JUDITH HILL

On her latest LP Baby, I’m Hollywood, Judith Hill unveils an ambitious, kaleidoscopic document detailing her journey of self-discovery. The 13-track record is set for release in March 2021; it's a vibrant, defiant personal statement, a thorough excursion into the annals of Black music: past, present and future. Rich in throwback soul, stunning piano balladry, and swaggering psychedelic funk, the self-produced Baby, I’m Hollywood finds Hill liberated, focused and reborn. Bolstered by a spirited live band and her new ttitude, she ruminates on pleasure, pain, celebration, and consequences, all of which inform this collection of finely-crafted stories-in-song.

“I wanted to personify Hollywood as a woman who’s a survivor. In my career, I’ve been through so many peaks and valleys, and the show must go on. The message is being persistent, bringing all of your pain and your story to the stage”, notes Hill.

Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Judith Hill comes from a Japanese/African-American bi-racial musical family. Mother Michiko and father Robert (aka Pee Wee) met in a 1970’s funk band, and continue to perform in Judith’s backing ensemble, their contributions heard all over Baby, I’m Hollywood. After graduating from Biola University with a degree in Music Composition, Hill took off for France in 2007 to join French superstar Michel Polnareff’s touring band. Inspired upon returning to the States, Judith embarked on a meteoric ascent to soul singer, songwriter, and badass bandleader.

In a prolific, decade-long dream sequence, the singer collaborated with iconic artists across multiple platforms, genres and mediums. Hill was selected to duet with the late Michael Jackson on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" during his This Is It concerts in London. After his sudden passing in June 2009, Hill sang lead on a number at Jackson's memorial service, putting her on the worldwide map in an instant. Judith’s rise to fame is explored in 20 Feet from Stardom, the documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman, where her performances helped win a Grammy for Best Music Film.

Hill was wildly-popular on the fourth season of hit TV show The Voice, she’s worked with filmmaker Spike Lee, and sang on the official soundtrack to major motion pictures Dr. Seuss' The Lorax and Happy Feet Two. Hill contributed to jazz luminary George Benson's tribute to Nat King Cole. Among other high-profile engagements, Judith was drafted as direct support on arena tours for both John Legend and Josh Groban. The latter invited Hill onstage each night to perform duets, before the pair released the single “Remember When it Rained”.

After discovering the singer on Revolt TV, where she spoke aloud her wish to work with him, Prince summoned Hill to his famed Paisley Park compound. Together they recorded her debut full-length solo album Back in Time, a promising project that the dearly-departed genius both produced and played on. Hill received much critical acclaim in the aftermath of the record’s 2015 release; a couple of years later she followed up with a self-produced sophomore LP, Golden Child.

In addition to her prodigious list of collaborators, Judith namechecks an eclectic smattering of inspiration and influence, including Frederic Chopin, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Tata Vega, the Clark Sisters, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder. One can pick up on their nuanced expressions within the fabric of her sound and style. Yet on Baby, I’m Hollywood, the singer arrives right on time, proudly cut from her own cloth, and firmly entrenched in her funkadelic universe.

“Baby I'm Hollywood is about acceptance.... coming to terms with my story and unapologetically stepping into who I am. I want to bring people inside MY soul and help them see past the makeup, stage lights, rumors, and history.....To step out of the shadows of fear and into the light of vulnerability,” said Hill.

Judith Hill’s fantastic voyage springs to life on the title track’s freewheeling 60’s soul revue. “Americana" is a syncopated stomp that boasts 808 high-hats and an iridescent soundscape. “You Got the Right Thang” and “Step Out” channel psychedelic 70’s funk, with subtle nods towards Minneapolis. Plus potent blends of smokey soulful blues, sizzlin’ R&B slow jams, stirring Gospel-swells and crunchy guitar grooves, all masterfully sewn together by Hill’s scintillating vocals and enigmatic personality.

DAVINA & THE VAGABONDS

Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe.

Much like the music, the story spurns era, expectation, and classification. The often unbelievable, sometimes harrowing, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band Davina and The Vagabonds in 2004. As the tale goes, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona, PA, which she now describes as “awesome in the industrial era, but horrible for high school.” She was adopted by her much older stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed away when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph, she first heard The Ink Spots, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong and Louis Prima, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is,” she says.

On her own, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player where she religiously spun Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom.

