Interview with Jeff Gordon

On February 9^th, Jeff Gordon will be releasing his solo album, “Local Boy”. I had the opportunity to send some questions to Jeff about his career and new album.

Fred: When did you start playing in bands and what inspired you to become a musician?

Jeff: I was always singing when I was really young. I’m lucky that my older sisters were very musical and had great taste in music, so I grew up on a steady diet of Jackson Brown, Elton John, The Beatles, and the Eagles. When I was in middle school, I heard the Union Jacks album by the Babys and John Waite’s voice blew me away. I have been one of his biggest fans ever since. That album and his voice put me on the path of learning instruments and even writing my own music at a pretty early age. Piano, bass, guitar all followed. But it was always the vocal melody and harmonies that moved me more than anything else. I, literally, never stopped playing in bands since middle school. I’m sure I have that in common with lots of musicians in this area. It’s addictive for sure.

Fred: Who are your musical inspirations?

Jeff: All the people and bands above influenced me and I was always impressed by people who could write a catchy song. The style never mattered. It was the way it was put together and how it lifted you up in the beginning and dropped you off at the end. So literally, everyone from Tom Petty to Bryan Adams and everything in between. A couple of lesser-known artists (but should be better known) include Danny Wilde and Will Hoge. I would imagine if they listened to this album, they would hear their influence and I am so glad I found them both (look them up!). As vocalists, John Waite and Paul Rodgers still get my heart pumping (and can still sing amazingly well).

Fred: ­What drove you to start recording your originals, and when did you start putting the songs together?

Jeff: In my twenties, I only played my original music and was only in bands that played originals. But, eventually, started to play in lots of cover bands and my time to work on my own music became less available. When I was in Kane, we did put out an original album and it was great to get back to it.  When you are a songwriter, melodies and music are always in your head. Impossible to get them out actually. So, I would try and jot ideas down when I had time. It was really when the pandemic hit and, like everyone, was home last April that I rebuilt my studio and got started. With technology today, I was able to work with musicians from around the country to add parts to my songs.  So there are musicians from Miami, Nashville, and Los Angeles on these tunes as well as a few local friends.

Fred: Will Hard Promises play some or all of your music?

Jeff: No plans to have Hard Promises play this music at this time, although you will find Kevin Farrell (Hard Promises’ lead guitarist) on many of these tracks (he was also my main helpline when I ran into technical questions regarding my gear) and Matt Houghtaling (former HP drummer) and John Goodwin are also on a couple of tracks. I think Hard Promises knows what our niche is and will stay in our lane, although we have often talked about putting out an album of our own. This music represents me, not necessarily the five guys who make up Hard Promises. I’d be curious to know what our sound would be and how it might be different. I do have a track on this album entitled, “Hard Promises” which was fun to write. If there is any interest, it might be fun to put together a backing band and play this stuff out when the pandemic is over

Fred: Where can we get this album?

Jeff: The album will be released on Tuesday, February 9th on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Play, Tidal, (and a ton of others I have never heard of!).  We have also ordered some CD’s if people want that. It’s hard to know what demand there is for CD’s anymore but I guess I’ll find out. Seems like new cars don’t have CD players anymore! I like them because it’s important to give credit to all who helped put it together and a CD sleeve allows you to do that. Don’t even get me started on how great vinyl used to be!!

I should mention that a video for the opening song, “Coming Back for You”, which was directed and produced by Michael Frisina (2 Bros. Studios) will be released on YouTube to coincide with the album release.

Look for our Album review, Monday February 8th