Jefferson Grizzard

Georgia native Jefferson Grizzard is best described as either a "poetic singer/songwriter with his roots in American Rock" or "'65 Dylan and the Hawks meet Cohen and Petty." And the proof is in the music throughout Learning How to Lie, his sophomore effort which runs the gamut from rocking tunes ("Long Time Coming") to ballads ("Lorelei"), and also strikes a chord lyrically (especially the title track, which offers commentary on the human condition).  

Following much critical acclaim, a successful tour and door-opening responses to his 2011 debut album, A Crack in the Door, Grizzard crafted more than 30 songs for the new release on Back Porch Syndicate Records. And the album (which is available on CD, 180g audiophile vinyl, and as a download at iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby) is already receiving praise from his peers, including singer-songwriter vet Willie Nile, who described it as “Brilliant new CD by Jefferson Grizzard. Thunder and lightning in letters from the underground. Strangers and outcasts learning how to lie in the search for truth and salvation. Tom Waits meets the Stones at the Heartbreak Hotel. Great album.” Another supporter of Grizzard's is Abby Montgomery (of radiomavens.com and getready4radio.com) - "Love it!! He's so unique - like a cross between John Lennon and Bob Dylan...lots of social commentary mixed with awesome orchestration and good ole rock n roll."  

Recorded at famed Ocean Way Studios on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee, an impressive array of collaborators were assembled to be a part of the project. Award-winning arranger Jerry Yester (Tom Waits, Tim Buckley, The Association) contributes his signature string and horn stylings to several of the tracks. Nashville’s legendary McCrarys (Bob Dylan, Michael McDonald, Eric Church, Mike Farris) grace the recording with their distinctive background vocals. And rock veteran Jimmy Hall (Jeff Beck, Wet Willie, Hank Williams, Jr.) makes an appearance on “In the Fall” with his harmonica. Grizzard has also hooked up with famed director, Matt Mahurin, to film a great new video for the title track of the album. Mahurin's track record speaks for itself - directing such classic videos over the years as the Black Crowes' "She Talks to Angels," Queensryche's "Silent Lucidity," Metallica's "The Unforgiven," and Alice in Chains' "Angry Chair," among others.  

Criss-crossing the U.S. for much of the last year, including acclaimed shows at New York’s lauded Bitter End, Grizzard’s riveting live performances continue to earn him glowing reviews and devoted new converts. And Grizzard will launch further US and European tours in 2014-2015 to support the new album. And for new fans curious about Grizzard's live show, expect an amazing, live rock band; and a frontman who presents the experience as more a narrator than simply a singer - a true reciter of words infused with music. And despite Learning How to Lie still being brand new, Grizzard is wasting little time preparing a follow-up. In fact, his third record overall is already underway, and is currently in the demo/pre-production phase. The singer-songwriter style/genre is certainly alive and well, as evidenced by the success of such artists as Wilco and Ryan Adams, while such veteran artists as Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen are enjoying the biggest commercial success of their entire careers. And also, promising new artists such as Jefferson Grizzard.