The Hour

Music fans will remember Jill Jackson as the frontwoman of popular rock band Speedway, but the talented performer has now embarked on a solo career after taking some time out to discover her musical roots.

The singer-songwriter, who has toured with artists including Natalie Imbruglia, and written for Mel C, explained what she's been up to: “It’s been busy, it’s been five years of concentrating on my solo stuff, country music and been in Nashville, I’ve toured the fifty states, it’s been busy."

While in Speedway, Jill first met fellow Scots star Paolo Nutini, who was a roadie/t-shirt salesman for the band. And the singer had high praise for the fellow Paisley performer. She said: “I think he’s amazing, he’s a really talented boy and he’s doing great.”

After her spell in the states, Jill has returned with a more folksy, country sound that reflects her personality.

She started recording her latest album, Wanted, on Sunday (January 24) and it’s a new kind of direction for her that is very personal, as she explained: “This album is very country-influenced, but it’s not too country, it’s got a real kind of American, rootsy sound, but it’s with a full band. It’s fun, really personal songs, (it’s got) catchy melodies.”

Jill treated viewers of STV’s The Hour to an exclusive, first-time-on-TV performance of her single Long Way Round, which is from the forthcoming album released in the spring.

If you’re a fan of Jill’s, you can catch at the Classic Grand this Friday (January 29), where she is performing as part of Celtic Connections. Also make sure to check out her website www.jilljackson.com for all the latest news and gossip.