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.
