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kristin turney jones
Interview by George Martinez (George's bio)

Kristin Turney Jones is a Native Californian who has found her way to Woodstock, Georgia, near Atlanta. She has opened up for the likes of FFH and Babby Mason so when I express a great interest in her music, I'm not standing alone. Last week I interviewed her, this is how it went.

George: I love your new CD "More Than This" because it has a beautiful simplicity being completely acoustic. The first song on the CD is titled "It's You." Would you tell me about it?

Kristin: "It's You" actually has a quirky story behind it, I'm glad you asked! I wrote that song while sitting in the middle of a room that I was in the process of redoing. The room was a total mess! As I looked around at all the stuff I had accumulated, God started to speak to my heart. He reminded me of all the things I had striven for in my life that I thought would bring me happiness or fulfillment, but ended up being just another thing to own or another memory to recall. I sat in the middle of that chaotic room and started writing "It's You in the middle of my madness, it's You carving joy out of my sadness." I don't need more stuff or more memories or more successes under my belt, I need God! That song is the chronicle of my realization that He's the only thing in this world that will ever fully quench all my needs, desires, and longings.

George: Would you tell us about yourself, your testimony?

Kristin: I got saved at Church on the Way in Van Nuys, CA at the age of three. I was so young, but I still remember everything about that service. Pastor Jack gave an altar call and I raised my hand, but I was too small- he couldn't see me. So, I propped myself up on my knees and waived my hand around. I wanted Jesus so bad! My godparents prayed with me and told me Jesus had come to live in my heart. I was perplexed because I didn't understand how Jesus could fit in my heart, but I believed! It was the best day of my life! I can honestly say that since then my life has been a romance between me and my Savior. I am so thankful that He has been here with me through this journey. I can't imagine what my life would be without Him, and I don't want to.

George: How did you get started musically?

Kristin: My dad is an incredible singer, guitar player, and worship leader. I guess music is just in my blood. My Nona was an opera singer in Italy and was even known to break a few glasses! There was always the sound of my dad singing and playing guitar in the evenings at our house. I'm so glad I had that influence in my life because not only did I learn about musicianship, I learned about worship. My favorite way to talk to God is through song. Eventually, instead of singing someone else's song I began to sing my own. But it was God who put the song in my heart, so I can't take credit for the music I've written. I also can't talk about my musical influences without mentioning Barry Piacente. He took me from a wide-eyed eighteen year old girl who dream of being a singer to a woman who was a singer. He helped me so much in the songwriting process and in developing and honing my talents. I'm forever grateful that God brought him into my life.

George: Your Nona sounds so very interesting. I never met anyone who was related to an opera singer. Would you tell us a little more about her?

Kristin: My Nona's maiden name was Isabella Bucchieri. She was a well known singer in Italy starring in many shows including La Traviotta. She also sang in many famous opera houses such as La Scala. She was recruited to sing for the British troops by my Grandfather, Peter Turney, who managed the Talent and Entertainment for the British troops after he had fought with them for two years. They ended up getting married and moving to the States after my dad was born.

George: How did you bring the CD project together?

Kristin: The CD project was a long time coming, but I'm glad it's finally done! I can't wait to do the next one...Barry Piacente produced the project at his studio, Gabriel Studio, and he also played guitar. He's a man of many talents! My dad actually played guitar on the last song which was really fun! We actually recorded the entire project in one week. I was in a bit of a hurry because my uncle Emy (short for Emanuel), who was more like an older brother to me, was dying of cancer. I desperately wanted him to hear it before he passed away. I recorded the project even though I had a bad head cold because I was so determined to have it done!

My Uncle did get to hear the CD before he passed away. I got it done just in time, because he passed away about a month and a half after I completed it. I had to sing at a big Christmas concert the day after he died, and the only way I got through it was knowing that he was sitting at the feet of Jesus, singing along in heaven.

George: It sounds like you had some great help. I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle Emy. I am pleased to know he's with the Lord. You said your Dad worked on the project with you? Can you tell us about him? It's beginning to sound like you come from a very muscial family.

Kristin: My dad's name is Cal Turney, he's a great man who has spent many years serving as a worship leader, band member, and choir member. He was even a part of our youth group band when I was younger! The guys loved him and really looked up to him musically and spiritually. One of those guys was Micah Ortega who is now a member of the ska group Five Iron Frenzy. I'm proud of the impact he's had on so many people's lives, and thankful for the influence he had in mine. I can't say all this about my dad without mentioning my mom, Jan, who is awesome in her own right and taught me a lot about loving people and being outgoing. She inspired the song "You Would" because when I was a little girl she always told me you could see God through his creation.

George: I only have one more question for you: Where and how can people get a copy or your CD?

Kristin: My new CD is currently available through my ministry. You can contact us via e-mail at ktjministries.com or you can call and order it at 678.494.0680. We're working on getting it into stores, hopefully soon! Also, my website is currently under construction and should be ready within the month, so come visit us soon!

George: Thank you so much for your intreview Kristin.

About George Martinez: George Martinez is the founder of Christian Songwriters Resource.com and Publisher of Songwriting, the Journal. Phone 480-964-0710. Online Visit: http://christiansongwritersresource.com