Today I am hosting Jessica Bell on her tour for String Bridge. However, this stop isn’t about her book. It’s about the CD partnered with the book, Melody Hill: On the Other Side.
When Jessica asked me to review her album, I said yes - and
then panicked. I knew her music sounded nothing like what resides in my
collection. I asked if she was sure a metal head should be the one to review
her very un-metal album. I’m sure she went on faith when she said yes. So,
employing a little of my own faith, I listened to Melody Hill…
And this metal head Ninja was impressed!
As a fellow musician (lame thought I might be) I was
impressed by the talent behind this CD. Jessica wrote the music, sings, and
plays three different guitars. The result is a solid mix of songs with a vibe
similar to Sarah McLachlan and a hint of folk music.
The music drifts you down a winding river, lazy in some
parts and rushing in others. The journey is accompanied by soulful vocals that
will haunt and echo long after the music ends.
These words in particular spoke to me:
From Famous
So you really want everyone to hear you?
And you want everyone to see you?
But do you really want to be this famous?
(I’m not sure my answer would be yes…)
Somewhere along the way we realize we have been given a
glimpse into Jessica’s soul. And it’s a pretty amazing sight.
I had a few questions for Jessica:
Well, the songs were written from the perspective of the main character,
Melody, a woman who plots a return to the stage, and the person she used to be,
before relinquishing her music career for motherhood. I also channeled Melody’s musical
influences to write the songs, including PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Nick Cave,
Joni Mitchell, Nightmares on Wax, and Enigma (which are, mind you, my
influences as well).
Which song is your favorite and why?
My favorite is
the title track, On the Other Side, because in the past, when I actually wanted
to be a rock star, I always wanted to write something heavy enough to head-bang
to. I think I succeeded.
Will you be performing this album?
Actually, I think
I will be. I've been encouraged to get a band together in order to do some gigs
here in Athens. I'll let you know more when I know more!
Which is closer to your heart - music or books?
Now I can't answer that because neither one thrives without
the other. My bigger ambition is to write books. But the heart is not a
place where ambition resides.
She just raised more questions, didn’t she?!
Purchase Melody Hill: On the Other Side at
Amazon, Amazon UK, and from ITunes (No really! Buy it if you haven’t already!)
For more information on her book, String Bridge, visit the official SITE.
Any questions for Jessica? Have you listened to the CD? I’m not losing metal head points for this am I…?
