Search - Jeff Black :: B Sides & Confessions

Pam M. from MANCHESTER, CT
Reviewed on 10/22/2014...

Jeff is a treasure. Wish he found his way up North more. He is a very talented singer song writer. I enjoy anything he creates.

One of the best of the last decade -- yes, that's right

Music fan | Norfolk, VA USA | 04/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Black is yet another songwriter whose career was sidetracked by record-company foolishness. After Arista released his superb debut, "Birmingham Road," in 1998 (with help from some of the guys in Wilco), the label dropped him, leaving his followup disc orphaned (it's due for release later this year, finally). In the meantime, he's released "B-Sides and Confessions Volume One," an intimate, soulful and thoughtful collection of stripped-down music. As noted, the title is only half right. These are confessions, but they are not B sides. Black is a rarity, a poet who produces quietly compelling sing-alongs that, upon closer reflection, challenge you to think. No wonder artists as diverse as Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert, who recorded his "What Do I Want" for their latest disc, and country stars Blackhawk, who made his "That's Just About Right"a number one hit, have covered his songs. But none of them have Black's most appealing asset: his soulful, experienced voice with enough of Tom Waits' grit to establish credibility. That voice and his songs combine to make this a disc that demands you hit "repeat all" on the player when loading. Black has a knack for choosing just the right instrument to frame his words. His breathy count off and acoustic strumming open "Same Old River," a song that finds Black imagining himself as, variously, an indian, a pirate, slave and an outlaw. "I'd rob a trian bound for glory, baby, if I thought I needed a ride." he sings in outlaw mode. "Sunday Best," a heartbreakingly beautiful song about loss, opens with Black at the piano. "To Be with You," a mature, honest love song, marries Jody Nardone's piano and Craig Wright's shuffle. "Down in my evening chair, I've got you there to pilot me straight through to show me what it means to be with you," Black sings. "Gold Heart Locket" surprises with a banjo for its backbone (think something out of the Mark Knopfler catalog). And "Bless My Soul" returns to fingerpicking to highlight Black's ruminations. With "B Sides and Confessions, Volume One," Black has created one of the most affecting -- and best -- singer/songwriter albums of 2003 or any other year in recent memory. It's filled with rare treasures that linger long after the music stops. If you can, pick up "Honey and Salt" from his website. It features several more stunning songs, including "One Last Day to Live" and the title track."

I CONFESS! I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!

Katryna Wright | Nashville, TN United States | 10/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is simply awesome and is definitely one of my ten 'desert island' records. Jeff's voice is so soulful and naturally amazing and his songwriting is some of the best I've ever heard! 'Sunday Best' still makes me weepy, 'Holy Roller' is so groovy and moody, 'Gold Heart Locket' is such a touching story with a cool quirky sound (love the banjo!), 'To Be With You' is a gorgeous love song so tenderly sung, I could go on and on; there isn't a bad song on this whole album! It flows so well and seamlessly that when it's done I wish there were ten more of Jeff's songs right behind it. Luckily I ordered 'Honey & Salt' from Blue Rose Records in Germany, so there are more superbly executed and well-crafted tunes to put in the player right after B-Sides.
The talent in this town is astounding and Jeff is at the top of the list. If you have the opportunity to see him live, DO IT without hesitation!! The inevitable Tom Waits comparison comes to mind as you see him over the piano with a cocktail and a smoke, telling tales in his deep, soothing voice. Purchase this album with confidence, your money is well invested here."