JEFF POWERS – Self titled

Label: Whiskey Island Records
Released:
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7.5/10

Jeff Powers is a classically trained guitarist who moved to Mexico to teach his instrument, before quickly dropping out and spending 7 years to “live and play in the down and dirty clubs, jails and places at the end of dirt roads.”

His experiences as an illegal alien have given him a rich thread of blues to draw on, and a guitar style that is part Delta blues, part Hendrix and Stevie-Ray, and always draws from his classical foundation.

Vocally and lyrically there are easy to spot influences like Neil Young and Bob Dylan, touches of Lou Reed, and always the bedrock of his own plaintiff holler.

Powers obviously saw some things which shouldn’t be seen while off the radar South of the border – you can hear it in the sadness and depth of his vocal, in the depth and passion of his playing, which he makes sound simple, even while subtleties and layers lurk awaiting discovery.

There’s more to this album than a pigeon-holing label can do justice – there are blues, there are rootsy alt folk and indie flourishes.  He’s a singer/songwriter, a poet and a broken hearted man who has lived it rough.  One Jeff Powers CD is worth a thousand X Factor or Idol charlatans.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Powers/139250606091523

http://jeffpowers.net

Category: CD Reviews