The People Behind the Music ~ Meet the Musicians who Brought It To Life
- Jill Ann Brooks
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The music on Celestial Chrysalis is the result of a deeply collaborative and almost mystical creative process—one that began as something intangible: a feeling, a breath, a moment of awareness. What started as a spark within Jill’s inner world evolved into fully realized songs through the contributions of an extraordinary group of musicians, each bringing their own voice, sensitivity, and artistry to the work.
Jill approached these recordings with a clear emotional vision, but it was through the intuitive brilliance of her collaborators that each piece expanded beyond its origin. With a shared sensitivity to the emotional core of the music, the musicians seemed to tap into the same unseen current—interpreting and elevating each song with a kind of effortless synchronicity that felt, at times, almost telepathic.
Featuring Jeff Barnes (electric, slide, and acoustic guitar), Jeff Sipe (drums and percussion), Zack Page (bass), Thommy Rhodes (piano and keys), Melissa Hyman (cello), and Lyndsay Pruett (violin), the instrumentation across the album is both expansive and deeply attuned. Each player brought a level of mastery and emotional intelligence that allowed the music to fully bloom—enhancing the depth, texture, and resonance of every track.
In addition to her lead and layered harmony vocals, Jill contributed rhythm acoustic guitar on select songs, while entrusting the majority of the guitar work to master guitarist Jeff Barnes, whose expressive and intuitive playing became an essential voice within the album’s sonic landscape.
Bringing it all together, Andrew Schatzberg’s mixing served as a crucial act of alignment—carefully balancing each element to reflect the original vision while allowing the full emotional weight of the music to shine through. The final mastering by Brent Lambert provided the finishing touch, elevating the recordings with clarity, cohesion, and warmth, and ensuring the music translated seamlessly into its final form.
What remains is more than a collection of songs—it is a shared creation, shaped by trust, intuition, and a collective devotion to translating something unseen into something deeply felt.
The Musicians
Jill Ann Brooks — Songwriter, Composer, Performer & Rhythm Guitar (select tracks)
It all begins here. Every lyric, every melody, every moment of vulnerability rises from Jill. She is the heart of Celestial Chrysalis—the voice that carries it, and the thread that holds it all together.
Mike Barnes — Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Mike’s guitar work is woven throughout the album, shaping its emotional and sonic landscape. A master of his craft, he moves effortlessly between restraint and intensity—bringing a delicate touch where it’s called for, and powerful, expressive lead lines that carry the music forward.
Zack Page — Bass
The grounding force beneath it all. Zack’s bass lines anchor each song with presence and depth, giving the music something steady to rise from.
Jeff Sipe — Drums & Percussion
Jeff brings both power and sensitivity to the rhythm of the album. His playing breathes—dynamic, intuitive, and always in balance.
Thommy Knoles — Piano & Keys
Thommy’s keys add atmosphere and emotional depth, shaping the space around each song. His touch is both expansive and precise.
Lyndsey Pruett — Violin
Lyndsey's violin lifts these songs into something celestial. Soaring, aching, and achingly beautiful — she brings the strings to life.
Melissa Hyman — Cello
Rich, warm, and deeply felt. Melissa's cello wraps around each song like a warm embrace, adding layers of emotion that go straight to the soul.
Behind the Boards
Andrew Schatzberg — Recorded, Produced & Mixed at Landslide Studios, Asheville, NC
Andrew created the space where this album could fully come to life. Beyond recording, producing, and mixing, he served as a steady guide throughout the process—offering insight, intuition, and support as each song found its shape. His presence helped hold both the technical and emotional depth of this work, allowing Celestial Chrysalis to unfold into the immersive, layered sound it carries.
Brent Lambert — Mastered at Kitchen Mastering, Asheville, NC
Brent brought the final layer of clarity and cohesion to each track. His mastering ensures that what you hear—whether through headphones or speakers—feels balanced, intentional, and true to the spirit of the music.
Special Thanks!
With deep gratitude to Scott Hall and Danny Ellis for helping me prepare for the studio in all the ways—technical, emotional, and beyond. Your support made this journey possible.
Celestial Chrysalis was recorded, produced, and mixed at Landslide Studios in Asheville, NC. © 2026 Jill Ann Brooks. All rights reserved.
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