_{By Zach Collier}

This week, Columbia Jones released his third LP, Songs In An Empty House. Columbia Jones has long been a working musician in the Provo music scene and is an example of someone who’s made a living from relentless gigging and touring. Despite this, his discography has remained criminally under-appreciated. It’s high time the scene took notice of his body of work – especially with this new record. It’s brutally heartfelt and relentlessly authentic.

Songs In An Empty House is a collection of tracks that chronicles the heartbreak, loneliness, and desolation Jones experienced during his recent divorce. “These songs crept slowly out of me amidst a deep depression,” he says. “It was a very rough time, but it was also liberating. When you really begin to allow yourself to experience all the emotions, that is truly when you start to heal.”

Despite the heavy subject matter, the album isn’t a depressing listen; it’s ultimately a message of hope. This ability to wrestle with the bittersweet has been a longtime strength in Columbia Jones’ songwriting. In our review for his last LP, i’m fine, Joel Russ said, “His music paints silver linings with a touch of grey.” 

This knack of his comes from a holistic approach to inner emotional work. It also helps that Jones claims that he doesn’t pick his songs – they pick him. He tries to let them come out how they want to in order to keep them honest and grounded.

“When I could look at everything and accept it for what it was, I felt a lot better,” Jones explains. “These songs allowed me that space to process everything. Sure, I’m lonely, but I’m happy and optimistic. In that way I see the album as very positive.”

All 10 tracks were written, recorded, produced, performed, mixed, and mastered by Jones himself. Jones is playing tonight, March 29th at ABGs in downtown Provo with Reagan Ashton. He and Reagan Ashton will play together again tomorrow night, March 30th, at Piper Down in Salt Lake.

Make sure to follow Columbia Jones on Instagram and listen to our favorite track, “Roots” below.