Search - Brandon Jenkings, Brandon Jenkins, Hefners :: Ghost of Jesse James

This is one of the best cd's I've heard in years.

11/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this is his third studio album, "Ghost of Jessie James" is really were listeners should start if they want to know the heart and soul of this passionate Okie songwriter. On this release, Jenkins finds himself closer to Steve Earle than Garth Brooks. New York might call Jenkins country, but Nashville wouldn't. From the spirited title track, which also serves as a metaphor for a road musician, to the slow and soulful "End of the Road" which is perfect coffee house fare, "Ghost of Jessie James" is his defining moment as a singer and writer. The sound of Merle Haggard can be heard on "Government Housing Lot" with its great populist message and crackerjack guitar licks. "Turn of the Wheel" rings like all great mid-tempo rockers with its edgy sound that features a great Hammond B-3 pass. This cd shows that Mr.Jenkins is perhaps Oklahoma's next great singer/songwriter."

Soul is as Soul does...

04/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brandon Jenkins is one of the best examples of the Oklahoma singer/songwriter in the past 10 years. With "The Ghost of Jessie James", Jenkins runs the gammet of musical styles and influences. What is key though, is the lyrics. Soulful, poetic, rowdy, and fun. Jenkins explores all these things in "Jessie James", sometimes simultaneously, and does it without one ounce of pretention. It's not country, it's not rock, it's something that everyone can relate to. This is what makes Jenkins a superior songwriter. This is what makes this an exceptional album. In previous albums as well as this one, Jenkins has a story to tell. Some are personalized, others are one man's take on eveyday life, and still others are outlaw story telling at it's best. From the observational 'Government Housing Lot' and 'Turn of the Wheel', the listener sees what Jenkins sees. An injustice, a philosophy, life. There is then of course the love songs that everyone can relate to. 'Like a Drug' and 'Here Forever in My Life' are the relationships we've all seen or been a part of. What makes them exceptional is the way in which Jenkins can take a simple lyric and paint an identifiable picture. One that the listener can appreciate and understand. The renegade tales like the title track and 'An Outlaw's Dream' are another fine example of story telling. There is of course the good time music too like 'Sad but True' and 'Queen of the Border Town'. Like any talented songwriter, Jenkins can spin a tale that makes us smile and nod. Unlike any other, Jenkins has his own unique way to create something we can identify with, whether we've been there or not. This music allows the listener to escape and yet enables them to think. It's something to enjoy and cherish. Stylistically, this album seems to have influences from jazz to country, folk to rock. Compound that with Jenkins smooth and darkly toned voice and you have something completely original, difficult to name. Frequently the term soulful has been used to describe Jenkins and his music. This is perhaps the ideal description. It does not limit what his music is, instead it defines what the music can be for the listener. Not many can talk about Jenkins without mentioning his 'look'. The fact is, it's not a look as much as it is who he is. The same goes for his music. It's not a style, it's who he is. This is what makes the music real and what makes Jenkins something exceptional. There is nothing superficial about "The Ghost of Jessie James". It can be likened to a good book or fine film in that it's unforgettable and hard to resist. Jenkins has the ability to soundtrack a life that we live and a life that we may not know. Here's hoping that life continues to motivate this great singer/songwriter to continue to write extraordinary music. The new CD "Live at the Blue Door" is available now. I highly reccommend this one as well. While "Ghost of Jessie James" will always hold a special place as this reviewers first introduction to Jenkins, the live album celebrates everything that makes him unforgettable."