Jeff Larson
Beautiful musical pastels
With the acoustic guitar at the forefront of his sound, Jeff Larson has released two acoustic rock CD´s, "Upper Story Landing" (ITS 002, 1995) and the recent "Beggars" (ITS 004, 1997). Larson born and raised in Northern California (near San Fransisco), has spent the better part of the last six years working as a solo acoustic performer opening for such atcs as singer/songwriter John Stewart (Daydream Believer, Runaway Train), the pop group America, and Tonio K. Larson also performs 50-60 dates a year including a weekly spot in the San Fransisco bay area.
In addition he has toured the last three years in Northern Europe in support of his CD projects. In 1997 a change was building - Larson released a 3 song CD sampler titled "Leaving California" which he hoped would gain the attention to turn his musical landscape around. It did....
With the new CD "Watercolor Sky" (New Surf LTD, NC 98-4803) released september 1998, Larson returned completly to his pop-rock influences. Teaming up with West Coast musicians and producers Jeffrey Foskett and Gary Griffin (former touring/recording Beach Boys), Watercolor Sky represents Jeff Larson´s take on the "California Sound". West Coast imagery, jangly guitars, and very present harmony vocals.
The folloing words is written by John Holcomb (AMPLIFIER).
Jeff Larson's Watercolor Sky was one of my favorite albums of 1998. Residing at the other end of the continuum from "heavy guitar pop" like Cheap Trick and the Shazam, Larson and co-producers Jeffrey Foskett and Gary Griffin created a record full of beautiful musical pastels, strongly emphasizing melody and musicianship.
Larson's influences are not dissimilar from other artists who ply their trade in the pop genre, although one band in particular made Larson sit up and take notice during his formative years.
"The records that really caught me were by America in the later 70s, specifically their Hearts to Harbor albums," says Larson. "Very melodic songs full of imagery that took you places. I started to play (and write) about 1977. The Hearts album specifically was the first I bought because it contained the song "Daisy Jane," which really made me want to write songs and sing. In general, though, I listened to all pop music that was melodic and painted pictures through the music and lyrics. The feel has always been key."
Larson's recording career began with a couple of solo tracks done for a label based in the Netherlands; he toured northern Europe as a solo act. Then the spirit of Brian Wilson looked upon him.
"I made the decision that I needed a producer who would be sympathetic to the material and fit what I was trying to get across musically and lyrically," says Larson. "I started listening to the Beach Boys very heavily about four years ago; that led to me picking up some publications related to them. Enter Jeffrey Foskett? I picked up his Thru My Window CD, which pretty much became a soundtrack for the summer of '97. I had just finished a three-song sampler (demo) CD in the direction I wanted to go. The production was sparse, but the songs were there. I sent it out to many in various circles I was interested in; needless to say it got to Jeffrey and a few months later I did "Nothing but Air" and "Shades" with (him) and Gary (Griffin) producing."
"Nothing but Air" is a spectacular tune that featured one of 1998's most memorable melodies and choruses. Larson suggests that he didn't have to look far for inspiration. "It was?one of those songs I wrote in about an hour," he admits. "I wrote it for my wife and was pleased with the outcome since it reflects something further along in a relationship and not only the infatuation at the start. Its main point is how life is made lighter by the effect of someone to where there's freedom to move. In my case (that meant)?being a songwriter, musician, etc. and (having) that support behind my actions-something I had not had previously? More than any other song, "Nothing but Air" signifies the music and mood change I wanted for this project and fittingly opens the disc."
The recording of another track allowed Larson to meet the influential Gerry Beckley, author of the Watercolor Sky track, "Annabelle." "Gerry is a good friend of Jeffrey's; (they) have sung on each other's projects in the past. As I understand it, 'Annabelle' was a song written between Gerry's solo CD Van Go Gan and the upcoming America album [since released as Human Nature-ed.], and was unreleased. I was considering doing an older tune of America's as a cover and somewhere in a conversation between Jeffrey and Gerry, 'Annabelle' was suggested. I flew down to Los Angeles and we met at a Starbucks where I was basically handed the lyrics, track, and a demo to learn the song. I've been influenced by (Beckley's) work ever since I picked up an instrument so it was an obvious thrill to sing and record this song."
