The roots of rock and roll stretch back to the rootsy, bluesy Americana music that developed in the cities, fields, shacks and bayous of America. One of the best musicians keeping this bit of Americana live is Texas-born Jeffrey Halford, who will be appearing with his band The Healers on Saturday, June 27 at Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles. Halford grew up in Los Angeles, listening to the music of Howlin’ Wolf, the Doors and also admiring the poetry that many songs were based upon.
Jeffrey’s music is unadorned and gets back to the basics; a driving beat, blues-inflected music and songs that say something. Indeed, that is one of Jeffrey’s strongest points, writing songs that harken back to when music told a story or described a feeling. Add in his distinctive hollow-body electric guitar sound accented by excellent Dobro-style slide guitar playing and you have a song like Lost Highway from Rainmaker that really defines tha sound of early rock ‘n’ roll.
Jeffrey Halford digs into the roots of his music to create an authentic, blues based rock and roll stew. Adding to the sound currently is the Farfisa Organ, a staple of ’60s rock and roll with its distinctive sound. Coupled with his guitar, reminiscent of Eddie Cochran’s full, rich Gretsch guitar sound and and you have an authentic American sound that’s hard to beat.
Jeffrey Halford and the Healers will be appearing Saturday as part of their Rainmaker Summer 2015 Tour in support of their fine album, Rainmaker. Genghis Cohen is located at 740 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles. Showtime is 9:30 p.m., with tickets $12. Info for the show can be obtained by calling (323) 653-0640 or going to www.Genghiscohen.com. Joining Jeffrey onstage for this show is San Francisco-based singer-songwriter Peter Rudy.
