hilljack:  A rural gentleman who is under the illusion that he is better or of a higher class than a hillbilly;  tends to believe he is not one. 

 

            Even their name is more a state of mind than some sub-culture of Ozarkian lineage.  To be truly hilljack, absorb yourself into the infectious collection of self-penned gems, brimming with intelligent and often tongue-in-cheek lyrics.  If you’re drawn to melodic groove more than verse, hilljack punches that ticket as well.  Their compelling tunes are a bit south of hip, and slightly west of cool;  obvious coordinates for greatness.  No more will weary salt-block lickers go to their local mercantile looking for directions to some fulfilling musical destination and once again leave empty-handed.  Engaging and driving, fresh yet somehow familiar, hilljack is the map for those ready to Stand Up!

 

            hilljack is a four piece band that originated in Nashville, Tennessee when members began co-writing songs for other artists.  After scoring two number one and six top ten country hits, they made the decision to form a group.  Wanting to be known more as a band than a group of individuals, hilljack prefers to speak of themselves as though they are one person.  The musicianship, harmonies and arrangements all blend like a well designed home.  Their sound is distinctive.  Listeners recognize Paul Jefferson’s unique lead vocals and inventive acoustic guitar work immediately.  Jon Putnam handles vocals and bass guitar runs that keep the bottom end of hilljack’s sound on planet earth, and Jay Lessert’s harmonies are a counterpart to his hard hitting drumming.

 

            Stand Up, hilljack’s 2005 project on Crop Circle Records, is creating an industry buzz;  something not seen for a long time in country music.  “Bigger Than Dallas,” was the first single from the project and introduced hilljack to radio, and the video for “This Could Get Good”, got rave reviews by making the top twenty on GAC’s  video countdown.  They have made two recent appearances at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and performed in Los Angeles at the 2005 New Music Weekly Awards show where they received the award for “Country Group of the Year”!