K.C. Jones moves so effortlessly between genres, traditions, and musical concepts that it’s clear she was born with an insatiable artistic curiosity. As a teenager, she emerged from a deeply musical Appalachian family to become one of the foremost singers, guitarists, and dancers in old-time music. Moving to Southwest Louisiana, she quickly learned Cajun French and began writing preternaturally gifted original songs in dual languages with progressive Cajun bands like GRAMMY-nominated Feufollet and T’Monde. Both of these jumping off points, what she casually refers to as “obsessions,” have fueled the music on her debut solo record, Queen of the In Between. She also seamlessly references so much more, everything from classic country to psychedelic rock to contemporary indie roots singer-songwriters. 

Jones is a fearless bandleader, weaving together an opus that sounds remarkably cohesive. She’s roaming the halls of 20th century Americana synthesizing a century’s worth of music with ease. Queen of the In Between is at once edgy and gentle, raw and refined, confident and vulnerable. It’s a modern cosmic country treat for the ears, that places Jones squarely at the center of the broader, progressive, genre-bending roots music movement. Jones refers to the “quilt of the album,” and indeed, one could make that comparison more literally. Made of some warm and familiar pieces — a little bit nostalgic, but completely distinct when sewn together by Jones’ practiced hands — Queen of the In Between is simultaneously personal and self-aware, while honoring something larger than itself. It invites the curious listener to ponder what’s next in Jones’ artistic trajectory. But for now, she’s given us plenty to revel in.