Mimi Jones: Press

“We seldom "push" CD's to the top of the review stacks, but every once in a while, the first listen (just kinda') DICTATES that our thoughts about the music we're hearing MUST be written down in/of the moment.  It's an odd comparison, in a certain sense, but it's like the very first time I listened to a Joni Mitchell album... I knew that the artist's vision was part of a new paradigm... & Mimi Jones composes & plays a blend of bluesy jazz on this debut CD that IS the "new music" (release date is September 15th, 2009, so get it NOW)!  Her bass work is strong & solid, and her vocals reach right down to the depths of your soul... it's not like she's trying to sell you her soul, either... no tricks, just highly talented compositions that fuse together all the elements, all the influences she's had (whether in this incarnation or previous ones) into something you will desire to listen to - over & over & over again. This Ms. Mimi is someone you will be hearing from for a long time to come - & remember, you heard that here first!  This CD gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as well as the "PICK" of the YEAR for "most creative artist"!

Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation

FEATURED ARTIST ON NO TREBLE (June 2009)

“A New Day kicks off with “Fast Lane,” which has the feel of forward motion without sounding rushed. This pushes you right into “Watch your step,” a cool blues with Mimi’s sultry voice guiding you “onto that train.” The contrast from “Spiral” to “Mighty Time” to “Suite Mary” highlight Mimi’s range of creativity and emotion in the work (the last song is a homage piece for Mary Lou Williams). I guarantee that you’ll sing along with island rhythm in “Silva,” where Mimi tells a great story about a boy finding happiness. “Sista” has an open groove while the piano floats over top with a gliding improvisational melody. A New Day closes with Mimi’s rendition of “We Shall Overcome,” a touching inspirational song sure to leave you feeling good. Throughout the album Mimi slips from style to style mixing it all together in a fearless genre-bending journey..”

Evan Kepner, No Treble (The Site for Bass Players)

“Esparanza Spaulding has made the world safe for chick bass players that aren’t the stage decoration in punk bands.  A smart jazz set that focuses on change and changing times, Jones puts it front and center but makes it accessible to all, really in the spirit of the theme of the times.  A smart set for contemporary jazzbos or listeners that want to be, she’s got a lot on the ball and it seems like this is only the beginning.”
 

Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“Playing bass, Mimi Jones has made a considerable name for herself over the past few years - although not this name. She is usually heard under the name Miriam Sullivan and in addition to her work as a highly respected sideman, she is also a noted composer and arranger. Now, on her debut own-name release, she also displays a talent for singing, which she does on most tracks, all but one of which are her own compositions. Her voice is pleasingly unassertively, her phrasing always right, and (as might be expected) her interpretation of her own lyrics is ideal. Mimi is joined here by lively and suitably thoughtful accompanists Miki Hayama, piano and keyboards, Marvin Sewell, guitar, and Marcus Gilmore, drums, with guest spots by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and drummer Lucianna Padmore.  An interesting and accomplished release (in September '09) and one that should spread this artist's name. (Advance order this now ...)”

Bruce Crowther,  (Author of 30 book & jazz journalist) www.swing2bop.com

“A New Day encompasses a new name/alter ego and a debut CD all rolled into one for bassist Miriam Sullivan. This new project is built around the concepts of personal change and evolution – and Jones/Sullivan brought aboard some terrific talent to make it work quite well. Miki Hayama is superb throughout on piano, organ and keyboard. Marvin Sewell displays the same level of deep, empathetic support on acoustic and electric guitar that so nicely colored several of Cassandra Wilson’s Delta blues-tinged projects. He is particularly strong on “Watch Your Step,” “Silva” and “Sista.” Sullivan sings her own heartfelt lyrics on eight of the CD’s 12 tracks, and finishes it with a version of the traditional “We Shall Overcome” that changes “overcome some day” to “overcome today.” Sullivan’s lyrics are somewhat simple and very brief, but certainly not simplistic. She gets right to the point. Her instrumental “Suite Mary” is a very nice nod to Mary Lou Williams.”

Ken Franckling, http://kenfrancklingjazznotes.blogspot.com/

“Listening to and seeing her play the electric stand-up bass was indeed a pleasure. “She has developed a style that is smooth, sure, uncomplicated but with a sensuous touch.” 

Norman Munroe, Jamaica Observer

 “…makes magic sounds on the bass.”

Eric Jackson, Panama News (Panama Jazz Festival: Jazz Concerts To Remember)