Last Chance Texaco

The last time we saw Rickie Lee Jones, playing in Eugene in the 1980s, she was at the height of her fame. Along with her smoky vocals covering an eclectic mixture of rock, jazz and reggae, what we remember was her berating some loudmouth in the third balcony.

Winning a Grammy as best new artist in 1979, Jones sang soulful ballads like "Last Chance Texaco" and radio-friendly confections like “Chuck E.’s In Love.” Then, after producing three albums, each with diminishing success, she fled the music scene for years.

She was back in Eugene on Friday, February 26, this time at a much smaller, more intimate venue. Accompanied only by one other musician on vibraphone and percussion, Jones played guitar and piano, covering a number of her hits, but also new music.

The verdict? After 30 years, she still has that uniquely sultry voice, with all its rhythmic elasticity, swooping and gliding, even teasing the beat. Jones hit all the right notes and is clearly much more comfortable in her own skin these days. Fabulous concert.