This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly's music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city's music scene. Read the latest column here.

Laney Jones

Looks like a little bit has happened with Mount Dora folkie Laney Jones since I wrote about her last year. Her latest milestone was being one of only a dozen national finalists for the NPR-affiliated NewSong Contest. Fresh home from her performance for it at New York’s Lincoln Center, Jones and her band, the Lively Spirits, were met with overflowing reception (Nov. 29, Milk Bar).

Laney Jones and the Lively Spirits at Milk Bar

When I first saw them, their style – old music done with evergreen heart – was an easy charm. But it sounds like they’ve gotten deeper. With the versatility to go from sighing breeze to easy-sipping brass, Jones still has that vintage sweetness on lock. However, there seemed like less precious revivalism this time and glimpses of greater emotional resonance, something approaching truer folk soul. As the thing that promises that her future holds more than cute novelty, it’s a very good omen, and it’s why she’s worth watching carefully.

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