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  Jill Stevenson – Underway (Little Leo Productions, 2002)

By Elizabeth Nitz

Denver native Jill Stevenson has released her first CD, Underway. Jill and her band (Tex on bass and Matt on drums) are infiltrating popular local venues and have been invited to festivals and charitable events around Colorado due to their energetic stage performance. Her songwriting and road show translate well to the studio. She lets her clear voice take on an edge and portray the passion with which she writes.

The album begins with “Too Confusing,” introducing the world to Jill’s commercial-sounding vocals and surprising range. In addition to guest performances on electric guitar and saxophone, a mandolin can be heard throughout.

Mellow keyboard ballad “Carry Me” has none of the flourish of instrument in the rest of the songs but shows off Jill’s skill on the Wurlitzer. Contrastingly, in “Cat,” she purrs, growls and rocks out on the guitar.

Ani Difranco-style “Sticking” is a popular live piece. She refuses to rush the song, letting its power come from the spaces between punched chords and percussion. Jill has the professionalism and variety of skills to be a major force in the grass-roots rock scene. Watch this one.

For more information, please visit www.jillstevenson.com