There aren’t many albums that are more iconic or influential than the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Arts Brookfield and NewSong Music have come together to present the New York City spring outdoor concert series ‘Come Together: New original music inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ last studio album. This Wednesday, May 8,we are thrilled to welcome 2018 NewSong finalist Kaiti Jones to the stage.
The ‘Come Together’ series features five free outdoor lunchtime concerts taking place every Wednesday in May. Each concert begins at 12:30 PM at the Grace Plaza, located at 1114 6th Avenue, just north of Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.
We took some time to talk to 2018 NewSong Competition finalist and ‘Come Together’ performer Kaiti Jones to learn more about her songwriting and how she has been influenced by the the well-loved album.
How has Abbey Road influenced you as a songwriter?
The Beatles were the first band I was introduced to as a kid. Even at a young age, I was struck by the band’s ability to tell stories, both melodically and lyrically, that burrowed into me and undoubtedly impacted the way I began to tell my own stories. I grew up studying classical violin and spent years playing in orchestras, and when I heard Abbey Road, I was struck by the symphonic nature of the album. It never goes where you think it’s going, and the arrangements are just masterful.
What is your favorite Abbey Road song?
So hard to choose! I think my earliest memory of the album was hearing “Here Comes the Sun,” so that song summons a nostalgic fondness. But “Something” really unravels me. It’s such a melodic and emotional powerhouse, and I love that it, like so many songs on the album, is so complex in its arrangements and takes the listener on a journey.
What are you excited to share about your own music career?
I’ve spent the last several months working on working a bunch of new material, and I’m looking forward to starting my next studio project later this year. Stay tuned!
To learn more about Kaiti Jones, visit her website.
To Join our ‘Come Together’ Facebook event, click here.