Perhaps Watercolor Sky's most intriguing song is "King of Summer." Larson suggests that there is one one-and-only "king." "The king of summer is a reference to Brian Wilson/Beach Boys-the effect of that music and its ability to move and actually bring you out from somewhere to a better place," says Larson. "'King of Summer' is a celebration in a way."
As is the entire contents of Watercolor Sky. A beautiful record to put on early in the morning or late at night, it is one of those all-too-rare records that grows on the listener with each listen.
John Holcomb
February 8, 1999
Jeff Larson -
Personal Sketches
"Debutalbum from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Come Into My Life, Drifted Far, Communicate My Heart, David, Talkin´ About Love, Good Good Morning, Carry On Dancing, Baby Blue And Jesus Too & Growing In Jesus.
Musicians on the Personal Sketches album: Jeff Larson, Clive Worsley & Dave Elder.
Available from © Bug And Bear Music/Original release year: 1982
Jeff Larson -
Upper Story Landing
"2nd album"
The Tracks are: Northern Pacific, Shallowlands, Point Of Rising, Van Gogh And Gauguin, Rain On Me, California Rail, Renaissance Man, Unsettled Ways, Changing Colors, Just The Wind, Ahead Of The Darkness, Broken Fallen World, Name Of Change, Seeing Red, In The Round, Waiting & At The Depot.
Musicians on the Upper Story Landing album: Jeff Larson, John Earp, Treena Dee, Kurt Foster, Russ Hodges & John Ringleman.
Available from © It Stinks!/Original release year: 1995
Jeff Larson -
Beggars
"3rd album"
The Tracks are: Ancient Memory, Halo´s In The Coliseum, This Morning In Amsterdam, Backwinds, Wake The Phonix, Coffee At Midnight, Go Down, Arizona Smile, Handwritten Letter, Far Away Girl, Blur The Line, Poppies By Monet, Death In The City & Where Aslan Prevails.
Musicians on the Upper Story Landing album: Jeff Larson, Jim McCarty, Treena Dee, Bobby Black, John Earp, Kyla Bates, Dan Molina, Kurt Foster. Clovis A. Lewis, Jeanelle Rusmisel & Susan Foule.
Available from © It Stinks!/Original release year: 1997
Jeff Larson -
Leaving California
"If you like America - check this!"
The Tracks are: Shades, Another Highway Song & Leaving California.
Musicians on the Leaving California album: Jeff Larson and others.
Available from © NCOMPASS Music./Original release year: 1997
Jeff Larson -
Watercolor Sky
"If you like America - check this!"
The Tracks are: Nothing But Air, Annabelle, Definite Blonde, Shades, Song For Renee, Coast, Another Highway Song, I´m Gone, Touch Of June & King Of Summer.
Musicians on the Watercolor Sky album: Jeff Larson, Jeffrey Foskett, Bob Gothar, Gary Griffin, Gerry Beckley & Hank Linderman.
Available from © New Surf Ltd./Original release year: 1998
Jeff Larson -
Nothing But Air
"New CD single from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Nothing But Air, Definite Blonde & Goes Without Saying (bonus track).
Musicians on the Nothing But Air album: Jeff Larson & others.
Available from © Dayfaze Records./Original release year: 1999
Jeff Larson -
Room For Summer
"Summer album from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Hey, Carol Ann, Sarah's Song, Valentine Note, Lot To Learn (Blue Pacific), Room For Summer, Lauren, Postcard, The Word Go, Goes Without Saying, Her Heart, All The Sudden Cool, Lauren (orchestral reprise), Carol Ann (vocal/guitar mix), & Room For Summer (alt. version).
Musicians on the Room For Summer album: Jeff Larson and others.
