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Jeffrey Halford is a multi-talented performer with exemplary skills in creative song writing, guitar, and vocals. His latest release, "Hunkpapa" showcases his talent. Jeffrey's work is limited by typical classifications like rock and roll. His song structures are quite unique and more complex than most rock and roll--yet the songs quickly find their way to your heart and the refrains are on your lips as you find yourself singing along while listening with a smile. I hate to classify his music to a genre and limit his audience but lets call it roots rock with a folk and blues influence and an attitude. Jeffrey is joined by friends playing in a somewhat small group format without over-production that provides a wonderful backdrop to his intriguing lyrics. The instrumentation is a musician's delight as it features tight rhythms, complex and intricate details, yet effortless in its presentation. I found myself astonished at the song structures in combination with the imagery of the lyrics and as a result, I am listening over and over again. Each listening reveals more content--music, emotion, and heightens my enjoyment of this work. Jeffrey's lyrics are suspiciously close to real life--so much so that I wonder if he has experienced each of the circumstances in a part of his life. Stone's Throw features the rhythmic guitar work of Jeffrey with percussion and bass. In this story of love gone wrong, through stormy imagery he paints a picture of a woman who wanted her man's full attention and a man who had a wandering eye. Radio Flyer, the second track, should be a play list favorite of discerning radio jockey's everywhere. It reveals the parallel of a boy's wagon to the complexity of life at several points in his development from child to father and retirement from a father's view and the circle continues. Black Gold tells the story of a look to the past in a land once thriving with oil drilling rigs stimulated by a song on a radio station featuring a telecaster guitar. Memphis suggests that you could travel the world but you have never seen it unless you have been to Memphis. It rocks with Chuck Berry squared riffs. .44 tells the story of a gun from the purchase for protection to the rising feeling of power and on to it dealing death and the consequences. Straight Razor tells the story of a well-traveled man on the bum who rides freight trains. He leaves behind his mark and a legend of his travels. He is told no one can ride this train but he defiantly does. The stories, the songs, and the artistry of this CD will keep you listening for hours on end. I highly recommend Jeffrey Halford and the Healers! You can find out more by visiting his web site at www.jeffreyhalford.com. Enjoy--Steve Ekblad! |
