The first thing that hits you is that voice. The second thing is the singer's confidence and conviction. By the time you realize that
Jill King's debut effort,
Jillbilly, features not only excellent vocals but also solid writing and delivery,
King has you tied around her finger. This is an album that will draw you in, wake you up, and get your blood pumping, and that's just with the first cut, "98.6." By the time cut three, "One Mississippi," rolls around,
King commands full attention.
Jillbilly's style is much what the title hints, rockabilly country, but also touches the sentimental side with cuts like "Down the Fields to Hay," about sticking to firmly planted country roots. On "Not Knowing Anymore"
King's sustained notes blend with the steel guitar to produce an eerie similarity to
Tammy Wynette. For her first album,
King deserves kudos for her obvious care in choosing material, including songs she penned herself, above and beyond her strong performance.
Jillbilly is an excellent offering of tradition with a modern twist.