Jill Sobule has passed away in house fire

OMG, what a tragedy. I saw Jill live last in the mid-2000's, at a show at Club Largo in Los Angeles. My long-time girl friend (25 years!) was the personal assistant of the lawyer who represented her, and when Jill saw us at a table she tried to get us to join the line that followed her as she "snaked" her way through the room. No way!  Jill was joined in her set by one of the then-hot indi producers at the time----whose name I just can't remember---on piano.

I have to email that girlfriend (we're still close) and let her know.

I just talked to her. She had already heard about it.

I'm relieved

Jill did as many singer/songwriters are doing: touring without a band. I really miss the accompaniment musicians provide them, but it’s expensive. Increasing the ticket price will pay for them, but that might result in fewer tickets sold. Touring solo puts all the show’s proceeds into the solo artist’s pocket.

One artist who is so powerful she doesn’t need a band is Iris DeMent. The last couple of times I’ve seen Joan Osborne live she had her pianist and guitarist along, but no rhythm section. Jim Lauderdale performed without a band at a small local club, and the lack of a band was really missed.

Jill's lyrics are so personal that hearing her without musical accompaniment maximizes the intimacy between artist and audience.

R.I.P. Jill