (3:35)
(Carl Jackson, Chris Austin)
Too Strong Songs admin. by ICG - Warner Refuse Music - Blowing Rock Music (ASCAP)

The album's only full-blown duet with Jackson, "For Love's Sake" first appeared on Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver's 1992 album, Pressing On Regardless. Here, the elegant passing chords of Jackson's arrangement give the song added depth and subtlety.

Harmony vocals by: Alecia Nugent and Carl Jackson


10. You Don't Have to Go Home (3:14)
(Larry Cordle, Larry Shell, Jerry Salley)
Wandachord Music - Yankee Clipper Music - Lyric Springs Music - Lehsem Songs, admin by ICG - Pier Five Music (BMI), Sidekick Music (SESAC)

Alecia teams up with Rhonda Vincent and Sonya Isaacs to create a breathtakingly high, rich trio on one of Larry Cordle's most memorable gospel songs. Restrained, tasteful backup by Haynie, McCoury and Kohrs keeps the focus where it belongs - on the song's gently cautionary message.

Harmony vocals by: Rhonda Vincent and Sonya Isaacs


11. Blame It on the Train (4:03)
(Mike Ward, Harold Pierce)
Colonel Rebel Music - Kentucky Thunder Music, admin by ICG - Hardcore Country Music - World's End Music (ASCAP)

Jackson's friend and colleague, Mike Ward provided this catchy story, which returns to the train imagery of "I'll Stay Around" - this time with a mournful twist.

Harmony vocals by: Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle

LINER NOTES