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Jeff Jensen band |
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The Jeff Jensen Band is quickly establishing a expansive presence in the Blues world. It started with three consecutive trips the International Blues Challenge, the first of which Deborah Coleman chose them as her backing band for a special feature performance. The IBCs were followed by the 2007 debut release “Self Titled” which received tremendous reviews around the world including Southland Blues stating it was “…a sure-fire winner, and quite naturally beckons the start of a long and rewarding career.”
That ‘long and rewarding career’ is now upon them with the late 2009 release of “I’m Coming Home” (Swing Suit Records). The sophomore CD as described by Jeff Jensen is “Contemporary West Coast Blues drenched with a Memphis Horns vibe and undertones of Stax Soul and R&B.” The album was produced by Jensen and mastered at Capitol Records.
The CD features a five piece band headed by Jensen on vocals and guitar. A four piece horn section is led by George Pandis (Roy Gaines, The Four Tops, etc.). Jensen recalls “Working with the horns on this album was amazing, I have never seen three people smoke so much in my life and still have the ability to blow the parts those guys did, all in one or two takes including solos.”
Five special guests appear including Marcy Levy (Bob Seeger, Leon Russell and writer/vocalist for Clapton’s Lay Down Sally). Through this collaboration, the band continuous to augment its identity by adding more sophisticated dynamics and dimensions. In addition to seven originals, I’m Coming Home contains tributes to and interpretations of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Wynonie Harris.
With fan bases spanning the west coast, the band is able to perform 200 plus dates a year including high profile gigs such as opening for B.B. King’s 80th Birthday Tour. What’s more, due to the high energy sound, wide ranging musicality and professionalism, the Jeff Jensen Band has become a favorite to play fundraising events. Over five years Jensen estimates they’ve played charity benefits resulting in $4.79 million raised. This non-traditional method of raising their profile to a general music-loving affluent fan-base while giving back to the community is just another way this band radiates largess.
The recording of I’m Coming Home was preceded by Jensen’s consecutive tours of the deep Mississippi Delta to explore the roots of all blues music. One of several resulting storylines is Jensen’s confirmation that blues music is, although rooted in unpleasantness, best seen as uplifting and pleasing in its sarcastic and comedic value. And you’ll certainly witness that on this album.
On a personal level Jensen adds “I play blues because I love it, it’s part of my soul, it’s part of my person, so naturally my goal is to take this band as far as it’s capable of going. We will put out records and do our thing as long as there are still people that care to hear it… and to be honest, even if there’s not, that probably wouldn’t stop us from writing, recording, and performing.”
In late 2009 Jeff Jensen left Southern California to follow his lady to Portland, Oregon yet the band still continues to tour heavily within, between and beyond both markets. Yet another way this band continues to grow and expand.
Media Inquiries: Michael McClune at 310.319.1199 or info@michaelmcclune.net Band Contact: 661.878.2734 or Jeffjensen@jeffjensenband.net
Track Listing for I’m Coming Home
1) Ask Me No Questions – This BB King standard features a great 60’s style Stax horn arrangement. Nate LaPointe, who co produced, wrote and played on the first Jeff Jensen Band release, is featured on slide guitar.
2) I’m Coming Home – The sequel to ‘Damn Fine Woman’ for the band’s first album.
3) Living In Los Angeles – Jensen, Born and raised in assorted Los Angeles County cities, expresses his experiences growing up in a sarcastic comedic way. The intentionally happy instrumentation covers the sarcastic lyrics intended to point out “LA” stereotypes.
4) Worried Life Blues – One of only four cover songs on the record, this Blues standard has that big band feel with a fat horn section laying it down and an eclectic stride piano solo by the illustrious Riz (Rizorchestra).
5) Doing The Right Thing – An old soul vibe, this track is based on a friends troubled experience, this song features backup vocals by Marcy Levy and a ripping guitar solo by guest guitarist Alan Miranaka (aka BB Chung King) who also mixed the record.
6) Good Morning Judge – A tribute to Wynonie Harris, this upbeat swing song tells a story of a man who just can’t get it right. With piano and saxophone solos – it’s short and sweet and really has a beat!
7) Cocaine Spiked Whiskey – The original working title for this song was “One Beat Short” because of the nervous kind of time signature that is “one beat short” of what’s normal (11/8). The lyrics and avant garde solos and horn arrangements also reflect a life on the edge of reason – weird but strangely comfortable as well.
8) Skinny Girls – A continuing the theme of the stereotypical LA lifestyle, is the fascination with being thin. That was the premise behind the lyrics and over the top seemed appropriate. The Rhumba feel adds to the fun of the song while the ridiculous lyrical situations illustrate the silliness of it all.
9) She’s Evil – This original song was co written by friend and fellow guitarist Kyle Culkin about the general evil in women when relationships go bad. The chorus has a hooky gang vocal part anyone can sing along with. Add the big band horn section and you’ve got a train coming down the track!
10) Nineteen Years Old – A Muddy Waters classic, this remake stays close to the original traditional blues recordings. The opening trumpet solo by George Pandis is inspired and sets the tone for the track which is soulful and melodic.
11) Please Don’t Go – Funky guitar, groove Rhodes, Soul Horns and Gospel vocals by Marcy Levy!!! Written by fellow musician and friend the late Steven Sorenson (33), who succumbed to cancer before the release of this record. Both sad and hopeful, the gospel type ending is a tribute to his life which ended too soon.
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Michael McClune’s |
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Music : Media : Marketing : Management |
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New Big Band Blues CD featuring Marcy Levy (Eric Clapton, Leon Russell) and a horn section led by George Pandis (Four Tops). “...a tour-de-force debut release by a band that breathes new life into the blues scene.” DR, Living Blues“Aptly taken on the daunting task of redefining the blues for a new generation.” GS, New Times San Luis Obispo |
