Author Archives: Jill Newman

CD Reviews Bluesletter Washington Blues Society

CD Reviews  (Bluesletter Oct. 2025)

Jill Newman
Little Bit of Luck

(Self-Released)

Jill Newman’s third album, “Little Bit of Luck,” was recorded at Seattle’s iconic Studio Litho, home to sessions from such local luminaries as Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews. The record delivers nine original roots and blues tunes that highlight Jill’s versatile lead and slide guitar work, soulful vocals, and honest, well-crafted songwriting. The lone cover is a heartfelt rendition of “Love Has No Pride,” which Bonnie Raitt first recorded in 1972. The title track kicks things off with a swing-worthy groove, harmonica riffs, and lyrics that celebrate love over material things. “Lost Without You” offers a catchy hook anyone in a relationship will recognize, while “Lay My Worries Down” brings a funky, optimistic turn with Joe Doria on keys. “Not Gonna Change My Mind” slows things down with a steady rock edge, and “Someone Like You” lands as a heartfelt ballad reminiscent of John Prine. Jill’s playful side shines on “Yellow Dog Shuffle,” a tribute to her pup Lucy, where her guitar work intertwines with some standout keyboard playing by Chris Gestin. The album weaves a tapestry of Jill’s reflections on hardship, isolation, and renewal. Hopeful yet vulnerable, “Little Bit of Luck” resonates with authenticity while showcasing Jill’s guitar chops and the contributions of a stellar backing band featuring Patrick McDanel on bass; Kelly Van Camp on drums, harmonica and backing vocals; Scott Smith on acoustic and rhythm guitar, and a host of guest artists. Jill is currently touring in support of “Little Bit of Luck,” so catch her live if you can, and experience these songs where they truly come alive.

Michele D’Amour McDanel

Little Bit of Luck CD celebration and CD Release show!

We had a very successful CD Release Show on July 30th at the Princeton Pub in Vancouver, BC. The band included Scott Smith, pedal steel & guitar; Lee Oliphant, bass; Kelly Van Camp, drums & harmonica and Jill Newman, lead & slide guitar and vocals. It’s always a joy to play with such a world class group of players and they really delivered.  It was truly a great night with lots of love and support in the room!

Jill Newman Little Bit of Luck CD Release Tour on July 30th in Vancouver, BC!

My CD release tour BC show is coming up at the Princeton Pub on Wed July 30th at 8pm!

The show will feature a cast of great players as we showcase songs from my new CD, Little Bit of Luck. Scott Smith, (Terminal Station) rhythm electric, acoustic and pedal steel; Lee Oliphant, bass guitar with me on vocals and electric lead & slide guitar and special guests.

It’s been a while since I’ve played a show up in BC and I can’t wait to play these songs live back home in BC!

New CD’s have arrived!

Announcing my new CD, Little Bit of Luck, now available on bandcamp at https://jillnewman.bandcamp.com/album/little-bit-of-luck and on most major streaming services.

I’m delighted to announce that my new CD, Little Bit of Luck has arrived and is ready to share! The CD features 9 original roots and blues tunes with my first ever recorded cover, one of my favorite Bonnie Raitt tunes, Love Has No Pride. I tracked the album on a snowy weekend in February at Seattle’s iconic, Studio Litho (Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews) with Floyd Reitsma as engineer.  I produced the CD along with Floyd Reitsma and Vancouver’s Scott Smith (Terminal Station). This CD features a great cast of top musicians including Seattle’s Kelly Van Camp on drums, percussion and harmonica and Patrick McDanel on upright and electric bass.

For this album, I let the songs determine the direction of the music. Little Bit of Luck is a bit less bluesy than my prior album, but the blues vibe is still present. For this project, I included many of the players who I play live shows with in the US along with some of the finest BC based musicians around. The title track, Little Bit of Luck features musical interplay between me on electric guitar and drummer and harpist Kelly Van Camp. Track #2 happens to be my yellow lab, Lucy’s favourite of all my songs – she comes running to find me when she hears that song. It’s been a long time since I’ve included cello in my recordings, but after writing Someone Like You, I kept hearing a cello part and reached out to the fabulous, Peggy Lee, Vancouver, BC to bring this beautiful song to life. Yellow Dog Shuffle is a funky instrumental with Scott Smith on rhythm electric, me on lead electric and Vancouver BC’s Chris Gestrin playing a soulful organ solo.

My BC CD release is coming up on Wednesday July 30th at the Princeton Pub in Vancouver!

Jill Newman band at Skylark’s Beer Garden stage Friday June 21st!

Jill Newman and her band celebrate the start of summer with a show at Skylark’s Beer Garden outdoor stage. Jill will be playing her original roots and blues songs from her soon to be released CD, Little Bit of Luck. Skylark’s is a free, family friendly and pet friendly venue with great food. It’s always a lot of fun!

5pm – 8pm

1308 11th St Fairhaven, Bellingham, WA