The first time I saw Josh Oliver play live, he was a multi-instrumentalist for the everybodyfields, the now-defunct group from Tennessee that featured Jill Andrews and Sam Quinn. I remember him picking up his electric guitar and blasting my ears during "Aeroplane," adding that extra amount of energy that makes that particular song fly. These days, Oliver still plays with Andrews and Quinn as a key part of their solo projects. But, that's not why I'm writing about him today.
Oliver has just released his own album called Troubles, a solid debut from the guitarist/keyboardist/singer-songwriter. The project does feature some original material, but today's PJOTD is an amazing take on the traditional "Red Rocking Chair." Play it at twilight, and you just might get the chills.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of seeing Jill Andrews twice at Bonnaroo – once with her full band, once performing as a duo with the multi-talented Josh Oliver. In my humble opinion, you’re not going to find many songwriters out there like Jill – she’s as real as they come, and she’s one of the nicest gals you’ll ever meet. Everywhere I go, I talk about her music, because it simply means that much to me.
Jill will be releasing her first full-length this November. As you may know, this comes on the heels of her fabulous debut EP, which you can buy here. If you want a taste of what the new album will sound like, check out “A Little Less,” a fantastic new song she recorded for our friends at HearYa.
At Bonnaroo, Jill told me about her experience on the Lennon Bus, and how much fun she had recording on it. Luckily for us, a video has surfaced of Jill performing Lennon’s “Instant Karma,” and it’s a keeper. Enjoy!
"You can go -- well, of course you can/ But I swear/ That these words will stand/ Up to you/ And your grandest plan/ You can't come back/ You can't come back..."
The first time I heard Jill Andrews' voice, I was lying in bed, sick from the stomach flu, and my head was pounding. Her song, "Lonely Anywhere," was playing on the everybodyfields' MySpace page, a band I had heard about from a close friend who knew my love of female vocalists. I ended up spending a good hour or two, headache be damned, listening to every everybodyfields song I could find that night...every one that Andrews sang on, that is.
Since splitting from the everybodyfields in 2009, Andrews has launched her career as a solo artist, and she's held little back. Her self-titled EP features six beautiful tracks, and all of them are fine examples of her talents, which were on display in St. Louis this week as Andrews performed as a duo with Josh Oliver, also formerly of the everybodyfields.
As a live performer, Andrews takes her time. Her songs live that way -- they need their space. Their words and messages are often brief, but they won't hit you the right way unless they're carefully delivered to your ears. For example, watch the video below of "These Words" and notice how delicate Andrews is with every word she sings. That's the magic of Jill Andrews.
Her 40-minute set was a flawless gift to everyone in the room. And just as "Lonely Anywhere" introduced me to the voice of Jill Andrews, it also serves as my final thought for this mini-review: If you haven't heard this song, please watch the video that I recorded of it below. If you like it, find Jill's albums, go see her on tour, and spread the word about her music.
Don't let another day go by without Jill Andrews' songs in your life.
