Here's just one of the things that is so great about listening to George Jones: Vowels are the most important sounds for a singer; notes couldn't be held without them. With George Jones, they just sound so cool. The tune that I suggested yesterday, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (often ranked at or near the top of all-time country songs), has a great example in the chorus: Listen to the way he pronounces "her" - just amazing. There are many other songs and examples that are equally great.

Yesterday, I mentioned that I felt the best description for Jones was as the Frank Sinatra of country. I say this because both singers created a sound that is unique - strongly influenced by their time and place, and yet timeless. Also, their tremendous experience allowed them to develop a technique so strong that it's easy to overlook. The result of all their effort is a natural and personal style. But the more music I listen to, the more respect I have for them. The most obvious common ingredient is their tremendous rhythmic sense. This leads to the "size" of their voices. Try this little experiment with either singer: Play a record by another singer from the same genre, then, without touching the volume control or anything, play one by Jones or Sinatra. Well?

For those who still don't like country music, two thoughts:

1. No country music - no rock and roll.

2. As the song says (one of the greatest song titles ever, by the way): "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'".

Just a short note today regarding what I'll be writing about over the next few days. I mentioned George Jones yesterday, and have spent some time listening to the great man today. It occurred to me that a good way of describing him would be as the Frank Sinatra of country music. And then I realized that I haven't written about Frank yet, either. I'll correct those two situations very soon. I've also been remiss in not putting down some thoughts on the ne plus ultra of rock instrumentalists: Jimi Hendrix. I'll be writing about him and other great rock six-stringers, including Clapton, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Duane Allman in the next week or so as well.

As always, my focus will be on enriching the listener's experience (I hope) with all music, by presenting the best examples I can find from my own sonic adventures. (Suggested listening: "He Stopped Loving Her Today", "All or Nothing at All", "Crosstown Traffic", "Driftin' Blues", "Born Under a Bad Sign", "Crossfire", "Stormy Monday")