Available from © New Surf/Original release year: 2000
Jeff Larson -
Complete Works 1998/2000
"2 albums + unreleased material"
The Tracks are: CD1: Hey, Carol Ann, Sarah's Song, Valentine Note, Lot To Learn (Blue Pacific), Room For Summer, Lauren, Postcard, The Word Go, Goes Without Saying, Her Heart, All The Sudden Cool, Lauren (orchestral reprise), Nothing But Air, Annabelle, Definite Blonde, Shades, Song For Renee, Coast, Another Highway Song & I´m Gone. CD2: Touch Of June, King Of Summer, Room For Summer (alt. version), Carol Ann (vocal/guitar mix), Gray Wave (unreleased), Everything Is Fine (unreleased demo), Coast (vocal only), Traditional Longboard (unreleased), Postcard From Here (alternative acoustic mix), When She Comes Around (unreleased demo), Coastal Moon (unreleased), Girl With Uke (unreleased), With Uke (snippet), Plain To See (track only), Shades (original demo), Golden Summers (dutch single), Summer Means Fun (unreleased), Summer Means Fun (vocal only / unreleased), You Just Don´t Know (Touch of june - intro), Changing Colors (« Blueflower » mix unreleased), Nothing But Air (track only) & Shades (vocal only).
Musicians on the Complete Works 1998/2000 album: Jeff Larson and others.
Available from © Magic Records, France/Original release year: 2002
Jeff Larson -
Fragile Sunrise
"New album from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Place Where I Belong, Watershed Girl, Norman, Faraway Mary, Halfmoon Bay, Another Slight Addiction, Changing Colors, Sparkle To It, Heavy Rain, Some Ancient Memory, Filed Of May, Norman -Producers Commentary (Bonus Track), Rocket (Bonus Track), Heavy Rain - instrumental (Bonus Track) & Place - Harmony (Bonus Track).
Musicians on the Fragile Sunrise album: Jeff Larson, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Gary Griffin, Steve (Big Jim) Arnold, Erik (Uncle Bad) Andrews, Maurice Gainen, Dewey Bunnell, Timothy B. Schmit, Randell Kirsch & Michael Campion.
Available from © Magic Records, France/Original release year: 2002
Jeff Larson -
Fragile Sunrise
"Japanese version"
The Tracks are: Place Where I Belong, Watershed Girl, Norman, Faraway Mary, Halfmoon Bay, Another Slight Addiction, Changing Colors, Sparkle To It, Heavy Rain, Some Ancient Memory, Filed Of May, Norman -Producers Commentary (Bonus Track), Rocket (Bonus Track) & Heavy Rain - instrumental (Bonus Track).
Musicians on the Fragile Sunrise album: Jeff Larson, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Gary Griffin, Steve (Big Jim) Arnold, Erik (Uncle Bad) Andrews, Maurice Gainen, Dewey Bunnell, Timothy B. Schmit, Randell Kirsch & Michael Campion.
Available from © Victor Records, Japan/Original release year: 2002
Jeff Larson -
Fragile Sunrise
"New album from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Place Where I Belong, Watershed Girl, Norman, Faraway Mary, Halfmoon Bay, Another Slight Addiction, Changing Colors, Sparkle To It, Heavy Rain, Some Ancient Memory, Filed Of May & Norman.
Musicians on the Fragile Sunrise album: Jeff Larson, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Gary Griffin, Steve (Big Jim) Arnold, Erik (Uncle Bad) Andrews, Maurice Gainen, Dewey Bunnell, Timothy B. Schmit, Randell Kirsch & Michael Campion.
Available from © New Surf Records/Original release year: 2003
Jeff Larson -
Sepia
"Sepia from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Windblown Mind, What About My Dreams, Cryin', Getting Into Yesterday, Seeing Red, Suburban Lawns, Hazy Sunshine, Nothing On You, Broken Heart Smile, Blur, Never Enough Time & Getting Into Yesterday (Acoustic - Bonus).
