Road to Hope by Hilary Scott

This delicious ambiguity might result from Hilary's various and sundry influences, which include Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel, Sarah McLachlan and Nick Drake. Regardless of this mix of inspirations, Hilary's sound remains truly her own. Hannah Vogel of the Sandpoint Reader says: "[Hilary] is uniquely herself, in her music and onstage. From coffee shops, to blues houses and festivals, wherever she goes, she and her music are genuine. It's not often you meet a musician you might also like to have as a best friend."

In 2004, Hilary began working with Nashville producer Matthew Wilder to help carry her songs into the radio realm, releasing an EP entitled, 'Out of the Wilderness.' These songs have been well-received by both fans and radio. John Kulidas of WCSU (Chicago State University) says: "Hilary's in our rotation and we're definitely looking at her as an up-and-comer. Just the other day one of my colleagues was asking me, 'where are all the Carol Kings nowadays'? Well....here you go!"

Over the past two years Hilary has continued to work with Wilder, recently signing a co-writing and publishing deal. Hilary has also had the opportunity to write with 'Nashville royalty' such as John Goodwin and Angela Kaset, collaborating on songs that dip into different genres such as dance/techno, and pop.

Meanwhile, the Hilary Scott Band has continued to tour and record, recently releasing 'Road to Hope,' Hilary's 5th release on Belltown Records, an independent label that signed her in 2003. Other titles include: Hypothermia, The Floating World, and Come In, Come In: LIVE."

Hilary's most recent release, 'Road to Hope' is a fantastic portrait of the height of the Hilary Scott Band's work together. With Bill Adams on acoustic guitar and slide, Michael Bielski on djembe and percussion, Carol Elliot on cello, Matt Griffin on harmonica, Rob Lampe on electric guitar and lap steel, Mike Robertson on bass, Loyd Warden on drums and Hilary herself on piano, guitar, violin, mandolin, and vocals, this album takes you on a journey. The first song, 'Daydreamer,' sets the mood, as 'everything starts with a dream.' The rest of the album continues its moody course through trials and triumphs, highs and lows, ending with hope, and one eye always to the future.

There are an unprecedented 4 cover songs on this album, including Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah,' Patty Griffin's 'Long Ride Home,' Bob Dylan's 'To Make You Feel My Love,' and mid-Missouri legend Lee Ruth's 'You Electrify Me.' Fans have been clamoring for recorded versions of the band's renditions of these popular songs for years, and here they are - with full emotional force!

The idea for the album's title and theme came from the area where Hilary grew up, in the northwest, and the tiny town of Hope, Idaho, which was near her grandparent's cabin on Lake Pend O'Reille and which has fascinated Hilary since she would spend her summers there as a child. Besides the link to the town's name, 'Road to Hope's' themes are accessible on many levels, not only the obvious and tangible. This is an incredibly emotional and important work for Hilary. Also of interest is the fact that Hilary invited natives of the area around Hope, Idaho, to enter a photo contest, and the winning photo by Rick Miller is included in the CD artwork - which is already gaining attention for the incredible photography by Kevin Dingman and the poignant visual themes.

You will hear a mature, complete sound when you listen to the Road to Hope - it will add to the soundtrack of your life.

Billie Burns, former drummer for Ray Charles, had this to say upon hearing Hilary Scott's new EP, Out of the Wilderness: "Hilary's voice is very strong and powerful. It communicates so much in and of itself. I see artists all the time, some with potential, some without. I took a chance on Hilary because I just know she has the proverbial, 'IT'."

Want to know more? Here's some information from the artist's bio on www.hilaryscott.com:

A musician since the age of three and a writer since the age of five, Hilary Scott singer songwriter, has combined the two, and the result is destined to rock the music world with a new sound - intelligent, haunting, soulful lyrics combined with unique instrumental music.

Raised on piano, violin, voice and guitar, this talented singer songwriter experiments with different sounds, instruments and styles to create unique audio artwork. Listeners can be gratified with blues, folk, rock, pop, and classical influences in her music, and yet still find they are listening to something completely fresh and difficult to define.

Hilary and her band tour in the Midwest, and have opened for acts such as Little Feat, Jonatha Brook and Beth Orton. Hilary Scott is receiving commercial and independent radio airplay. Hilary Scott is signed to the indie label, Belltown Records. In addition to "Out of the Wilderness", Hilary Scott has produced three additional albums, "Floating World", "Come In, Come In: Live!" and "Hypothermia".

Hilary Scott's songs are personal, yet appeal to an extremely large audience. There seems to be something here for everyone. Lyrically significant, thoughtfully arranged, and excellently performed.

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