Tuesday, May 29, 2012

“Close your eyes and fly”


Today is the 15th anniversary of Jeff Buckley's death. 

On May 29th, 1997, Jeff accidentally drowned during a spontaneous evening swim (fully clothed) in the Wolf River (Memphis, Tennessee), when he was caught in the wake of a passing boat. The world lost a beautiful soul that night. 

His career was cut short. Way too short. It's sometimes hard to believe that he only put out one complete studio album, 1994's "Grace". (He produced 3 earlier EPs, and posthumously released a few live albums and compilations). But "Grace" will always be his everlasting masterpiece. The entire album gives me goosebumps... and it's not just a passing thing; I get them every time I listen to it!! It is truly a beautiful, brilliant album. Jeff's soulful singing... he sang with passion and heart. He had the voice of an angel. When he sings, you feel it. You feel everything he's feeling (well, felt), it just hits you. The music... his guitar playing was absolutely incredible but so underrated. He played guitar in a variety of styles; distorted rock, jazz, country/folk, and at times, he incorporated a little funk in the mix ("Eternal Life"). Jeff was one of the most influential, and highly respected artists of his time, and even to this day. He really was one of  the greatest singers of his generation. This generation needs a Jeff Buckley, badly.

People often criticize his lack of sole song writing on the album. I don't even care if only three of the ten songs were solely written by Buckley... four of the others were co-written by him (the other three are cover songs). The album is flawless. I don't care who wrote what... FLAWLESS!! 

 If you do not know Jeff Buckley, let me introduce him to you now:  

My favorite JB song


Famously known for covering Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" (The BEST cover, in my opinion.)



* Songs NOT on "Grace" *





Rest In Peace, Jeffrey Scott Buckley (November 17, 1966- May 29, 1997)




Peace, Love, & Music,
Lizzy Lepp

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