To this day, Davina still refers to music as “my first and eternal love.” Despite early dalliances with classical piano and guitar, she developed a heavy drug habit in high school, which morphed into heroin dependency, left her homeless, sent her in and out of jail, and brought on all manner of trouble. Kicking dope on the streets, she “got clean, started the band, and worked [her] ass off every day since.”

Davina and the Vagabonds shine every time they play. To date, they’ve performed in forty-five states, twelve European countries, and two Canadian provinces. Not to mention, they’ve earned feverish acclaim from the Chicago Tribune, NPR, and more in addition to performing on BBC’s international favorite late-night program Later... With Jools Holland and appearing on PBS’s Bluegrass Underground.

davinaandthevagabonds.com

Check out the band's YouTube playlist of their most popular videos

JAMBALAYA

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jambalaya is an electrifying ensemble that masterfully blends the rich textures of rock, blues, and funk into a soulful, groove-heavy sound. Though rooted firmly in the Upper Midwest, the group draws profound creative inspiration from the musical traditions of the Mississippi River Delta and the American South. Their sound is deeply indebted to the improvisational spirit and swampy grooves of iconic acts like Little Feat, The Meters, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Neville Brothers, channeling that undeniable Southern swagger into every performance.

At the core of Jambalaya’s captivating live presence is their full-bodied instrumentation and stellar vocal interplay. Fronted by the dynamic dual vocals of Bruce Paquette (who also wails on harmonica) and Faith Ulwelling, the band weaves intricate harmonies over expansive, highly danceable arrangements. The rhythmic foundation is rock-solid, anchored by Patrick Nelson on bass, Steve Jennings on drums, and the soulful keyboard work of Jordan Hedlund. Searing lead lines and complex rhythmic interplay are delivered by a formidable dual-guitar attack featuring Kirk Humbert and Joe Elliot (frequently sharing the stage with versatile local talents like John Kerns).

Jambalaya has built a formidable reputation across the regional Midwestern live music and festival circuits. They are frequent favorites at celebrated regional events like the Chippewa Valley Blues Society's Tuesday Night Blues in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and the Blues on the Chippewa festival in Durand. Locally, they are a beloved staple at historic Twin Cities venues such as St. Paul's Legendary Blues Saloon, where they routinely pack the dance floor.

Whether they are delivering heart-pounding renditions of classic staples like Little Feat's "Dixie Chicken" and The Meters' "Just Kissed My Baby," or stretching out on their own driving rhythm jams, Jambalaya consistently delivers a high-energy show brimming with heart and soul. Their flawless musicianship and authentic jam-band energy allow them to bridge technical precision with an infectious, feel-good atmosphere. A testament to their staying power is their enduring popularity with audiences who appreciate true, unadulterated musicianship. By honoring the deep roots of Southern rhythm and blues while maintaining their own distinct Twin Cities identity, Jambalaya continues to be an essential, must-see fixture of Minnesota's vibrant live music scene.

FEED THE DOG

Feed the Dog is an eclectic and action-packed, experimental jam-grass act. The midwest based 4-piece masterfully blends soul-pleasing songwriting rich in imagery and storytelling with a genre bending, shake-your-hips, instrumental flair. Their high energy performances are driven by the unique and progressive approach of each player: imaginative melodies with graceful ambiance skillfully crafted on the violin, tireless beats both dynamic and soulful confidently assembled on the drums, driving low end with finesse and intention forged on the bass guitar, and unique approach to playing the acoustic guitar blending fast picking bluegrass runs with the strength of blues and rock to evoke an emotional contrast between melancholy and hopeful.

The band started in July of 2015 and has been relentlessly playing festivals, theaters, and clubs alongside regional and national touring acts.

"Ding Dang" the band's third full length album released September 2021, out now.

TWINE

 Twine is a heavy-hitting five piece band based out of the Twin Cities that’s comprised of dual lead guitars (Effertz/Fowke), keys (Williams), bass (Yonke), drums (Cook) and is usually joined by some talented special guests. This project uses imaginative lyrics infused with funk, soul, jazz, blues, and improvisational JAMrock to fill the room and captivate the audience with invigorating energy. With only being just over a year as an official band, TWINE has already played at countless venues and festivals and have shared bills with bands such as Leftover Salmon, Railroad Earth, People Brothers Band, Jon Sullivan Band, Heatbox, and many others.