Episode 26

Feb 22

Jill Paone Simmons, a seasoned musician from Pittsburgh, has significantly enriched the musical landscape of the band theCAUSE since joining in 2008. Her journey into the band brought a fresh vocal dynamism that "Continues to resonate" seems to be the intended message. However, without further context, it's difficult to provide a clearer rewrite. If you have any additional information or context, please let me know and I'll do my best to help you. with audiences today. Jill is not only a pivotal figure in theCAUSE but also leads the all-female Dead band, Brown Eyed Women, showcasing her versatile talent in the music scene.

Before her time with theCAUSE, Jill was part of another all-female ensemble, Pittsburgh Women of the Blues, a group of six remarkable Pittsburgh blues singers who delighted in harmonizing. This experience was a joyful exploration of her musical passion, emphasizing the camaraderie and shared love for the blues. Her musical career before theCAUSE was diverse, spanning various bands where she often found herself as the background music, a role that, while enriching, hinted at the untapped potential within her.

Upon joining theCAUSE, Jill's musical repertoire was predominantly blues-focused, with "Bertha" by the Grateful Dead being one of the few Dead songs she knew, thanks to a cover by Los Lobos. The band's eclectic setlist, which includes not only Grateful Dead and Phish songs but also tracks from Tedeschi Trucks, The Beatles, and other jam bands, allowed her to delve deeper into a genre that was relatively new to her. In theCAUSE, she takes on both backup and lead vocals, infusing each performance with her unique blend of energy and soul, particularly in her signature songs like "Blow Away" and "Sugaree," and channeling her blues roots through Pigpen songs.

Her debut performance with theCAUSE at Moondog’s, a venue that had long been her "home base," marked a pivotal moment in her career. The immediate and palpable connection with the audience, a new experience for Jill, underscored the unique culture of the Grateful Dead fanbase. The sight of men dancing alone and the collective chorus of voices singing along was a revelation to her. It was a stark contrast to her previous performances; the audience was there purely for the music, fully engaged and present. This experience was not just a performance but a transformative event that reassured her decision to join theCAUSE was not only right but life-changing.

Jill's journey with theCAUSE exemplifies the profound impact of music on both artists and audiences alike, highlighting the power of live performance to create unforgettable moments and lasting connections. Her story is a testament to the evolving nature of an artist's path and the enduring allure of music that transcends genres and generations.

LISTEN HERE:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/62PQW5a4Ay3PhPRVh1uciJ?si=7fe858928ae64c48

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dead-tour-tales/id1670050712?i=1000646402082

To gain further insights into Jill Paone Simmons, keep an eye out for the following:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jill.p.simmons/

Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/artist/5436365-Jill-Paone-Simmons

Brown Eyed Women: https://Browneyewomen.com

theCause: https://thecausejams.com

Music from this episode:

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