Regular Columnists

Artist: Band: Jack & Jill
Album: Colorado (EP)
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.jackplusjill.com/fr_home.cfm
Genre: Alternative Metal and Rock
Sounds Like: Cheryl Crow, Cowboy Junkies, Black Crows, Four Non Blondes, Dave Mathews Band
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 6/10
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Songwriting Skills: 7/10
Performance Skill: 7/10
Best Songs: Requiem, KMSA
Weakness: Requiem, KMSA
CD Review:

JACK+JILL is a Colorado based Indie/Alternative Band. If Dave Mathews Band and Alice in Chains had a love child- It would be J+J. Their music blends dark grungy male and rich female vocals with big chunky guitars, and semi-sweet electric violin. The performances you will see will take you on a musical, toe-tappin', head banging, magical booty shaking journey of epic proportions. This latest 5 song EP is entitled Colorado.

The EP gets off the ground quickly with “Black Sheep” an impressive intro groove that serves up slamming psychedelic Jam Band rock groove, meshed against intoxicating rhythm, well placed Fiddles and soulful melody from Jack and Jill. Track 2 “Home Again” keeps thing moving in the right direction with catchy blues-rock vibe, with steady flowing horn-guitar ambience meshed against a grand slam chorus making for an impressive follow up piece. Track 3 “Requiem” serves up a rock steady blues-rock ditty with impressive slide guitar and well placed harmonies that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. The CD makes a great first impression dashing out 3 amazing songs in a row. The musicianship of everyone involved is above the bar. I would classify this music as classic R&B, Americana, with brief touches of Psychedelic 70’s Rock and Soul. Music is reminiscent of classic Cheryl Crow, Cowboy Junkies, Black Crows, Four Non Blondes, with brief splashes of The Dave Mathews Band. Along the way besides the four piece standard you will notice lush instrumentation with things like impressive rhythm and solo guitar, well placed percussion, Piano, Hammond Organ, impressive Horn sections, Fiddles and lush harmonies layered everywhere. What I like the most about this band is how well they seem to groove together, testament to hundreds of hours of writing and rehearsal time no doubt. Now turning our attention over to Jack and Jill - as for their vocal abilities, they are both amazing. Together they go down smooth and fill the space peacefully and unobtrusively with a timber that works well within the confines of this catalogue.  I also like how well they both sing and harmonize well and tight together- like a hand in glove with amazing soul. Both bring some serious vocal mojo to the table as she they dishes out a vocal timber that is warm, inviting and infectious. I could listen to her sing the Dictionary all day long. She has amazing instincts as she navigates through each song vocally. I might add both take some impressive vocal risks indicating to me a confident vocal ability. The guitar playing and drum performances equally as impressive and I didn't fail to notice a few hot to the touch guitar solos along the way. All songs are well crafted and consistent across the board. This latest EP from Jack and Jill  delivers 5 solid tracks all providing musical enjoyment filled with strong musical variety and diversity. The music of Jack and Jill have everything you would expect from a world class musical production. The CD ends with rocking Me, myselfish I and Track 5 “KMSA” the perfect finale statement for a CD like this.   

All tracks over 4 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. It’s fair to say Jack doesn’t have the greatest vocal abilities in the world. Some of the vocal harmonies between Jack and Jill need to be tightened up just a bit. I’m not a fan of the Snare Drum Tonality throughout. Some aspects of the mix seem a bt off kilter.

From start to finish Coloradois a hot new release from Jack and Jill. The songwriting – pushes hard, all consistent musical experiences, each one possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities Jack and Jill and company are rock solid. The melodies and harmonies are well crafted and the overall vibe is served up hot with a side of good ole' Americana soul served up hot with a side of Hard Soul Rock on the side.