REVIEWS OF "LOCK MY FEELINGS IN A JAR"
Download Now! A Terrific New Album From Singer-Songwriter Jeff Alan Ross
Posted by: Neil Gader at 11:11 am, February 13th, 2009
As many of you already know, my musical tastes are wide-ranging. Pop and rock, classical (the occasional opera aria), a smattering of jazz, a dash of musical theater. As kid growing up in the Sixties, I’ve got roots in the great folk revival, British Invasion rock, Hendrix, Miles, Joni Mitchell, and the gridlock of acoustic singer-songwriters that followed. Like I said, eclectic. But if there’s one common trait that perks up my ears it's melody. It’s what I listen for first, foremost and finally. The spice of a great beat, an insistent groove or creative rhythm is cool enough, but hook me with a terrific melodic line and I’m there. Curmudgeonly truth be told, I don’t hear enough melody in much of today’s contemporary music. Production and editing is to a large degree trumping the sheer tunefulness that for me should be front and center in the songwriting world. And this is where I give a well deserved call out to a singer songwriter of no small talent. Lock My Feelings In A Jar is a twelve-track collection of original material by Jeff Alan Ross; a project he produced and is self-distributing on the web. (No stranger to the industry Ross is currently the musical director for the newly reunited ‘60’s duo Peter & Gordon. He sits in with Gerry and the Pacemakers of "Ferry Cross the Mersey" fame when they tour North America and has played in the reconstituted Brit band, Badfinger) In the interests of full disclosure I’ve known Ross as a friend and admired his talent for years. And like the majority of musicians who’ve felt the very ground beneath their feet shifting amidst recording industry turmoil he’s had his share of challenges getting his music out there. A brilliant vocalist, and a gifted musician and multi-instrumentalist Lock My Feelings In A Jar is unapologetically anchored in the musical terrain of the 60s–the ballads, the up-tempo pop, an Irish-folk sing-along all offer the sort of contemporary-retro comfort food that is subconsciously familiar notwithstanding each song's obvious originality. Modest and without pretension the songs shine with optimism and heartfelt sentiment. Whether singing about the mundane or the mystical you can hear nods to Ross’ musical influences–a piano intro a la Elton John’s Captain Fantastic period, a duet accompaniment that channels Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up” (sung with Kate Bush), and of course the ever-present inspiration of the Beatles–a hint of Revolver is always appreciated in my book. Ross is an avid student of the Fab Four and like me you will nod with appreciation at his carefully crafted and concise tunes, luminously orchestrated harmonies and his pitch-perfect lead vocals that somehow arrive at the sonic intersection of Lennon and McCartney. Available as a CD or download at his website www.jeffalanross.com. Check it out.
Check out this blog entry at:
http://www.avguide.com/blog/download-now-terrific-new-album-singer-songwriter-jeff-alan-ross
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Lock My Feelings In A Jar
Jeff Alan Ross
Akashic Records
After more than one listen to the recently released collection of songs by Los Angeles based recording artist Jeff Alan Ross I must say the melodies remain a constant deep within my well worn brain. From the opening cut, “Love Is Raining Down” to the final offering “Name Of The Game” it’s an onslaught of well crafted songwriting that take listeners on a touching and emotional journey into the personal life of Ross. It seems clear that the inspiration for this release is his family and their impact on his life. Deeply personal songs such as “Harmony’s Song” and “It Was Always You” reflect Ross’s devotion to family and it hits you as real and quite moving.
Musically, this artist has clearly been influenced by McCartney, the later British Invasion and maybe a dash of Richard Thompson if he had a really good day. A standout tune on the record is “Carrier Of The Dream” which weaves a compelling melody with symbolic lyrics that tell a mystical story of personal redemption. My recommendation for optimal listening of this record is either first thing in the morning to maybe assist in facing the world (especially a random dreary Monday) or a prelude to a family gathering that you may be dreading. I can guarantee a quick listen will help you through the experience. In short, “Lock My Feelings Up In A Jar” is a warm and enjoyable release that will be more than worth your time and 14 bucks. Give it a test drive and see for yourself.
Spud Goodman
3-6-09
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"State-of-the-art ears…with the experience of years!"
The instant you begin listening to "Lock My Feelings in a Jar" - even before you become hopelessly hooked by the first track's first chorus - you'll come to realize that you've just climbed aboard a magical musical mystery tour; that you've embarked on a journey unlike any you've experienced before. With each new turn along the way, you will be immersed in waves of catchy melodies, shimmering walls of guitars, pulsing rhythms, harmonies fit for angels, heart-wrenching ballads, and lyrics that resonate to the very core of your being. You will be entertained, inspired, challenged, even tickled. The path will be generously marked with so many memorable moments you won't need a trail of crumbs to find your way back to this wondrous place...you'll simply have to start the album over again.
You won't be traveling alone. No, you'll have a proper guide urging you ever forward as Jeff Alan Ross takes you personally by the hand, opens his heart, and offers up his songs and golden voice as a beacon to captivate, transfix, and transform you. You will hardly catch your breath as he writes what we've all felt and yearn to feel again, arranges tracks and melodies with uncanny ease and prowess, strums guitars, picks delicately at keyboards, attacks soaring lead lines, and wends his way right through you with his soulful and ever-soothing voice. He may pause from time to time, but only to touch an emotional nerve here or to soothe a heavy heart there...to make you move or to make you smile, though at something you can't quite explain.
At journey's end, you'll drift home safe and sound, breathing a little deeper, your heart still and peaceful. Before you can play "Lock My Feelings in a Jar" again, one question lingers: can so much talent really belong to one person? Clearly, it can. But that person would have to be unique and very, very special...that person would have to be Jeff Alan Ross.
~Rob Freeman
Producer/Engineer (Go-Go's, Blondie, Ramones, KISS, Abba, Twisted Sister)
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I teach a music appreciation class at school and we have been studying music critics and the process of critiquing. As part of a test I played "Harmony's Song" and had them critique it, using the things they have learned. Now, these kids are not music students at all, just kids out of the general student body. A couple of them really had some good comments and I thought I'd share them with you. By the way, they all liked the song very much.
Paul, Sr. 2009 said: "I appreciate the talent it takes to play multiple instruments and more so to be able to compose every part of a song. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic changes. You added sudden changes that grab attention while still maintaining a flowy style. To me, the dynamics, expression, and lyrics just made the song."
Matt, Sr. 2010 (Spec. Ed. student) said, (I write in his own words, but with corrected spelling): "I think Harmony's Song is beautiful. The beat and rhythm is so smooth. The voice is so soft. I think Harmony is his daughter. I think Harmony has grown up. This song is so awesome, its so amazing."
Whitney, Sr. 2009 said: "I love this song! It's really great. I can't help but smile during the chorus! I think he is very talented. It reminds me of some thing from a movie! I just really love it!"
Anyway, just thought I'd share those with you. They may not be the best at writing things out, but the point was that they all really liked it. They are great kids and I just enjoy them every day.
Judy
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