Search - Jeff Healey :: Adventures in Jazzland

Jeff's Gone...

SonzTwin | Orlando, FL | 03/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... but his music will surely live on.



It was in shock and with great sadness that I found out Jeff passed away in the beginning of March, 08, succumbing to the cancer that took his sight. Being an ex-pat Canadian living in the U.S., I'm quite out of touch with 'news that matter'. So I had to find out listening to NPR last Saturday that Jeff's passed on. A quick search on Amazon told me that he's got a couple of jazz albums out!!! THAT'S how out of touch I've been. First order of business, then, was to order this CD.



I don't imagine there are too many rock/blues fans of Jeff's who appreciate jazz as well, especially the brand of traditional, early 20th century repertoire that Jeff favours - you know, someone to whom the name "Preservation Hall" means something without first googling or wiki-ing it. But it was with a little trepidation that I slid the CD into my car stereo.



I needn't have worried. The greatest compliment I could pay Jeff (and his band) is to say that, if you didn't know any better, you'd think he's been playing this music - and nothing else - his entire life. Whether it's his audacious trumpet playing or Django-esque guitars, Jeff fits right in. What struck me the most about this music is how free and JOYOUS it is - to the point where, I haven't even finished listening to the album yet, and I'm already writing this review. I want the world to know what we've lost, and that it's still not too late to get acquainted with a man who possessed an awe-inspiring talent. So what is it about unsighted people and music, anyway?! With Jeff, and Stevie, and Art, and Ray, a guy is really tempted to gouge his eyes out!



I'm just so thankful I got this CD. Hey, Jeff: I hope that, one day, I'll see you in Heaven, even if I know I don't belong."