hilljack: A rural gentleman who is under the illusion that he is better or of a higher class than a hillbilly; tends to believe he is not one. Even their name is more a state of mind, than some sub-culture of Ozarkian lineage. To be truly hilljack, absorb yourself into the infectious collection of self-penned gems, brimming with intelligent and often tongue-in-cheek lyrics. If you're drawn to melodic groove more than verse, hilljack punches that ticket as well. Their compelling tunes are a bit south of hip, and slightly west of cool; obvious coordinates for greatness. No more will weary salt-block-lickers go to their local Mercantile, looking for directions to some fulfilling musical destination, and once again leave empty-handed. Engaging and driving, fresh yet somehow familiar, hilljack is the map for those ready to "Stand Up"!
hilljack is a four piece band that originated in Nashville, TN when members began co-writing songs for other artists. After scoring two number one and six top ten country hits, they made the decision to form a group. Wanting to be known more as a band then a group of individuals, hilljack prefers to speak of themselves as though they are one person; hilljack. When you hear the tightness of their music, it's hard to believe that they aren't one person. The musicianship, harmonies, and arrangements all blend like a well designed home. Their sound is distinctive. Listeners recognize Paul Jefferson's unique lead vocals and inventive acoustic guitar work immediately. Jon Putnam handles bass guitar runs that keep the bottom end of hilljack's sound on planet earth, and Jay Lessert's harmonies are a counter-part to his hard hitting drumming.
"Stand Up," hilljack's 2004 project on Crop Circle Records, is creating an industry buzz; something not seen for a long time in country music. With the release of their video that accompanies their second single "I Kissed Miss. Mississippi" hilljack's lead vocalist, Paul Jefferson, showed fans his "alter ego" by portraying two characters in the video; the sexy lead singer with chiseled features and the nerd'. "It wasn't hard for me to transform into the nerd character. I just remembered the confused gaze I had on my face the entire time I studied bio engineering at Berkeley," stated Jefferson. The song tells the story of a local feed store clerk, who gains neighborhood respect after giving a visiting beauty queen CPR to revive her when a feed bag falls and hits her during a PR visit. "Bigger Than Dallas," was the first single from the project, and introduce hilljack to radio. Their sound is fresh, blended with traditional respect for its roots: "The Day Katherine Gregory Died" and "Dead and Gone," both reflect this attitude. Songs "Luv Sux" and "Loud Enough" speak to those who have loved and lost, and aren't taking it gracefully.
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