If Unpaved is about anything, it’s about highlighting and celebrating our finest songwriters and artists. One such songwriter is Bill Jackson, who has worked closely with his prolific and poetic brother Ross, over many years to build up an awe-inspiring catalogue of songs. Many of those songs have won accolades around the world, not least in Nashville, the home of Bill’s great friend and master songwriter David Olney, who covered Bill’s Something in Blue some years before he passed away while performing in 2020.
When I think of Bill Jackson, I think of greats like Guy Clark: storytellers who artfully present real lives and places in a compelling musical way. Gippsland born and bred, a lot of his songs are very close to home, with a searing honesty about the injustices against Gunnai/Kurnai people as well as refugees. He and his brother have a gift for sharing history that allows listeners to come to their own conclusions, however harsh the subject matter.
Bill is launching his new album ‘The Wayside Ballads Vol 3’ after multiple postponements on Tuesday, 21 June at Brunswick Ballroom where you can expect to hear new compositions arranged with help from Kerryn Tolhurst. Ruth Hazleton with Fiona Steele will be providing support with songs from her acclaimed ‘Daisywheel’ album. Enjoy these songs in the meantime and we hope to see you there.
Something In Blue
The Shed
Summer on the Somme
The Ballad of Billy & Rosie
Jerilderie
