Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances.
With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Jeffrey Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining audiences everywhere he goes.
Raised in Harrisburg, PA by parents more inclined to spin soul classics by Aretha and Otis than the New Wave and Brit Rock blasting from their son’s room, a teenaged Gaines began singing and playing guitar in several local garage bands. He soon decided to set out on his own and quickly landed a record deal, releasing Jeffrey Gaines, the first of his five studio releases. The album garnered four stars from The Philadelphia Inquirer, describing Gaines as “…an ethereal soul…insistent, impassioned, full of self-knowledge.” Somewhat Slightly Dazed, and Galore followed. Interview Magazine called Gaines’ music “soul-searching” and “refreshingly free of jargon, sentiment or cliché.”
Jeffrey Gaines released Always Be (Artemis) to both critical and commercial praise. Featuring his emotional interpretation of “In Your Eyes” and his own soaringly beautiful “Always Be,” the album hit #5 on R&R Callout America CHR/Pop list, also reaching #45 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The New York Post proclaimed Always Be as “a dozen-song mix…that completely illustrates the depth he is capable of.”
Gaines’ impressive catalogue grew with Toward The Sun, produced by Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and Crowded House). The Boston Globe declared that “Gaines’ soulful, wounded vocals make a case for his being one of pop’s finest singers…an artist who deserves far more attention than some of his more hyped, yet less talented peers.” Mojo noted, “This established soul-folkie’s sexy growl has an underlying edge, making it a memorable album. Heartfelt unpretentious.”
Throughout his career, Gaines has built a rapport with his fans unlike any other in popular music today. Gaines goes as far as letting his fans influence the songs he performs each night. “When it’s just me playing, I only know the first song I’m going to play, but from there the energy and the vibe tell me what the next song is going to be. Someone may yell a song, and I’m like ‘Exactly! Good call.’ That’s so fun to me, keeping it exciting and spontaneous. I don’t even know what's around the corner, and the crowd doesn’t either.” Based on that relationship with the audience, Gaines released Jeffrey Gaines Live (CD / DVD) followed by Live In Europe, which was recorded during his 25-city tour with Joe Jackson. JG’s 2016 return to Europe will be accompanied with long-awaited new music, with a release to follow in early 2017.
About Deni Bonet:
It's no secret that Deni Bonet can rock a violin like nobody's business. Or that she writes memorable songs that make you want to listen again and again. For years, Deni has been honing her craft as a violinist, singer, songwriter and performer. Her style ranges from pop to roots-rock to new folk. Although classically trained, Deni quit the classical world because she hated having to wear black and sit still! She has a stellar resume, having performed and recorded with Cyndi Lauper, R.E.M., Sarah McLachlan and many others. Her previous appearances include Carnegie Hall, NPR’s Mountain Stage, The Great Wall of China, the United Nations, and the White House for President Obama. For the past several years, Deni has been touring in the US and Europe headlining festivals, performing arts centers, clubs, colleges, and concert halls soloing with symphonies. Her music has been featured on HBO, NBC, American Airlines, and several films. She was recently honored to be awarded a grant through the Arts Envoy Program of the US Government to spend a month on a residency in Africa teaching violin, songwriting, and rock ’n roll at a music college in Zanzibar. Deni Bonet has released several CDs of her own original music, including last year’s critically-acclaimed "Bright Shiny Objects” on Zip Records/Sony-RED.
“Tracks on the album soar high with vibrancy and her ability to stun from beginning to end” ~ No Depression
“Bound to be one of the standout records of the year.” ~ Paste Magazine
“Just finished listening to this masterpiece. The playing is so damn rich and fine and tempered and textured; the melodies are strong and enveloping”. ~ PopDose Magazine