Jeff Buckley

the late great Jeff Buckley (1966-1997)

place of origin:

Orange County, California, U.S.A.

styles:

highly original sophisticated, romantic, passionate, elegant rock/pop

influences:

David Sylvian, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Television, Tim Buckley 

Grace (1995)

Sketches for My Sweetheart The Drunk (1998)

Mystery White Boy (2000)

personal quotes:

"Music is my mother...and my father...it is my work and my rest...my blood...my compass...my love."

-Jeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley's genius was well apparent by his earliest performances in New York clubs and coffee houses. By the time he'd unleashed his debut album, Grace (1995, Columbia), it was completely obvious that Buckley was one of his generation's finest singer/songwriters, pouring forth an elegant, impassioned brand of pop music draped in whoasome, lamenting lyrics and shadowy, ringing guitar shimmers. Completely original and always emotionally charged, Buckley could explode in the middle of any song at any point, stunning audiences and critics alike. This rush of brilliance was cut wickedly short when he met a premature death following an accident during an excursion on the Mississippi River. This unspeakable tragdey put an end to what could've been a long and astounding career. When listening to Grace one becomes so enamoured that thankfullness that he lived long enough to make this record comes to mind, rather than lamentations over his early death. Yet, when the situation is trully contemplated, it becomes clear what a devestating loss this was to the music world. Grace, in all its wealth of artistic accomplishment, represents an emryotic stage in Jeff Buckley's career. He could've unfettered a discography of surpassing genius. He could've made the greatest album of the 21st Century. He never shall.

Jeff Buckley was born in Orange County, California, the sun of renowed folk singer Tim Buckley. Although he barely knew his father, Jeff began playing in high school. Once graduated he moved to Los Angeles to study music, where he became involved in funk, pop and jazz groups, primarilly reggae innovators Shinehead. Aching for a purer, more elegant style, Buckley relocated to New York where he formed Gods & Monsters with distinctive guitarist Gary Lucas (who would later contribute "magicalguitarness" to Grace). The band's lifespan was short, and Buckley began crooning over an electric guitar in clubs and coffee houses across New York. His name grew prominent primarilly through word of mouth, and he soon found himself signing to Columbia Records. His first record, Live at Sin-e appeared in 1993, showcasing Buckley as he swooned audiences in clubs, alone with his electric guitar.

The debut record wouldn't even compare to the masterpiece that was Grace, an atmospheric plunge into emotionally charged elegant power like never before heard. Critics raved and salivated over the album for months and the single "Last Goodbye" became an instant alternative hit. Buckley had become a leading figure in 90's rock and respected universally by musicians abroad.

Following a tour which ended in 1995, Buckley made plans for his next album, which he'd already named My Sweetheart, The Drunk. He'd enlisted one of his greatest influences, Television's Tom Verlaine, to produce the record, although he abandoned the project in 1996. Locating to Memphis, Tenessee, in 1997, Buckley began recording the album. On the late night of May 29 the 30-year old Buckley sporadically decided to go swimming in the Mississippi river, leaping into its murky waves fully clothed. He soon dissappeared beneath the waters. A search quickly commenced and lasted into the morning, yet Buckley was gone. His body was found floating near the Beale Street area.

Official Jeff Buckley Site

The Impryan Emporium