Musicians on the Fragile Sunrise album: Jeff Larson, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, Gary Griffin, Stuart Smith, Erik Andrews, Jeff Foskett, Randell Kirsch.
Available from © JVC Victor Entertainment/Original release year: 2004
Jeff Larson -
Sepia
"US release of the Sepia album"
The Tracks are: Windblown Mind, What About My Dreams, Cryin', Getting Into Yesterday, Seeing Red, Suburban Lawns, Hazy Sunshine, Nothing On You, Broken Heart Smile, Blur, Never Enough Time & Getting Into Yesterday (Acoustic Mix).
Musicians on the Fragile Sunrise album: Jeff Larson, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, Gary Griffin, Stuart Smith, Erik Andrews, Jeff Foskett, Randell Kirsch.
Available from © New Surf Records/Original release year: 2004
Jeff Larson -
Two Part Confessional
"New release from Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: Looking At December, Maybe Cascade Idaho, A Better Day, The Way Outside, Play Through & Only Green.
Musicians on the Two Part Confessional album: Jeff Larson, Gerry Beckley and others.
Available from © New Surf Records/Original release year: 2006
Jeff Larson -
Swimming In The Make Believe
"Take a swim with Jeff Larson"
The Tracks are: You Remind Me On The Sun, Play Through, A Faraway Girl, Southaways, I′ll Be Gone, Summer Fades, Hand Me Down, Something Of Magritte, Under The Weather, Rain On Me In The Rain, She Has To Know By Now, Leaving California & Summer Fades (Alternate Version) (Hidden Track).
Musicians on the Swimming In The Make Believe album: Jeff Larson, Jeffrey Foskett, Randell Kirsch, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Bob Ramsey, Dave Raven, Ryland Steen, Robert Lamm & Dewey Bunnell.
Available from © New Surf Records/Original release year: 2006
Jeff Larson -
Swimming In The Make Believe
"Japanese release"
The Tracks are: You Remind Me On The Sun, Play Through, A Faraway Girl, Southaways, I′ll Be Gone, Summer Fades, Hand Me Down, Something Of Magritte, Under The Weather, Rain On Me In The Rain, She Has To Know By Now, Leaving California, (When You) Christmas Fades (Bonus Track) & A Better Day (w/Gerry Beckley, b-mix) (Bonus Track).
Musicians on the Swimming In The Make Believe album: Jeff Larson, Jeffrey Foskett, Randell Kirsch, Hank Linderman, Gerry Beckley, Bob Ramsey, Dave Raven, Ryland Steen, Robert Lamm & Dewey Bunnell.
Available from © JVC Victor/Original release year: 2006
Jeff Larson -
New Antiques
"Limited acoustic release"
The Tracks are: Hapless Sky, Waiting For The Mail, Carbon, Morning ´Til Noon, At The Depot, I Don´t Mind The Rain, Coldwinds, Force Of A Smile, Morris Air, This Frequency & Coffe At Midnight.
Musicians on the Swimming In The Make Believe album: Jeff Larson and others.
Available from © Jeff Larson, CDBaby.com/Original release year: 2007
Jeff Larson -
Left Of A Dream
"New from Larson"
The Tracks are: Wake Up, Anywhere She Goes, Ghost Of San Miguel, Red To Rust, Threat Of Rain, Where Is Indio CA, Karen, Whereabouts Unknown, California Rail, Presiding Over Ruins, Easy On Me, Child´s Play, San Miguel Reprise & Be Here Anyway.
Musicians on the Swimming In The Make Believe album: Jeff Larson and others.
Available from © Jeff Larson Music/Original release year: 2008
Jeff Larson -
Heart Of The Valley
"Visit the valley"
The Tracks are: Heart Of The Valley, Sudden Soldier, Airport Smiles, Minus Marci, Calling, One Way Ticket, Five Mile Road, Southern Girl, Two People At Once, Wishing Well & One Lit Window.
Musicians on the Heart Of The Valley album: Jeff Larson and others.
Available from © Human Nature/Original release year: 2009
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