Vickie Vaughn Unleashes a Darkly Captivating “Liza Jane”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Vickie Vaughn is no stranger to making waves in the bluegrass world. A two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year, her recent searing rendition of Bruce Robison’s “Leavin’” hinted at a formidable solo career. Now, Vaughn fully delivers on that promise with her latest single, a gender-bending and utterly compelling take on Vince Gill’s 1991 line dance favorite, “Liza Jane.” This isn’t just a cover; it’s a masterful reinterpretation that plunges the song into new, darker depths.
From the very first note, it’s clear this isn’t your daddy’s “Liza Jane.” Vaughn herself explains her vision, “I wanted to take the song and add some serious drama, giving it a little bit of a darker vibe, and instead of just singing about Liza Jane, I wanted to be pleading and angry and desperate about her.” And she absolutely achieves it. Gone is the playful swagger of Gill’s original; in its place is a soulful urgency that grabs you and doesn’t let go.
A Bluegrass Powerhouse Reimagines a Country Classic
The magic of Vaughn’s “Liza Jane” lies in its brilliant instrumentation and the palpable chemistry among the musicians. Longtime friend and acclaimed fiddler Deanie Richardson steps into the producer’s chair, expertly guiding the transformation. Richardson, who has a history performing with Vince Gill himself, makes an inspired choice by substituting her fiddle for Gill’s iconic slinky electric guitar. This isn’t just a simple swap; Richardson’s fiddle engages in a captivating dialogue with Vaughn’s vocal, adding layers of emotion and delivering a ripping solo that’s both electrifying and deeply soulful.
The arrangement meticulously follows the original, even down to its extended outro, but with a distinctly acoustic bluegrass twist. The collective talent on display here is simply staggering. Mandolinist Casey Campbell, IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Cody Kilby (of the Travelin’ McCourys), and banjo maestro Wes Corbett (from the Sam Bush Band) unleash a torrent of hot licks. These intricate, fiery exchanges weave effortlessly over the propulsive rhythms laid down by Dave Racine’s drums and Vaughn’s own percussive, anchoring bass. As if that weren’t enough, Vaughn and harmony vocalists Lillie Mae and Frank Rische offer a hypnotically repetitive “ooh, Liza, little Liza Jane,” cementing the track’s irresistible allure.
What makes this rendition truly remarkable is its ability to swap the electric country edge of the 90s for the rich, acoustic tones of bluegrass without losing an ounce of the original’s infectious groove. In fact, Vaughn and her collaborators manage to inject even more drive and emotional weight into the song. It’s a testament to their collective artistry and Vaughn’s bold vision that they can take such a well-known tune and make it entirely their own.
Vickie Vaughn: A Journey Through Bluegrass Excellence
Vaughn’s path to this captivating solo work is paved with years of dedication and acclaimed performances. Growing up near Paducah, Kentucky, she honed her skills singing and playing bass at local churches, community events, and country revues. After graduating from Belmont University, she formed the Vickie Vaughn Band, releasing the six-song EP Buy All the Roads in 2015, showcasing her contemporary bluegrass leanings. Around the same time, her passion for more traditional music led her to co-found the highly regarded High Fidelity, contributing to four acclaimed albums before her departure in 2024.
Beyond her own projects, Vaughn has lent her vocal and bass talents to a diverse array of artists, including Patty Loveless, Jesse McReynolds, Kelsey Waldon, Luke Bulla, and Billy Gilman, among others. Since 2020, she has been an integral member of Della Mae, continuing to perform and record with the celebrated group. Her consistent excellence has not gone unnoticed, culminating in her being awarded the prestigious IBMA Bass Player of the Year trophy in both 2023 and 2024. As she proudly highlights, she was also named a Kentucky Colonel in 2023, a testament to her contributions to her home state.
With “Liza Jane,” Vickie Vaughn firmly establishes herself as a compelling solo artist with a unique voice and an audacious spirit. This single is more than just a cover; it’s a powerful statement, showcasing her innovative approach to traditional music and her undeniable talent as both a musician and a vocalist. It leaves us eagerly anticipating what captivating sounds she’ll conjure next.