Jacqui Gilroy

Classical music training and performance began at age 12, and continued through high school as the star flautist, since Mom refused my burning desire to play the drums. While delving into my Master's program in Counseling, I found existential expression through singing and playing guitar. Rebellious fervor brought my flute playing out of formality and into original, punk rock-filled melodies, as lyrics and vocal progressions, screamed and sung, began to emerge and I found myself in two Experimental Bands: 'Balls Beverly' and 'Wild About Lather'. I recorded two albums with them while playing local Detroit venues. In January 2005, I was asked to play rhythm guitar and sing harmony vocals with Katy Cornell in 'Going South', and since have played frequent local shows with one L.A. debut, and an EP recording. But it has been the uniqueness of the melodies and rhythms moving through me as a solo artist that inspired me most, and through my guitar songwriting and lyrical/vocal cohesion I was launched into opening slots at the Rendezvous, Mr. Spot's Chai House, the 9 lb. Hammer and the Mars Bar. By February 2006, select songs were composed with harmonies, flute, and full band, and the intensity fired to record and release my developed creations as this, my debut EP, '5 Handcreams for Sandy'.
The EP's album title, and cover pictures came from an Avon order that I saw in my Mom's handwriting one morning during a visit home. Not only did the words feel good in my mouth to say aloud in a sultry voice, but the concept of laughing ironically at the pressure on women to buy into the American-housewife ideal, and spend hoards of money on beauty products to keep their husbands from leaving them was very pleasing. It was also an opportunity to express my bizarre humor, which is dichotomous to the serious subject matter of my songs. People may be baffled when they experience this dissonance, ... and I challenge them to witness the reality that humans are non-linear, multifaceted, complex creatures...and to allow themselves to be so.
Organic and original, my sound could be identified as an alchemy of Jeff Buckley, Elliot Smith, Beck, Fiona Apple and Tracy Bonham; with syncopated rhythms, deep poetics, and harmonies and melodies that "...could sing the wings off angels" Shannon Hutchins.
This music sets itself apart in through its originality. Most who hear it say they love it, and that they've never heard this style of sound before. The effects of a true listen bring inner and outer visions of human experience that are unlike any other sound-scape. It is down to earth, and way above it; real and imaginary; base and spiritual; it's own tender version of therapeutic-punk-soul.