Jeni Hankins & Billy Kemp: Press Kit & Quotes

Musical programs are always well received at our library, but you two really impressed our patrons.  I cannot remember the last time I was so inundated with praise for a performance.  Not only were your musical talents lauded, but so were your stories and personal histories.  I would highly recommend your Jewell Ridge Coal program to any library looking for an entertaining and educational program to wow their patrons.

Anyone who enjoyed Kathy Mattea’s masterly Coal would almost certainly enjoy Jeni and Billy’s equally well crafted Jewell Ridge Coal. All self-penned numbers. it’s an often moving but never mawkish tribute to the coal mining community of Southwest Virginia . . . the haunting fragile vocals of Jeni and the subtle instrumentation of Billy that are the real highlights.

Oh my gosh! What a wonderful CD. I played two cuts this morning and raved to my listeners about it! Terrific job! “Miner’s Reward” made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Amazing.

Jeni & Billy's is one awesome recording. It has seen airplay on my show . . . A worthy addition to any radio music library.

Jeni Hankins' vocals are captivating and her songs paint interesting
pictures of life in the coalfields.

The music of Jeni & Billy is a perfect complement to library programs. Our patrons loved their sound, and the interesting, contextual stories that accompanied each song. Jeni & Billy were a delight to work with. I hope to schedule them again some time. Highly recommended.

Jeni & Billy provide acoustic music lovingly dressed with graceful phrasing and old-time charm. It's soothing, relaxing, heartfelt, and richly steeped in the traditions of old-time country and bluegrass.

What a joy and a treat to hear new original tunes about coal mining! All the while weaving in your past, the things that haunt your heart and bring you joy. Great song writing and very moving presentation! Congratulations!

You've produced a great work of art that has an important message today. And to pay tribute to Nimrod, Barbara, and Hazel along the way -- that's so great!

I didn't think they made albums as powerful as the one by Jeni and Billy
anymore.

being a natural cynic, whenever i meet people like jeni and billy (i.e. old fashioned good people who aren't mollified by shiny objects and hung up newfangled technology and worried about record labels and the next deal etc.) i unfortunately recoil back and cock my head and say "are you for real?"
it's a sad commentary on the times (or perhaps my circle of friends) but i can honestly say that jeni and billy are definitely "for real". their music is like a great undiscovered carter family cd that was buried in a vault for 70 years without the crackling and tape hiss. their new cd jewel ridge coal tell stories of real rural blue collar in a simple and honest way without clutter and over the top headbashing (like montgomery gentry without montgomery or gentry). being from appalachia myself, perhaps
these sounds are in my dna, but i believe that anyone with an open mind will love this disc. with guest appearances by shad cobb and jim lauderdale, it should open up jeni and billy to new ears.
i am usually put off by modern artists trying to recreate the great and honest music of the past, but jeni and billy do it so convincingly that i don't even think that recreating an older genre was the intention-i believe that it is just what comes out when they sing so here's to them doing much more of that-

I can't tell you how many times we have listened to your CD now. It is our favorite. It feels to me like a great novel where I've come to know and love the characters so much that I find myself thinking about them as though they are real and am so absorbed in their stories that it's sad when the book comes to an end.
We find ourselves humming these melodies and turn to each other and realize yet again that it was one of your tunes that we're humming. When we listen now we know most of the words to many of them.
I have to tell you, it is not like me to go on so about someone else's music, but yours has touched both Fran and I on a deep level where music and inspiration come from...The roots....

I love your music, simply because it's the truth!

Like the old language of ballads, Jeni and Billy share a special language between them. Jeni’s voice is so alive – carrying babies and earth and thunderstorms in her voice – I’ve never seen someone embody a song like she does. It looks like the music is coursing through her blood, it is her life, her ancestry, her movements and this creates an authentic, powerful voice. It’s very powerful when Billy harmonizes with her, like a shadow on the mountain. I like how his hands hang on the notes, letting go of strings, like a drop of water on the underside of a leaf, like an angel jumping from cloud to cloud.

The story of Jeni & Billy's music reflects a deep connection with a sense of home, place, family . . . I want to hold my breath while I listen to them sing, so that I don’t disturb the sacred magic of their harmony. They both sit hunched over their guitars, cradling them, leaning into the music like holding a baby or a cup of tea. It’s fun to watch two people play with words, with music, and truly have fun and enjoy the process. Jeni is all smiles and cheekbones, and a little yelp of glee and joy. You can tell that hearing Billy sing and play brings her great joy. Watching them perform together is pure bliss.

As a singer and entertainer, Jeni is so aware and in control of what she is doing, yet it still seems like the music takes her away; it takes over like a spirit has moved her. Indeed, no one can sing “Pretty Fair Miss” quite like Jeni and Billy. When they sang the final stanza, it came across as one of the single greatest acts of love I have ever witnessed. Only another man/woman duo so in love with each other and so talented musically could come close to the magic displayed by Jeni and Billy, and what a special and rare occurrence that combination must be.

Jeni and Billy's visit to my graduate class on ballads, followed by their wonderful concert later that evening, was a highlight of the summer. Their combination of enormous musical talent with an obvious delight in literary discussion makes them especially effective within such an educational setting.

We enjoyed having you here so much--I heard lots of positive feedback about the tone you set for the event--very warm and laid back. We like to have an intimate gathering with music that connects to the audience and yours certainly did. I listened to your CD and I was struck by it--there's a vocal blend there that calls to mind Gillian Welch.

you guys were totally wonderful last night....
i can't get middle creek out of my mind. i think it' s my new main fave. brilliant delivery last night...every thing, every note, every pause, every nuance. totally perfect.

When I'd mentioned on my blog, I had a good idea of how the evening would be, I must say, it exceeded what I even knew! You guys are wonderful..... such magic between the two of you up there on the stage.... You are just naturals!!! I expect this is just the tip of the iceberg.... You all are GREAT.... better than anything I've seen in quite a while..... I can't wait for more.....

"Jeni Hankins and Billy Kemp are a delight! Their songs make me want to sing them. I look forward to hearing more!"

Jeni and Billy have such a great handle on that old style of stuff...it's incredible. They’re the real deal.

IF YOU LIKED THE MOVIE "WALK THE LINE"...you'll love the music of Jeni Hankins and Billy Kemp. Our own Johnny and June, or maybe Porter and Dolly.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute Jeni and Billy were onstage.

Jeni and Billy are found people.

I left Richlands in 85 as soon as I graduated. My family was 5 generations of Jewell Ridge Coal Miners. I left the town to avoid becoming what most are -- “tied to the coal fields.” For many years I
felt confused -- like I had turned my back on my roots, but after listening to your CD it just reaffirmed it was the correct move for me. My life is full of happiness. For the very 1st time someone has put the true meaning of the coalfields into a manner all can understand. Before it was just a very misunderstood way of life. Also you managed to bring back good memories that I had long forgotten. You have my respect as an artist. Excellent Work!!!

We got this letter from a fan back in Jeni's hometown of Richlands, VA, and were really glad to have made his day, so we thought we'd share his letter with you. Thanks Gary!

Hi Jeni and Billy,

I am writing from Richlands, Virginia. I left the area back in 1975, lived in a number of states, and only recently returned.

All of your songs are great! I especially liked "Back Then" and "I'm Not Your Girl." Then, second most I liked "Hard-Bitten" and "Sweet & Toxic." Jeni, your voice has the melody of an angel and the power of a locomotive! Billy, your acoustics are some of the finest I have ever heard!

Jeni, the powerful emotion in your voice is soul stirring. Your voice is reminiscent of Maria McKee and Janis Joplin.

Your Friend,

Gary