JEFF LARSON - Heart Of The Valleyhttp://www.notlame.com/CDLARSON5.htmlJEFF LARSON - Heart Of The ValleyJEFF LARSON - Heart Of The ValleyNEW STUDIO ALBUM FROM JEFF LARSON! Jeff Larson does not make duds and with him partnering with America`s Gerry Beckley, you know the standards are high. Essentially, this a project of Beckley and Larson together. <p> "After the refreshing "Left of a Dream", Jeff Larson comes back with a new album "Heart of the Valley". This time, Jeff worked in collaboration with Gerry Beckley (America) to write 11 new songs which will please all lovers of breezy soft rock sound. There isn`t a single weak track on the album. It`s filled with awesome acoustic guitars, interesting lyrics, sweet vocals, lush harmonies and memorable melodies. Gerry already participated on several Jeff`s album in the past but "Heart of the Valley" is more like a common project... like Jeff Larson meeting America. Gerry and Jeff share the lead vocals on "Sudden Soldier", one of my favorite song of the album where we feel the two musicians performing with the same level of music passion and feeling. "Heart of the Valley" special guests include Dewey Bunnell (the other half of America) Rich Campbell, Jeff Foskett and Rusty Young (Poco). A classic pop album in both style and substance." - West Coast Music. Every new year is sure to bring many new, exciting events for music fans and one of them is always the appearance of a new Jeff Larson project! <p> <Last year I wrote when reviewing Larson`s last disc that "we all know the cliche about death and taxes being the only certainties, but there`s another one to add to the list: about once a year, Jeff Larson will release a quality disc of laid-back California pop in the vein of America, Dan Fogelberg and The Eagles and make it sound effortless." With Beckley`s help, he`s done it again. The title track sets the template for the disc: an easygoing melody, fine singing from Larson and backing vocals from Beckley. "Sudden Soldier" is more in the vein of upbeat America, a la "You Can Do Magic", and "Minus Marci" (a Larson co-write) might be the album`s best track with its irresistible chorus, fine Larson-Beckley harmonizing and some quality guitar work. Elsewhere, "Calling" is a great rainy day ballad, "Five Mile Road" sounds as well-worn and rustic as its title, and Bunnell himself sings backup on "Southern Girl", making the America connection complete. Let`s face it: a Jeff Larson disc is a no-risk proposition. If you enjoyed his previous releases and/or a fan of America and/or a fan of the laid-back 70s California sound, you`ve got your album of the year."- Absolute Power Pop Blog. <p> "9 out of 10. The combination of Beckley`s songwriting and Larson`s sweet guitar/vocals are just magic together...I knew Jeff was getting close to his musical sweet spot with each successive album, and I think he`s found it here. It makes my top ten this year."- Power Pop Aholic. "Heart Of The Valley doesn`t try to change what made popster Jeff Larson popular, but emphasizes his artistic side with catchy songs and Valley-meets-Laurel Canyon sensibilities." - Huffington Post. <p> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson502.mp3"><img src="http://www.notlame.com/images/ear.jpg" width="20" border=0 alt="power pop, independent music"></a> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson502.mp3">Song #1</a> - mp3</p><p><p> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson504.mp3"><img src="http://www.notlame.com/images/ear.jpg" width="20" border=0 alt="power pop, independent music"></a> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson504.mp3">Song #2</a> - mp3</p><p><p> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson506.mp3"><img src="http://www.notlame.com/images/ear.jpg" width="20" border=0 alt="power pop, independent music"></a> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson506.mp3">Song #3</a> - mp3</p><p><p> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson510.mp3"><img src="http://www.notlame.com/images/ear.jpg" width="20" border=0 alt="power pop, independent music"></a> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson510.mp3">Song #4</a> - mp3</p><p><p> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson501.mp3"><img src="http://www.notlame.com/images/ear.jpg" width="20" border=0 alt="power pop, independent music"></a> <a href="http://www.notlame.com/audio/cdlarson501.mp3">Song #5</a> - mp3</p><p>http://www.notlame.com/JEFF_LARSON/Page_5/CDLARSON5.html