Judee Sill – Judee Sill (Vinyl)

Judee Sillwas an American singer and songwriter. She released two albums and partially completed a third album before her death in 1979. Sill encounteredGrahamNashandDavid Crosbyand toured with them for a time as their opening act, a year before the release of her debut album. She was hired bythe Turtlesto write songs, on which a few of them appeared on her debut album, such as“Lady-O”. Two of Sill’s biggest influences wereBachandRay Charles.

Judee Sill‘s eponymous debut album of the same name was originally released in late 1971. Backing musicians includeJohn BeckandJim Ponsfromthe Leaves. The majority of the album was produced byHenry Lewy, noted for his work withJoniMitchellthroughout the 70s.Graham Nashhandled the duties for the single“JesusWas a Cross Maker”with his production designed to aim for radio airplay before the release of the album.Judee Sillfeatured Sill’s voice in multiple overdubs, often in a four-part chorale or fugue. The songs are delivered in an acoustic style on guitar and, for“Jesus was a Cross Maker”and“Enchanted Sky Machines”on piano. The songs on the album feature elements of folk, country, and gospel, but also strong classical influences.

Sill was heavily influenced byBach, especially his suites, while lyrically her work drew substantially on Christian themes of rapture and redemption. A number of later songwriters have been fans of her work includingAndy Partridge, Liz Phair, Warren Zevon, and Shawn Colvin. She was also included in The Billboard Guide to Contemporary Christian Music; her faith was debatable, but she made frequent use of Christian symbolism in her lyrics, her music has been described as “intensely devotional”.

Track Listing:

SIDE A:

1. Crayon Angels
2. The Phantom Cowboy
3. The Archetypal Man
4. The Lamb Ran Away With The Crown
5. Lady-O
6. Jesus Was A Cross Maker

SIDE B:
1. Ridge Rider
2. My Man On Love
3. Lopin Along Thru The Cosmos
4. Enchanted Sky Machines
5. Abracadabra