Grammy-winning vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill has announced that her new album, “Letters From A Black Widow”, will be released on 19th April via Regime Music Group.
The 12-song record presents a riveting story: from private pain to communal transcendence, and is her most soul-bearing work to date. A single from it entitled “Flame” is out now – see the lyric video below.
“Flame” showcases a powerful vocal and an incendiary musical arrangement, while lyrically the song stares down darkness and pain with a telling revelation about Hill’s inner reserves: “Give me chaos and give me pain/but you can never kill my flame.”
“I am more resilient than I thought I was,” explains Judith. “After every blow that knocks me to the ground, I discover an inner power that emerges stronger and more defiant than before. Like iron and steel, my core has become impenetrable. On my darkest days, I plug into the amp and hear the throbbing pulse of the guitar like a surge of energy reviving my spirit. I am convinced that I will never be defeated.”
“Letters From A Black Widow” is the follow-up to “Baby, I’m Hollywood!” (2021), which earned widespread critical acclaim for its mix of funk, rock, blues and soul. However, where that album offered a rowdy coming-of-age tale of a mixed-race child of bohemian California, “Letters From A Black Widow” is a formidable battle cry; a soul/funk/gospel passion play spectacularly written, arranged and performed by Judith Hill.
Although Ms. Hill plays many of the instruments herself, the new record is not a strictly solo endeavour. Built on an unshakeable musical foundation she has enjoyed for most of her life, Hill’s band includes both her parents, bassist Robert ‘Peewee’ Hill and keyboardist Michiko Hill, while she is also joined by John Staten (drums and percussion), Daniel Chae (strings) and a group of friends on backing vocals.
Hill and co will be touring extensively to promote “Letters From A Black Widow”, with a US tour prior to its release, followed by a European tour commencing on 7th May that will include a TBC show in London.
TRACKLISTING
1 One Of The Bad Ones
2 Flame
3 My Whole Life Is In The Wrong Key
4 We Are The Power
5 Black Widow
6 Touch
7 Dame De La Lumiere
8 Let Me Be Your Mother
9 You Got It Kid
10 Runaway Train
11 Downtown Boogie
12 More Than Love
Confirmed dates in mainland Europe are:
07.05.24 STAVANGER (NO) Jazzfestival
08.05.24 TRONDHEIM (NO) Jazzfestival
09.05.24 HAMAR (NO) Jazzfestival
10.05.24 SANDVIKA (NO) Baerum Kulturhus
11.05.24 STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
12.05.24 STOCKHOLM (SE) Fasching
17.05.24 COPENHAGEN (DK) DR Concert Hall
19.05.24 SCHÖPPINGEN (DE) Bluesfestival
21.05.24 ZÜRICH (CH) Kaufleuten
23.05.24 RUBIGEN (CH) Mühle Hunziken
24.05.24 TÜBINGEN (DE) Sudhaus
29.05.24 SINT-NIKLAAS (BE) De Casino Concertzaal
30.05.24 PARIS (FR) New Morning
01.06.24 WEIZ (AT) Jazzfestival
04.06.24 ALMERIA (ES) Clasijazz
06.06.24 ANTALYA (TR) Akra Jazzfestival
Judith in the red car: Photo by Ginger Sole Photography
