Press Contact: jezebel@jezebeljones.com
Bye Bye Banshee is a new side project by Minneapolis songwriter Jezebel Jones. Inspired by grief and loss, this unique music combines elements of alternative folk, classical and avant garde styles to create modern, mindful songs about the end of life...and the nature of death.
With storytelling that centers on female folklore and mythology, Bye Bye Banshee’s first EP, Deathfolk Magic, was released on October 5, 2018. The EP was recorded by award-winning engineer/producer Tom Garneau (Prince, Sting, REM), and features an impressive line-up of notable Twin Cities’ talent, including jazz musicians Chris Bates & JT Bates. Jones & the Bates brothers recorded most of the EP together live in a single session; then various instruments, from cello to lap steel to Hammond organ, were mixed with layered backing vocals to create this musical memento mori. The EP was produced by Jones and Jeff Crandall (Swallows, J.Briozo).
The first song, "If I Die in My Dreams", explores the idea that our inherent fear of death is often linked to a fear of the Devil. But superstitious tales add to the terror: if I die in my dreams, will I die in real life? Although the Irish Banshee is often misinterpreted as a terrifying creature--as weeping women often are--"Bye Bye Banshee" portrays her as a empathetic ghost; her tears tell stories of many deaths. The song "Psychopomps" describes the spirit guides who surround a person at the end of life, comforting them as they transition into the land of the dead, while "Skull Rattles" acknowledges the decay of the body as nourishment for new life.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________