Jewel Sparkles
Alaskan singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher (better known simply as Jewel) has hardly been prolific since debut
album 'Pieces Of You' shot her onto the scene in 1995. Since then, we've had 'Spirit' (1998), and the Yule-themed
'Joy: A Holiday Collection (1999)' but neither emulated the success of 'Pieces Of You', which earned the
prestigious Diamond Award from the RIAA for US sales of 10 million units, and has since passed the 11 million
mark in America alone.
The new collection, released next month (February), is Jewel's first work as a producer, having co-helmed the album with Dann Huff. 'This Way' gives the 27-year-old other chances to collaborate too, as shown by the album's first single, 'Standing Still' - with music by Jewel and Rick Nowels - which will be released in the UK on February 11. The single's video clip is directed by Darren Grant, who's worked with Craig David and Destiny's Child, suggesting a re-alignment to include the MTV generation. But Jewel, who started life as a poet, is not neglecting her roots and, in mid December, was among the wordsmiths featured on the HBO (US TV special) Def Poetry Jam.
[This article was accompanied by two black and white pictures of Jewel]
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