Ferndale Native Jill Jack Releases 'Sunflower Girl' on Saturday

Singer and songwriter Jill Jack brings her soul filled, sultry music to the Royal Oak Music Theatre this Saturday night for the celebration and release of her much anticipated CD, Sunflower Girl. 

New songs "Ghost," "Breathe" and "Sunflower Girl" have strong lyrics and soul reaching words that are sure to leave listeners with a true sense of who Jack is and where she is going. 

The idea for the title track began when Jack's husband, Roger, walked in the house one afternoon with a big, “Hey sunflower girl."  Jack had an inspiration and began writing down a few lines.  During the same conversation he commented, “Honey, you can’t fix crazy."  Hours later Jack had the song ready to go.

Jack, who resides in Ferndale, says family has been a grounding force in her life.  “When it get’s crazy, they reel me back in.”   She realized a long time ago that it doesn’t work focusing 100 percent on one thing.  “You need love and good communication to keep you grounded,” said Jack.  Family does that for her.

This is the first CD Jack has solo produced. 

“From beginning to end, I’ve been hands on.”  Jack said she knew what she wanted and that was that.

Last year, Jack, who has played with music greats like Bob Seger and Emmylou Harris, wrote and sang “I’m a Believer” for a campaign designed to bring positive awareness to the City of Detroit.  The Detroit Children’s Touring Choir will be joining Jack's band for two songs. 

Rocking in Royal Oak

Jack’s local fan base has got larger over the years, so she chose the Royal Oak Music Theatre for her CD release party to accommodate the growth. 

“I never want to have to turn people away from a show. I’ve seen that happen too many times,” said Jill Jack. 

The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday with two hours of what Jack calls, “a roller coaster ride of emotions, including a lot of laughter and a few tears.”  When people leave the show, Jack’s wants them remember the experience and feeling behind each song for a long time to come.

Long time fan, Rochelle Clark of Ann Arbor, says she can’t wait for the show.  “Jill has been an inspiration to me for many years."  Clark and her band partner, John Natiw, will be warming up the stage for the show.

Sunflower Girl is Jack’s masterpiece, a culmination of words and music that took more than two years to complete.  All pieces on the CD are original works with backup singing from her band, which include Chris “Junche” Degnore on guitar and vocals, accordion player and vocalist Mark Iannace, piano and organist Bernie Palo, longtime drummer Ron Pangborn and bassist Nolan Mendenhall. 

Local artist Liz Larin is assisting the band with lighting and graphics on Saturday.

Visit JillJack.com or www.royaloakmusictheatre.com for a magical evening of music and friendship this Saturday at 7:30 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.