Artist: Jeffrey Halford and the Healers
Album: West Towards SouthJeffrey Halford sings with the grittiness of Johnny Cash, and plays guitar like a modern day Merle Haggard. The powerful honest songwriting combined with the tangible blues rock / Americana energy is what sets this band apart from others in the genre. On the track "Deeper Than Hell" we get a small taste of an album that speaks volumes to music lovers from all walks of life. Growing up in Texas, Halford listened to Roger Miller, and artists like George Thorogood, Gregg Allman, Los Lobos, and Etta James. He started street performing at a young age which helped him hone his craft, and meet other musicians that he later played for including Mississippi Johnny Waters, Sonny Lane, and JJ Malone. For the last 25 years and counting Jeffrey has been touring the country and performing with his band The Healers, which is evident on their latest record "West Towards South", full of rich musicianship and the powerful bonds of a band who've stuck it out, seen the world, and continue to create beautiful music and stories to share on stage.
"Deeper Than Hell" begins with a moody, southern swampy soundscape, creating a tension that is soon relieved with a jazzy rockabilly beat and Halford's smooth vocals. "I've got a premonition that this might not end well," Halford sings, setting up the premise that trouble is imminent, but at the same time, that he's not afraid. The rhythm section is tight and shuffles along through each section. Halford's guitar leading and driving the energy with each refrain. Backing vocals throughout the song lend beautiful to Halford's voice and really puts the spotlight on the melody and lyrics. Overall this is a fantastic song, from what's to be an equally fantastic release from Jeffrey Halford and The Healers, "West Towards South". You can listen on Soundcloud here. 