Jump to content

Luscious Jackson

From Alfawiki
Luscious Jackson
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1991
FounderJill Cunniff, Gabby Glaser, Vivian Trimble
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles, EPs

Luscious Jackson is a band blending alternative rock and rap-rock, established in 1991. Their name pays homage to former American basketball athlete Lucious Jackson.

The founding members were Jill Cunniff (bass, lead vocals), Gabby Glaser (guitar, vocals), and Vivian Trimble (keyboards, vocals). Drummer Kate Schellenbach became part of the group during the production of their 1992 debut EP In Search of Manny.

Between 1993 and 2000, Luscious Jackson released one EP, three studio albums, and ten singles under the Beastie Boys' label, Grand Royal. Their most successful single—and only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart—was "Naked Eye". Other significant singles included "Here", "Daughters of the Kaos", "Citysong", "Under Your Skin", and "Ladyfingers".

After keyboardist Vivian Trimble departed in 1998, the band continued as a trio before disbanding in 2000. A Greatest Hits collection was issued in February 2007.

The remaining members regrouped in 2011 to produce new material, culminating in two album releases—including one for children—in November 2013.

1991–1993

In 1991, Jill Cunniff and Gabby Glaser (who is related to graphic designer Milton Glaser) recorded Luscious Jackson’s initial demo, funding it with tips earned from restaurant work. The band's name was inspired by a mispronunciation of former basketball player Lucious Jackson's name heard on ESPN's SportsCenter. Their first live performance was as an opening act for Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill in New York City. Subsequently, the Beastie Boys signed them as the inaugural act on their label, Grand Royal.

Drummer Kate Schellenbach, previously with the Beastie Boys, joined the lineup, while Vivian Trimble contributed keyboards and backing vocals.

In 1992, they released their EP In Search of Manny, which included three demo tracks alongside four new songs. Promotional singles "Let Yourself Get Down" and "Daughters of the Kaos" were supported by a music video for the latter.

1994–1995

Following the release of two tracks on the Daughters of the Kaos EP, Luscious Jackson launched their first full-length album, Natural Ingredients, in 1994 via Grand Royal. This album yielded modest hits such as "Citysong", "Deep Shag", and "Here", with "Here" gaining additional recognition through its inclusion in the 1995 film Clueless. Music videos for all three singles received airplay on MTV.

During 1994 and 1995, the band increased their visibility by touring with Lollapalooza, appearing on television programs including Saturday Night Live, Viva Variety, and MTV's 120 Minutes. They also featured on MTV's House of Style and performed several songs on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete and Pete.

While on tour in 1995, Trimble and Cunniff recorded acoustic-based songs under the name Kostars, resulting in the album Klassics with a "K" released in 1996. This project featured contributions from Schellenbach, Glaser, Gene and Dean Ween of Ween, with production handled by Josephine Wiggs, bassist for the Breeders.

1996–1997

Luscious Jackson reached the height of their commercial acclaim between 1996 and 1997. While promoting their sophomore album, 1996's Fever In Fever Out, produced by Daniel Lanois, they secured their inaugural Billboard Top 40 single with "Naked Eye". This success was followed by two more singles: "Under Your Skin" and "Why Do I Lie?", the latter of which was featured in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting.

During this timeframe, members of the fan club were given a special 10-track CD containing demos and live rare recordings titled Tip Top Starlets.

1998–2000

In 1998, Luscious Jackson contributed a rendition of George Gershwin's "I've Got a Crush on You" to the charity album Red Hot + Rhapsody, aimed at raising AIDS awareness. Additionally, the band appeared prominently in a major advertising campaign for the Gap during 1998 and 1999; their holiday commercial featuring "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" was voted the campaign’s favorite by TV Guide.

Jill Cunniff departed from the band in April 1998, citing exhaustion from touring and a wish to remain in New York City. Two years later, she collaborated with Josephine Wiggs to release a self-titled album under the name Dusty Trails.

By 1999, Luscious Jackson had become a trio and released their third studio album, Electric Honey. The lead single "Ladyfingers" achieved moderate airplay on VH1 and was featured in television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. A follow-up single, "Nervous Breakthrough," was issued without an accompanying music video or commercial single release. Plans for a third single titled "Devotion" were ultimately abandoned due to waning interest in the album.

That same year, the group toured alongside Cibo Matto, with both bands performing at Lilith Fair. Keyboardist Singh Birdsong replaced Jill Cunniff for live performances, while DJ Alex Young and bassist/percussionist Tia Sprocket joined the touring ensemble. Noteworthy stops included Toronto's Opera House.

In 2000, Luscious Jackson announced their decision to halt recording and touring activities to prioritize family life.

Greatest hits and solo albums

Capitol Records issued a Greatest Hits compilation in February 2007.

On February 20, 2007, Jill Cunniff debuted her solo career with the release of City Beach under the Militia Group. Subsequently, on June 26, Gabby Glaser unveiled her first solo effort, Gimme Splash, through Latchkey Recordings.

Reunion (2011–present)

In 2006, plans emerged for Luscious Jackson to reunite in order to produce a children's record. By September of that year, they had completed eleven tracks and were searching for a label; Cunniff suggested naming the project It's All Goo.

On July 8, official announcements via the band's Twitter and Facebook accounts confirmed their reunion with Cunniff, Glaser, and Schellenbach returning; Vivian Trimble did not participate. Collaborating with Pledgemusic for crowdfunding efforts, they aimed to finish the children's album alongside creating a new studio album—their first since 1999. As part of this initiative, they offered an unreleased track from 1999 titled "Girlscout" as a complimentary download.

According to a report by Rolling Stone on February 8, 2012, the band quietly reunited in 2011 to develop new material independently from traditional label support, funding production through Pledgemusic. The song "Are You Ready?" was made available for online streaming. In September 2013, NPR debuted "So Rock On," serving as the lead single from their forthcoming album Magic Hour.

Magic Hour was released on November 5, 2013, followed by the children's album Baby DJ on November 12. To promote Magic Hour, the band performed shows in Philadelphia and New York City and appeared on Late Show with David Letterman. They continued to perform sporadically throughout 2014 and 2016.

On April 6, 2023, former keyboardist Vivian Trimble passed away at age 59 due to cancer.

Side and solo projects

Members of the band have engaged in various individual and side ventures, including:

See also

External links

Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Luscious_Jackson&oldid=83121"