The great Jeff Root

So here is a little post on the wunderkind of Westminster, Massachusetts, the fantabulous Jeff Root. Without Jeff, I am sure that I would not have had the nerve to do this project.

Jeff is fine musician, a multi-instrumentalist and talented songwriter who has 6 albums of original music to his credit. You can find out more about him at www.jeffroot.com.

More than anything, I trust Jeff for the sensitivity of his ears. The man can hear music deeply in a way that few people can. When you play a song for Jeff he might suggest a specific instrument. For my song "Heaven Can't Help You" from the "Gemini Rising" release, he immediately heard his friend Rob Carlson on lapsteel. Brilliant. We we recorded the cello for the title track, Jeff could lean over to the keyboard and say "try this harmony" and play it. My friend Rick Cooper just told me that one of his rockin' numbers Jeff got inspired to add a Jerry Lee Lewis piano part and just did it!

I've known Jeff for several years. We met at local open mics, and little by little I became aware that Jeff was producing folks at his studio, The Root Cellar. He encouraged me to let him try to produce a song or two for me; I was dubious because he seemed to be a little on the "rock n roll" side and I was a stuck up folkie. I wondered if he could give my music the sound I wanted. WRONG! Now that I have worked with Jeff, I am amazed at his facility to latch on to, and produce any genre. When working on an old-timey tune, Jeff smiled a bit as he wrapped his guitar playing around it saying it wasn't his usual style - but then he played a great part. He just had to get those magical ears focused and he was good to go.

Many of us in the Massachusetts/New Hampshire music scene owe a great debt to Jeff Root. He understands more than some folks the value of what he does. He brings to fruition the hopes and dreams of musicians both big and small (in terms of experience and goals) and delivers an artistic product that brings a small shiver of joy to any musician's heart.

In addition, he is just a great guy. He collaborates well with people and brings a sense of fun and joy to all he does. Jeff is playing guitar for me on the Seven Songs Project and I couldn't be happier to have him. He is so enthused about the project that he went out and bought a "Recording" light so that the audience will know when we are in production! He is going to place it on one of his famous mannequins that adorn his office space.

So, come on down to The Bull Run on Oct 14th for fun and frolic, courtesy of the Rootman! I know I intend to!