POP MUSIC REVIEW : Marti Jones Gets a Little Help

John Hiatt . . . Janis Ian . . . Don Dixon . . . Peter Holsapple. . . . It looked like a convention of critics’ favorites on stage at the Palace on Sunday as these noteworthy performers paraded forth. At the center of it was one Marti Jones, she of one of the finer voices in pop music--not to mention fine taste in friends. The occasion: a celebration of Jones’ latest album, “Used Guitars,” which features contributions from most of the above-mentioned luminaries.

Casual was the operative word for the evening (a repeat of an event held last July in New York), with Jones--though seeming a bit uneasy in the role of host--the target of good-natured jibes from her cohorts. And if she was a little stiff as emcee, the blond, demuring thrush was a natural as the star as she moved from one writer’s distinctive style to the next, a range as wide as the guests’ appearances--from a be-suited Bland Simpson (whose credits include the musical “Pump Boys and Dinettes”) to a scruffy Holsapple.

The thread linking most of the material was a mid-’60s-ish effervescence reminiscent of Dusty Springfield and Jackie DeShannon--nothing fancy, just good ol’ reliable tunefulness, crafty word-play and emotional directness. Throughout, bassist Dixon (Jones’ partner/producer/hubby), drummer Jim Brock and guitarist Jamie Hoover gave versatile, spare backing both to Jones and to the guests as they took turns in the spotlight.

Of those, the highlights came from Holsapple (leader of the dB’s) and Hiatt (clearly the warmly receptive crowd’s favorite). Each brought a spark to the stage, with Hiatt’s new single “Slow Turning” a particular standout.

Almost lost in the rush of talent was the fact that Jones--working with Dixon--has herself developed into a fine songwriter. But then, that’s the price she pays for relinquishing center stage so easily. One hopes this was just a taste and that soon she’ll return for a show with the spotlight solely on her.