If the Jacob Jeffrires Band were a playground, it would be where all the kids wanted to frolic. Clean and inviting, Tell Me Secrets swings back and forth from melodic veracity to gleeful beats to guitars see-sawing in rockin’ amusement. Jacob plays rambunctiously on the piano, singing carefree, inspiring other kids to play along. And you know what? You will play along, bopping your head, desiring to dance and rollick. Lullabies transitition into fifties style rock n’ roll, and slide into head banging fun. And in his own words, what Jacob loves to do is write songs and play them for people. Well, that love shows with every pound of the keys.
Jacob Jeffries Band / Tell Me Secrets
Ariana Gillis /
Forget Me Not
When you compose songs as great as some of your heroes Bob Dylan and Patty Griffin, you ascend into rareified air. Canadian folk singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis has rocketed herself to that stratosphere. Having been released for almost a year now, Forget Me Not soars with provocative imagination and brutal honesty. Magical songs of monsters and humanity, saving dolphins, and a brilliant track about a sailor who walks the plank to his death and ultimate freedom. Her stunning voice, warm and robust, conveys stories rippling with animated sincerity. You might just find yourself humming or singing along with every tune. They possess a certain pop intelligence without falling into the pop category. At her side is father David, who plays guitar or banjo on every track and produced and co-wrote many of the songs. It’s refreshing to hear such a grounded young artist orbit into greatness.
Martin Sexton /
Fall Like Rain
Martin Sexton’s popularity is no secret. Since the 90s Sexton has produced smooth, sensible lyrics while mixing multiple genres including R&B, Americana, folk, rock and country. His latest EP Fall Like Rain falls comfortably into the preceding genres and delivers some tough and sweet life lessons. The first track, “Fall Like Rain,” is a powerful song about vulnerability and how to deal in this crazy world. “Happy Anniversary (Six Years)” is a sweet, memorable track, harping on the little instances that define a relationship. Sexton also covers “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield, but with an improvisational, R&B twist on a classic. Fall Like Rain is comforting, knowledgeable and wise; don’t miss out on the inspiration.