fripodding and freeing: joss stone

I’ve been listening to Joss Stone for quite a few years now. Those closest to me know that it’s no secret I have a crush on this girl. And it’s a crush that started when I first heard her voice, way before I ever saw her face. (Seeing her face made the crush grow even more.)

I would like to credit myself as being one of her original fans, starting to listen to her when she released her first album back in 2003, The Soul Sessions. At the time, I was more familiar with her song “Fell in Love with a Boy” than I was the original White Stripes “Fell in Love with a Girl”. I will even admit, at the time I wasn’t sure who sang the original. I am much the wiser now and choose to listen to one or the other solely based on my mood.

Speaking of “soul” …every so often I’m on a quest to find some modern day soul singers. Hearing straight R&B is everywhere, and that’s not a problem. But sometimes, I want something deeper. Something I can really feel. Something my idols like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye would be proud of. Fortunately, I’ve found it with the likes of Stone. And what I love is that she’s consistent. I can rely on superb soul singing from her each and every time I see her name listed on a song. From a guest spot on a Santana song to performing on any award show. Hey Joss! I’m the son of a preacher man!

What impresses me about her is not just her voice, but how mature it sounds. I think she would fit right in with the 60’s and 70’s. Even with her earlier look, her style of dress seemed to be on the hippie side… which also is not a bad thing. But like me, she’s young in age (a year younger than me, actually) but with a very mature soul and obviously digs the R&B/soul classics, like me. Again, there is nothing wrong with current R&B… other than a handful of artists that seem to sound and/or look the same. I’m attracted to what makes artists different, specifically their voices. I fell in love with hearing her voice. There’s even a specific style, which Joss definitely has.

If you’ve ever seen her perform live (like a video above): always barefoot. That’s sexy. (Don’t forget, I have a major crush on this girl.) As a fellow performer, having performed with others at other venues, I know that for some people, performing barefoot might be more of a spiritual thing as well as artistic. It all depends on the person. Meaning, for some, it keeps them connected to Mother Earth, so to speak. At least that’s what they tell me. Others? They are just more comfortable. The only time I see being barefoot as a problem is if you’re a tap dancer.

But back to Joss. I feel a little sad that she is not as well known as some of my other favorites like Alicia Keys or John Legend. In a strange way, I’m kinda glad about that because it makes me feel like I found a secret. A jewel that has ultimate worth, but very few people are aware so I can bask in the wonders. Then one day, everyone discovers what I’ve always known. By then, all I’m entitled to is bragging rights. I wouldn’t really care though, I’d just be happy she’d be getting the spotlight.

And I know there are people that know about her. She’s even dabbled into some acting. I’m ashamed to admit, I haven’t seen anything she’s been in yet. I know what they are, I just haven’t seen them yet.

And what a lousy fan I am. She’s been on tour a few times that I may have been able to see and missed her at least twice so far! And the first time I missed her, she was touring with John Legend of all people! SERIOUSLY? Yeah, I was a little upset about this. Then when she was touring again, had I chose to follow through with purchasing a ticket, I would’ve had to choose between a Legend concert or a Stone concert. Needless to say, I didn’t see either.

But since Ms. Stone celebrates her 23rd birthday on the 11th, I chose to write about her today. So happy birthday Joss Stone. Here are a few more of my favorite songs.

I literally just heard this and needed to post it. “People Get Ready” is an all time favorite song of mine and didn’t know she did a cover… and boy did she cover it.

And I happened upon this fun music video that I didn’t know existed. I’m really digging it and I would just like to say, I’d happily trade places to be with this crazy girl.