Jewel tour plots ‘Perfectly Clear’ solo acoustic dates

Singer-songwriter singer Jewel is turning a new leaf in 2009. Known best for her folksy pop songs and guitar strumming, the vocalist is showcasing her country roots for the first time with a new album and supporting tour.

The acoustic trek begins January 23 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Windsor, ON, and wraps February 8 at The Klein in Bridgeport, CT. Besides the opening night, all dates are booked for the U.S. with January shows making the Midwest circuit and the February gigs heading along the East Coast.

Jewel is supporting her first country album, “Perfectly Clear,” which was released on June 3. Retaining her sense for storytelling but introducing a new sound, the album peaked at No. 1 on the country charts and hit No. 8 on the Billboard 200.

The soft-voiced singer believes that the solo acoustic format of the upcoming tour will help her communicate her stories to the audience. “I really enjoy performing acoustically and have been looking forward to doing these shows,” said Jewel in a statement on her Web site. “It gives me the chance to tell the stories behind my songs and connect with the fans in an intimate setting.”

Jewel made her major label debut in 1995 with “Pieces of You,” an album that was RIAA-certified 12x Multi-Platinum less than a year after its release. The record remains Jewel’s biggest mainstream success and produced three singles that dominated the airwaves: “Who Will Save Your Soul,” “You Were Meant for Me,” and “Foolish Games.”

Jewel itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)