(KMDL-FM) Lafayette, Louisiana-based jazz and blues pianist, vocalist, and band leader Jill Butler has just earned a major musical milestone in her career. Butler has achieved her first international number one song.
And to make the accomplishment an even bigger affirmation for Butler is that the song earned its chart position based on listener spins and feedback. Jill Butler and Joyride occupy the Number One position on the SmoothJazz.com Global Listener Countdown. Chart date: July 13, 2026.
The song that topped the charts is off the Joyride CD. It’s called Halfway Up the Road. The song features some killer piano licks and incredible vocals by Butler, who is joined on harmonies by Teka Briscoe, creating a haunting thread of intertwined melodies that lend themselves to deep introspection.
Oh, and if you ever see the name Teka Briscoe and they’re talking about singing, go. Even, and especially if it’s church. Her vocals are so powerful, and they blend so well with Butler’s unique style…