Rickie Lee Jones is one of the most complex singer-songwriters of our time. Her career, which spans nearly three decades, has been full of unique musical expression. Jones' style has crossed many genres including folk, rock, jazz, soul, spoken word and pop. Her voice echoes that of a 40's jazz era performer, and has been an influence to many of today's performers including Sheryl Crow and Tori Amos. Not since Billie Holiday has there been a vocalist who so completely transforms a song into her own. On It's Like This, Jones envelops standards, showtunes, '70s soul, and even slick jazz-rock, interpreting them with her familiar childlike, breathy shouts. Produced by Bruce Brody (who has also worked with Maria McKee and Bette Midler), this album is really a showcase for the dynamic vocalist. Several notable artists scatter themselves unobtrusively throughout the album. Joe Jackson, Ben Folds, John Pizzarelli, and Taj Mahal each lend a subtle bass line or harmony vocal, cautiously not stepping on any of Jones' delicate lines.
