Jeni Hankins & Billy Kemp: Press Kit & Quotes

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