A Lafayette Jazz Pianist Just Scored Her First Global Number One
(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.
There is also a very haunting fiddle? Violin? It's Beau Thomas, and his gifted talents set the stage for the song's beginning, and later in the performance he takes another tasteful and almost spiritual ride as the song builds toward its conclusion.
The song, Halfway Up the Road, is actually an homage to James Taylor and his song Walking Man. Butler explained some of her thoughts behind that during a sold-out performance at Lafayette’s Acadiana Center for the Arts, NXT Series.
Butler loved Taylor’s song so much as a child, but she often wondered where the “Walkin' Man ” was walking. She also wondered what motivated him to walk.
READ MORE: The Hot Air Balloon 'Incident' That Changed Jill Butler's Life
If you lean into the tone and phrasing of the song, you can hear and feel part of Butler’s personal journey and gain a unique understanding of the spark from within that motivated her to move out of a lucrative financial career and pursue her true passion, which is music.
Where are Jill Butler and Joyride Playing in Acadiana?
It was just announced that Butler and Joyride, the Band, will be performing as part of the Performing Arts Serving Acadiana Series. Butler and Joyride will perform songs from the Burt Bacharach playbook. Featuring many familiar melodies reimagined with a hint of smoky jazz, seductive blues, a hint of whimsy, and perhaps some secret Louisiana spices.
It's Butler's second time taking the stage on behalf of PASA. Last season, Butler and Joyride performed another tribute show featuring the music of Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones.
READ MORE: PASA Pays Tribute to Roberta Flack and Quincy Jones
That show is planned for April 16, 2027, at 7:30 pm in the Theater at Baranco. It is a lovely place to enjoy an intimate yet lively jazz and blues performance. Tickets are available.
You could make it a date night. And even though it would not be that late of an evening, you can rest assured that these places will be open when you're hungry.
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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells