Search - Jeff Larson :: Swimming in the Make Believe

Jeff is a treasure....

tomato cow | Surprise, AZ | 09/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's something about the music of Jeff Larson that sets it apart from the rest of the noise out there. Exactly what it is besides the obvious (great voice, brilliant songs, tastefully creative arrangements, and sweet layered harmonies) is hard to put into words. But for me, this guy simply 'has it'. His music has 'magic'. There is an authenticity in his voice, that when combined with the beauty of the music itself, has the power to trancend life itself.



I happend to first stumble on Jeff's music during the summer of 2005, and he definatley became 'artist of the year' in my book, although I realize he's been making recordings for several years now. I joyfully soaked in his entire catalog of superb music within the subsequent months. In his past work, there have been so many truly outstanding tunes: (A place where I belong, Half Moon Bay, Windblown Mind), so when I got wind of this release, I didn't hesitate to purchase it.



On this offering he continues to deliver in a variety of creative and diverse musical expressions and actually surprised me with a continued maturity and exploration of new music. This is an artist that takes his art seriously and takes care to make each track an authentic reflection of himself and where he is at in that moment. It really shows.



Jeff Larson's music contains alot of subtlety. And he's a master at what I would call 'sonic layering'. This is very listenable, sophisticated pop music, disguised in songs that feel like they have always been around, yet they are refreshingly new. Does that make any sense? His layered harmonies are simply gorgeous and are arranged like a work of art. Like several reviewers have expressed here, his music grows on you the more you hear it. The art really is in the subtlety. By the 3rd or 4th listen, the songs really sink into your soul and you really start to 'hear' what he's saying.



I suggest you give this one several listens and allow that to happen. I am still discovering new things about this recording to marvel at. Jeff is also uniquely 'california', in the very best sense of the term. If you ever spent time out there on the west coast and felt the crisp cool wind blow through your hair at Big Sur or Mendocino, then you know how well this music and Jeff's whole persona fits that delicious ambience.



Its obvious where Jeff draws inspiration from: (Beach Boys, America, among others). In fact, I understand the he and Gerry Beckley of America are good friends and Gerry sings harmony and 2nd vocals on many of Jeffs tracks. Also, Beach Boy stand-in vocalist/guitarist and Brian Wilson Band's musical Director, Jeffrey Foskett is also known to collaborate with Larson, so he's in good company with the likes of these guys.



But this is an artist in his own right as he has evolved a sound and style that has the unique imprint of his own signature on it. And, it's beautiful. Don't miss any of Jeff Larson's albums, especially this one. Buy it. Artist like him truly deserve the support."

Jeff Larson changes style

James R. Hill | Ellicott City, Maryland USA | 03/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had previously purchased two prior cds of Jeff Larson, and I must admit, I wasn't thrilled with his earlier work. I had heard him on an FM syndicated radio show playing his work acoustically, and really liked what I heard. Once he donned the electric guitar and was joined by his badn, I felt his music lost the crispness and clarity I had originally heard.

But his new work has grabbed my attention. I found it on Amazon and listened to two or three tracks, and was amazed as the direction sounded much more along the lines of what I prefer personally. While somewhat more mellow, he still sounded contemporary and clear; there was a message to what he had to say. Swimming In The Make Believe has received repeated plays on my cd player, with many more to come."

Swimming in the Make Believe - Jeff Larson

D. Porter | St. Charles, IL USA | 06/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Refreshing to hear a collection of music that I don't have to skip over songs to get to the good ones! You can definitely hear the influence of America's Beckley and Bunnell. Great listening for that weekend afternoon, with friends on the deck sipping Mohitas, or on the beach. Have recommended this one to many friends and family and all love it! If this was played on the radio, could be another John Mayer. Best sampling is #7 Hand Me Down, and #3 A Faraway Girl. Also recommend his other CDs for more of same style."