Sill, Judee: Judee Sill (CD)

Judee Sill was an American singer and songwriter. She released two albums and partially completed a third album before her death in 1979. Sill toured with Graham Nash and David Crosby for a time as their opening act, a year before the release of her debut album. She was hired by the Turtles to write songs, on which a few of them appeared on her debut album, such as "Lady-O".

Judee Sill's eponymous debut album was originally released in late 1971. Backing musicians include John Beck and Jim Pons from the Leaves. The majority of the album was produced by Henry Lewy, noted for his work with Joni Mitchell throughout the 70s. Graham Nash handled the duties for the single "Jesus Was a Cross Maker" with his production designed to aim for radio airplay before the release of the album.

The album featured Sill's voice in multiple overdubs, often in a four-part chorale or fugue. The songs are delivered in an acoustic style on guitar and, for "Jesus Was A Cross Maker" and "Enchanted Sky Machines", on piano. The songs on the album feature elements of folk, country, and gospel, but also strong classical influences.

Sill was heavily influenced by Bach, especially his suites, while lyrically her work drew substantially on Christian themes of rapture and redemption. A number of later songwriters have been fans of her work including Andy Partridge, Liz Phair, Warren Zevon and Shawn Colvin.

1. Crayon Angels
2. The Phantom Cowboy
3. The Archetypal Man
4. The Lamb Ran Away With The Crown
5. Lady-O
6. Jesus Was A Cross Maker
7. Ridge Rider
8. My Man On Love
9. Lopin' Along Thru The Cosmos
10. Enchanted Sky Machines
11. Abracadabra