In a conversation with Kyle Meredith that felt more like an intimate lounge chat than a formal interview, Ricky Lee Jones took us through her album Pieces of Treasure—an ode to classic American standards that she’s breathed fresh life into. Teaming up with legendary producer Russ Titelman, who worked on her first two albums, Jones’ new record dives deep into the American Songbook, and as you’d expect, she’s not here to play it safe. The album is a hauntingly beautiful, introspective collection that balances elements of nostalgia with Jones’ unmistakable individuality.
Talking about the decision to go back to the American Songbook, Jones muses, “I did it for Russ.” Reuniting with Titelman wasn’t about reliving the past, she says, but about letting go of control and finding new possibilities in old friendships. This time, Jones decided to let herself just be “the singer.” And with Titelman guiding the arrangements, Pieces of Treasure takes on a surprisingly fresh and modern tone, even as it revels in the timeless charm of its 1930s and 40s source material.
Known for her personal songwriting, Jones takes a different approach with these covers, allowing each song’s history and essence to unfold while also making it uniquely her own. She explains her take on “There Will Never Be Another You,” a song she initially found riddled with glib, masculine overtones. “How do you make something that dismissive feel real? I decided to lean into the melancholy,” she says. “These songs are reflections of who I am now and who I was.”
The tracklist itself carries memories—many of these songs were introduced to her by her father. “There’s a lot of my dad in this record,” she says, talking about learning songs like “Sunny Side of the Street” from him. This personal history bleeds into her delivery, making Pieces of Treasure an album as much about family and legacy as it is about music.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Ricky Lee Jones chat without a little unexpected whimsy. The interview took a detour into a memory of Louisville, Kentucky, where she once saw a cow floating by in the river after a flood. It’s this balance—melancholy, nostalgia, humor—that keeps Jones at the heart of American songwriting. Pieces of Treasure isn’t just a return to the Songbook; it’s a reflection of the past and a glimpse into the emotional legacy of an artist who’s never afraid to embrace her history.
Watch the interview above and then check out the video below.
