Stephanie Urbina Jones

Releasing March 27, 2026, Refuge (The Lost Sessions) is more than a vault find; it is a time capsule of a movement. Recorded between 1996 and 2015 at the legendary Tone Chaparral studio, these tracks capture the unfiltered genesis of the “Honky Tonk Mariachi” style that would later make Urbina Jones a Grand Ole Opry history-maker.

1. Bring It Back

A stomping, rootsy opener co-written with Mark Marchetti. It sets the stage for the album’s mission: reclaiming a sound that is unpolished, urgent, and undeniably human.

2. Happy With Who I Am

Collaborating with the powerhouse Tia Sillers, this track is an anthem of self-acceptance. In 2026, it sounds like a prophecy fulfilled; back then, it was clearly a young artist trying to convince herself of her own worth.

3. Let Me Be Your Refuge

The heart of the record. Conceived as a “lullaby for life,” this track is a masterclass in compassion. The production is intimate, making you feel as though you’re sitting on a piano bench in San Miguel de Allende.

4. Unlucky In Love In Texas

A classic honky-tonk shuffle with a wink. It leans into Urbina Jones’ San Antonio roots, blending heartbreak with the kind of grit you only find in a Texas dance hall.

5. Teach Me How To Love

A vulnerable, slow-burning plea. The “count-offs” left in the recording give this track a “living room” feel that modern, over-produced Americana often misses.

6. American Dreamland

A sweeping narrative that explores the promise and the reality of the American experience. It’s a track that feels remarkably relevant in today’s cultural landscape.

7. Paint Your Picture

Co-written with the legendary Brandy Clark, this song is a lyrical standout. It’s a vivid, character-driven story that showcases the elite level of songwriting happening in that McKennie Avenue circle.

8. Manuel’s Destiny

A poignant exploration of heritage and fate. It’s here that Urbina Jones’ bicultural perspective shines brightest, bridging the gap between traditional storytelling and the Mexican-American journey.

9. Bésame Baby

Playful, flirtatious, and dripping with “Honky Tonk Mariachi” flair. This is the sound of an artist having fun, reminding us that the “Lost Sessions” weren’t just about angst—they were about joy.

10. The Eleventh Hour

A track with a bit more edge. It captures the frantic, inspired energy of a late-night session where the band is locked in and the tape is rolling.

11. Let Grace Fall Down Like Rain

A solo-written spiritual. It’s raw, prayerful, and highlights Urbina Jones’ vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a whisper to a soulful cry.

12. McKennie Avenue

The “title track” in spirit. This is a nostalgic love letter to the East Nashville street where these songs were born. You can almost smell the old wood of the studio and the summer air.

13. God Loves It When We Dance

An upbeat, infectious celebration. It serves as a reminder that spirituality and rhythm aren’t mutually exclusive—it’s a highlight of the album’s “spirit of freedom.”

14. Grizzly World

Another solo write that shows Urbina Jones’ darker, more resilient side. It’s a starker arrangement that stands out as a moment of pure, unfiltered truth.

15. Color My World

The perfect closer. It’s hopeful, vibrant, and leaves the listener with the sense that while these sessions were “lost” for decades, they found their way home exactly when we needed them most.

A Snapshot of a Scene

Produced by Urbina Jones alongside George Bradfute and Mark Marchetti, the album intentionally keeps the “imperfections.” You hear the breathing, the studio chatter, and the spontaneous magic of musicians who weren’t “chasing a deal.”

As Urbina Jones notes, she didn’t release these for years because of a lack of confidence. Rediscovering them in 2025 allowed her to see what we now hear: an artist who was always good enough, leading a community that was shaping the very future of Americana.

“We weren’t chasing a sound. We were just writing—and that writing, recording, and friendship became our refuge.”