Jeff O'Kelley
just passing through
© 2004 Jeff O'Kelley (634479063534)
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Described as "AAA with a little Pop influence", this CD is the perfect soundtrack to any roadtrip or party.
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"...a watershed in Southern rock Americana.." writes Shawn M. Haney, Southeast Performer Magazine
".... eleven gems of real americana...Really great stuff." Ronny Elliott, Blue Heart recording artist and Americana music legend
"...an easygoing vibe that would woo fans of James Taylor.." remarked Gina Vivinetto, Pop Music Critic, St. Petersburg Times
"...a crisp, well-produced CD..." says Scott Harrell, The Weekly Planet
Jeff's latest CD on Buddy Dog Records is entitled "just passing through" and can currently be heard on radio stations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Recorded and produced by Spongetones' guitarist Jamie Hoover, with industry legend Don Dixon (REM, Marshall Crenshaw, Hootie & The Blowfish, Joe Cocker) serving as co-producer this CD features eleven new tracks of pure Americana Rock. Shawn Haney of Performer Magazine labeled it as "...a watershed of southern rock Americana..." The CD is receiving great reviews from the press and fans alike! It is currently available online through CDBaby.com, eFolkMusic.org and TowerRecords.com in the U.S. and via Music Utopia in the U.K. and Europe.
Guest Appearances:
--- Don Dixon, Jamie Hoover, Chris Garges
About Jeff
Performing songwriter Jeff O'Kelley grew up in a small North Carolina college town, until his departure for the "big city" shortly after high school. It is this small town childhood, interwoven with his years in Georgia and Florida, that has provided the framework for his special mix of Americana, Roots Rock, Pop and Contemporary Country styles. Although his music has been compared to artists such as John Mellencamp, James Taylor and John Hiatt, he stamps each song with his own distinctive style. As a solo performer, with a duo partner or a full band, Jeff connects with his audience and leaves them wanting more. Jeff performs an average of nearly 150 shows per year and has shared stages with such diverse acts as Little Feat, James Brown, Tommy Cash and Don Dixon. He also performs regularly as guest guitarist for country artist Erin Gill. In early 2005, Jeff was called upon to compose music for the pop-rock musical "Perception", in which he also appeared as a cast member.
reviews
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Definitely worth more than a few "passes" through....GREAT indie rock
author: Cindy Lucas/Internet Radio PlaygroundAll around solid songwriting and excellent production from the first cut to the last! This blend of Americana, rock and singer/songwriter sensibilities is one of those prized gems that works well in all the above categories and genres. Every song is well-written lyrically and musically....and takes you to the places Jeff's been in both physical and emotional presence. Highwayman has an infectious hook and a breezy melody that will hang in your head for days! This one's great for driving in the car, taking a walk, or just hanging out...you name it. You FEEL like you're right there on the road with the artist. All I can say is pop it in and enjoy. Another couple of my favorite cuts on this one are Just like Lightning and Crucified...both of which (among many others) I've had the pleasure of hearing Jeff do in live performance. The first time I heard Just Like Lightning, I was amazed at the power of the play of melody and lyric...raw emotion in it's purest form put to music. Not only is the song haunting and original but its hook is yet another memorable one that will stick with you and not let go. All the songwriting here is top notch and the production is just icing on the cake. Jeff spared neither time nor treasure in bringing in the best (Don Dixon - R.E.M) and Jamie Hoover (The Smithereens) who brought out the very best each song had to offer without over-producing or burying the nuances of Jeff's work by trying to make him a cookie cutter singer/songwriter clone as we've seen too often in the past decade of tired music in many genres. All in all - with a release like this one, Jeff O'Kelley won't be Just Passing Through for long....hopefully, he'll stay around for a long time to come! Reviewer: Cindy Lucas - Host: Internet Radio Playground/Back Stage Pass Radio www.bspass.com
Words are hauntingly familiar.
author: SusanJeff writes about life and listening to life is more than appealing...it is downright beautiful. His words make you feel something that you know you can relate to in almost every song. I keep the CD close so when I need to remember what life has been or will be I can listen to Jeff's words and get Lost Again.
- author: Southeast Performer Magazine, Shawn M. Haney
"just passing through" is a watershed in Southern rock Americana, a soulful, autobiographical work full of witty compositions, delightful instrumentation and introspective lyrics. Jeff O'Kelley presents eleven graceful tunes, touching moods of all parts of the palette. The colorization of each individual song is full of vibrant charm, refreshing and merry at times, with dabs of darker imagery mixed in between. In the end, the overall message of this record seems to partake a characteristic of the power of victory in life, joyous times made, memories rekindled and relationships broken, only to be repaired again and brought back to unmistakable life. The melodies are warm, and the lyrics are broad-based and hymn-like. With a great sense of emotional resonance, each tune deliver a gripping theme the listener can and should relate to, themes that are easily appealing and music that is simply performed and clearly presented. O'Kelley tackles his experiences of his travels on "Lost Again" and "Highwayman," a spiritual side in "Save Me," and the complex makeup of relationships in "Too Late" and "Talk to Me." The songwriting craft is mature and complete, and the structure fully devised for immediate impact. The production by Don Dixon and Jamie Hoover is above average, and the packaging depicting the group on the road is somewhat appealing, nevertheless a portrait of their days as musicians laying out their lives for the musical high life. One can learn a lot from a few listens of this record. "Big Mistake" can bring one to terms situations that feel strange or uncomfortable in life, those that turn out to be quite big mistakes. Hoover provides an embellished blues, southern rock feel on electric guitars, while providing bass, Hammond organs, and various other toys. Chris Garges lays out crafty percussion, and Don Dixon stays true with moving upright bass, keyboards, backing vocals. "Crucified" puts a lid on the project, a meditative piece narrated by O'Kelley the soul searcher. Quite a musical piece of art for this group collectively and a rather enjoyable listen.
good, i enjoyed the music and talent.
author: jane flanaganpersonally, i liked the songs - music , lyrics and the haunting refrains. the c/d was very professionally produced and the songs expressed a man's thoughts on life and living. the back up was good, also. as a whole the c/d should do very well in the music market.good luck, jeff!!!!!
- author: Gina Vivinetto, Pop Music Critic, St. Petersburg Times
Jeff O’Kelley writes rambling, rootsy songs that need to be heard on dark nights coasting over freeways. O’Kelley must know this; why else would he croon on "Highwayman" of “keeping time with the wipers” while driving outside of Macon on U.S. 41? The singer-guitarist, from Dunedin, knows his way around a song, and his aren’t always so rootsy; often they’re downright pop. They’re always smart, filled with ribbony melodies, harmonies that bait you to join in, and plenty of snazzy accoutrements such as a swirling Hammond B-3 organ and plumb upright bass. O’Kelley’s voice has down-home appeal. Even when his songs take an odder route, such as the nearly surreal "Never Gonna Live It Down", with its pounding percussion and splattering keyboards, he sings his narrative plaintively; the impact is jarring. "Save Me" has an easygoing vibe that would woo fans of James Taylor. The jazzy "Where Do We Go From Here?" slows things down a bit, only to get electrified again on the bluesy "Talk To Me", fueled by that ol’ Hammond and some boisterous percussion.