CD COVER PHOTO BY KRYSTAL KOZAK
Jon Geiger, who’s quietly become one of the busiest blues guitarists in the Southland, releases his new album, Jon Geiger: Live at Harvelle’s (Independent; Release Date: Friday, October 13).
The thirteen-track album was recorded completely live this past Spring and Summer at famed blues club Harvelle’s in Santa Monica, Calif., where Geiger was a regular, headlining performer. Below is a short synopsis of each of the tracks.
1) Bullet (original): “Hard-driving Texas shuffle with sophisticated, harmonic chord changes. Blends a palette of influences, from John Scofield and Robben Ford to Freddy King, Peter Green, and Cream-era Clapton.”
2) I Dream (original): “An ‘Are You Experienced’/’Angel’ vibe. Ethereal mood is set musically and aurally; a metaphor of being caught in a storm, with a relationship at its’ eye. The music summons up a nod to Hendrix, and the solos reminiscent of B.B. King.”
3) Desert Of My Heart (original): “Driving toms reminiscent of Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” and “Tales of Brave Ulysses” set the mood, with a driving song, chorus, and guitar solos.”
4) Ain’t No Sunshine: “Modern-day standard written by Bill Withers. Heartfelt lyrics, reaching down deep to capture the audience, going from a whisper, building to a height of intensity.”
5) The Voice (original): “Bo Diddley-like groove and a shout of verses, delivering raw lyrics of a man caught in a battle he doesn’t realize he signed up for. Builds up to a driving funk, influenced crescendo. An audience favorite.”
6) Feeling Good: “Nina Simone song with a re-arranged harmonic and rhythmic take; re-harmonization of the chorus and solo section that gives a nod to where jazz horn lines meet blues cries and vibrato.”
7) Texas Flyer: “Uptempo, funky blues-rocker with a Freddie King-inspired vocal growl and old-school blues roots.”
8) Guardian Angel (original): “Crowd favorite that sounds like a Black Crowes-meets-Rolling Stones classic/ Lyrics give thanks to all the forces unseen that have guided and protected.”
9) Prison Of Love: “Driving blues and solo on this tasty Robben Ford cover. Vocals tell the tale of hindsight being 20/20 in the game of love.”
10) Don’t Hang Me Out To Dry (original): “Rocker with catchy guitar hook, driving groove and angry guitar riff anchor this song, about finding a change in the vibe of a relationship and hoping it doesn’t mean the worst.”
11) Day To Day (original): “Hip hop grooves mixed with soulful rock. Funky vamp about relationships gone south, and the personal state of affairs as a result. Blends elements of jazz and psychedelic rock, with a hard-driving finish.”
12) These Blues (original): “Powerful call-and-response. A deep, heavy, powerful vibe. Mood is one of high intensity, digging very deep.”
13) Cross To Bear: “Re-arranged Gregg Allman song, taking on the vocals of a legend. Sang with the passion of an old soul. A perfect way to close the album, playing with the fervor of carrying the torch forward.”
PHOTO BY CHIP SCHUTZMAN
JON GEIGER – LIVE FROM HARVELLE’S (2023) – TRACK LISTING
1. Bullet 2. I Dream 3. Desert of My Heart 4. Ain’t No Sunshine 5. The Voice 6. Feeling Good 7. Texas Flyer 8. Guardian Angel 9. Prison of Love 10. Don’t Hang Me Out To Dry 11. Day To Day 12. These Blues 13. Cross To Bear
Jon Geiger has been called one of SoCal’s hardest-working blues men, and for good reason: The blues-rock guitarist and vocalist is seemingly always gigging, whether throughout Southern California, at a Blues Festival, or elsewhere. Through hard work, solid performances and stick-to-it persistence, Geiger has emerged as a national touring act, performing on the Main Stage at the 2023 Woodystock Blues Festival in Lake Havasu City, and set to perform at the New Blues Festival in Long Beach, California in September 2024.
A veteran of the Austin music scene, Geiger grew up in New York and became a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu just to make it home from school safely on the tough streets of Harlem. The deep soul of BB King’s “Live at the Regal” and the ferocious intensity of Eric Clapton’s guitar work were life-changing for Jon. Playing guitar became Jon’s reason for living.
The talent and passion of teen-aged Jon were quickly recognized by jazz greats such as Emily Remler and Hiram Bullock, both whom took him on as a student. Remler even referred to Jon as her ‘protégé.’ His talent and hard work paid off with a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. “John Scofield and Mike Stern (both whom played with Miles Davis) were both as big a part of my path as Emily and Hiram. They would hand me off in some cases from one to the other when they toured,” recalls Geiger. “I studied at their knee in their homes and no one cheered louder when I got my scholarships,” Geiger says.
After completing his studies in Boston, Jon promptly moved to Austin and began working alongside Austin’s numerous great musicians while playing Antone’s and the Texas’ numerous blues haunts. Presently, Jon and band continue their ascent on the Los Angeles music scene, with his unique blend of captivating guitar work, soaring vocals and artful songwriting.
Geiger has opened for Robben Ford, John Mayall, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall, and Joe Ely among other greats.
(Los Angeles CA) – dougdeutschPR