October 8, 2012

Photo: N. Munoz

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If you're looking for a follow-up to Jill Scott's chart-topping album The Light of the Sun, then here's doubly good news: Jill tells ABC News Radio that she's working on two new releases. "One possibly put out independently, while the other will be put out through Warner Brothers," Jill says of her new records.

Though the Grammy Award-winner took some time away from the recording studio to star alongside Queen Latifah and Phylicia Rashad in the Lifetime remake of Steel Magnolias, Jill apparently found time to cook up what she calls "good food," for her fans. "Whether it is sexy or aggressive... smart, or silly, or funny, or emotional," the new material "is the chronicle of a human being," Jill says.

The Philly native connects with fans through her music, but makes clear that she isn't trying to "direct" folks on how to live.

"I really believe in the individual. And the magnificence of that individuality," explains Jill. Speaking of herself and the people who listen to her music, Jill says, "I'm the only me that's ever been. Just like they're the only them that's ever been. We're all just living together on this planet."

In addition to crafting new songs, Jill is hoping to cover new territory in her acting career.

"I think the majority of the characters that I have played, have had a light. So I'm, I'm trying to explore other areas of a character," says Jill, whose resume includes starring roles in HBO's The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and director Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?

Sure, Jill played an abusive caretaker on Law & Order: SVU, but with the exception of that role, she says that for the most part she's been cast because of "the light." That is, "Whatever light is in my spirit that makes people feel like 'It's going to be OK,'" she says.

The comfort and optimism that Jill exudes is a "wonderful quality," and she's happy to have it in real life, she says, "but it's time for me to explore me."

In addition to her role in Steel Magnolias, Jill is gearing up for an appearance on the Fox sci-fi series Fringe.

Good!

I hope Ms. Scott would write about 35 songs and pick the best of 10/12. I enjoyed "The Light Of THe Sun" but a couple of songs should've made the cut. That's been her problem with all her albums after her brilliant debut, "Who's Jill Scott?"

She is a real artist. just started getting into her in the last few years. She has a beautiful spirit that carries through her in person also...

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