Known for her distinctive “Honky Tonk Mariachi” style of country music, vocalist Stephanie Urbina Jones has just released unique dual videos for her version of the classic “Jolene,” penned by Dolly Parton.
Performed in both English and in Spanish, Jones filmed her videos in
iconic locations—Robert’s Western World on Nashville’s Broadway strip,
and in the historic alley between the Ryman and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
The video, directed by Sean Hagwell, also features the
colorful visuals and sounds of authentic Hispanic mariachi musicians
from Mexico and Tennessee. The English version premiered on CMT.com on May 5, and they celebrated the release with a live performance at a Cinco de Mayo party in Nashville’s CMT offices.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration extended to May 7 when Jones appeared on the Grand Ole Opry
along with her Honky Tonk Mariachi musicians. She performed a Cumbia
version of the classic “Walking After Midnight;” the aforementioned
“Jolene,” which Robert K.Oermann of MusicRow magazine referred
to as “a torrid Mexican telenovela;” and a Mexican polka of Loretta
Lynn’s smash hit “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).” Last year,
Jones made Grand Ole Opry history as the first female artist to perform
with mariachis on the Opry stage. She received a standing ovation for
her debut that night.
On her latest album, Tularosa, Jones created
her unique sound by choosing to marry classic country songs with her own
traditional Hispanic music roots, a style which she affectionately
refers to as “country music with chili peppers.” “Stephanie Urbina Jones
is a true visionary; for who else would have thought of marrying
classic country with mariachi,” says LA Music Critic.
Named for the place where it was recorded, Tularosa honors
Urbina Jones’ musical icons — a string of legends from Dolly, Patsy,
Willie, and Merle to Johnny and June — and the Mexican heritage that
feeds her sound and soul.
Photo credit: Juan Pont Lezica