Album Notes

Elegant, spine-tingling, spare acoustic folk music in the Celtic tradition. Great emphasis on the story telling aspect of the songs.

Jill Anderson, a singer/actress currently living in New York, is an Omaha, Nebraska native whose interest in Irish and Scottish folk music began in her teen years and found its first expression in her work with vocal trio Beyond the Pale, which performed in Omaha, Chicago, Minneapolis and other Midwestern cities in the early to mid nineties.

The trio were college friends with a theater background and eventually wished to pursue their independent careers in that field. They produced a self-titled CD showcasing their signature harmonies, and had built a strong following by the time they disbanded.

Jill still loved the music and was eager to do a solo album when the opportunity presented itself. "cool of the day" was produced in partnership with Dana Altman, a filmmaker with whom she had worked on indie film, "omaha, the movie." Dana brought musician Steve Horner on board and after almost three years of on again, off again work, the three completed and released "cool..." in 1998.

Jill has an active career in music and theater (check the website!) and has co-written and produced as well as performed in music and theater productions. She produced her second CD in partnership with Steve Horner in 2001...it is called "7 Songs" and is also available on CD Baby.

REVIEWS:
"Anderson, an actress and singer from Omaha, Nebraska, has a clear soprano voice, one a little less bloodless than that of your average mystical "Celtic" crooner these days; it has a certain shrill edge that's very appealing. She uses it to sing some classic songs and ballads from the Irish and Scottish folk tradition....the songs are pretty much standards, but Anderson's voice and the simple, supportive and mostly acoustic arrangements make it a cut (or three) above your average Irish bar band's versions. I've actually kept listening to this one for weeks, finding it consistently fresh and listenable...I hope that Anderson records more albums as good as this one."
(Dirty Linen magazine, Apr/May, 1999)

"a gorgeous project...unique interpretations." Tom May, in a River City Folk syndicated radio show interview.

"...cool of the day builds itself around Jill's strong vocal peformances...The arrangements are minimal and elegant: a cello here, a penny whistle there, a bodhran elswhere. These arrangements complement the songs rather than distract from them - a good choice when working with music that boasts fine lyrics. With The Garden, for example, Jill performs the song a cappella, fleshing out the melody with an almost chanted multiple-part harmony. It's a spooky piece, mournful and beautiful, and would have suffered with a more elaborate arrangement. Other standout tracks include The Lea Boy's Lassie and The Leaving of Liverpool, songs which showcase Jill's controlled and expressive singing. When her voice sweeps into the upper registers it raises the hair on the back of my neck every time, guaranteed."
(The Reader, Omaha, March 19, 1999)

"Anderson's fluid, full-bodied vocals take center stage...in this beautiful, soothing collection."
(The Omaha World-Herald, Feb. 8, 1998)

"What makes this record stand out are Jill's strong vocals and sensitive interpretations."
(Borders Musical Notes)