Dave Huffman - rhythm guitar, lead vocals, magician
Bobby - lead guitar, backing vocals, sitar, tuba
THE MIXTAPE BANDITS
Blaine Dillinger (Lead Guitar, Keys)
Adam Gilbert (Sax, Keys, flute, steel drums, harmonica)
John Gregory (Bass/Organic Vegetbale Farmer)
Derek Graber (Drums, percussion)
Influences
Good things, bad things, weird things, Dave's relationship with his wife (75% of the songs are about her), dogs, religion (or lack thereof), our families, and magic (defined differently per band member)
After spending the better part of three years touring the Midwest and releasing albums as an acoustic trio, Jakob Freely felt the time was right to fill out their sound. Taking some time off the road, the boys added backing band The Mixtape Bandits, wrote and rehearsed new material, and in late September, ducked back into 3 Elliott Studio in Athens, OH to record their third studio release Look Both Ways.
With producer/engineer Josh Antonuccio at the helm (Bradley Hathaway, Southeast Engine), the boys kept their original focus on melody with a new goal to produce full, engaging songs. "This was the first time we had the money to do exactly what we wanted in the studio without watching the clock..." says Dave "so we took our time for once."
A 12 song LP, Look Both Ways has 8 brand new songs, alongside 4 previously released and reworked tunes. "There were a few songs we didn't feel were completed or represented correctly, so we really thought it was best to re-work them." Bobby says. Sitting amongst the 4 previously released tunes is crowd favorite sing-a-long Dogfarm which was previously released as an acoustic version on the Elliot EP (Dogfarm Records).
"Dogfarm is definitely a rock song now..." Dave laughs.
The record also has a few cameos, most notable of which is Fuzzy Sammuels who has shared the stage and been employed by the likes of CSNY, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton to name a few. "He was actually the bass player for CSNY's song Ohio..." Dave states. "Pretty surreal...it was nice to have his input."
Thus far the biggest highlight of the new material seems to be the stompy alt/country feel of Underground, written after the boys split with their former management. "We love those guys to death and they're still dear friends, but this song is really the anti-thesis of everything they wanted us to be, " Bobby says
Upon receiving the tracks from Jeff Lipton at Peerless Mastering (Wilco, Soul Asylum) Freely will be releasing the album initially on their own label Dogfarm Records. Plans are also in place to hunt for additional label support and to hit the road heavy again in the Summer on a 25 city tour to promote the release. Stops include several Ohio cities alongside Minneapolis, Chicago, Nashville, Knoxville, and Asheville, N.C. to name a few. "We'll be sleeping in the van a lot, or our cars if we can't find a van...." Dave adds.
For more information or to preview songs from the album, visit JakobFreely.com.
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ALL COPIES OF THE NEW ALBUM "LOOK BOTH WAYS" NEED A GOOD HOME. HERE'S WHAT SOME PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ALBUM:
"Fans will be surprised at the new electric feel to some of Jakob Freely's old favorites. The once acoustic “Always Coming By” starts out similarly, but as the first chorus ends the song explodes with a robust electric guitar riff, practically knocking fans out of their seats. Title track “Look Both Ways” has a stronger, smoother backdrop, producing just a bit more enthusiasm. “Chase” and “Don’t Push” are two never before recorded tracks on the album that successfully blend the old acoustic Jakob Freely with the rock'n'roll vibe of The Mixtape Bandits."
-Kelly Vormelker Speakeasy Online Magazine
"Best of all is "Underground." Over a beat with a skip in its step, the band breaks out a symphony of oohs and ahs, multilayered guitars and countless hidden sounds that emerge with each new listen. It all coalesces into a shimmering pop outro that no one could confuse with the work of a patchouli-scented acoustic duo."
STILL HAVEN'T PURCHASED JF'S 2007 RELEASE? READ
WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT THE "ELLIOT EP:"
"With 'The Elliot EP,' Jakob Freely show off their most sophisticated arrangements and best songwriting to date. It's the most addictive CD I've gotten this year."
- Brian Butts Cincinnati.com
"This album blends eclectic sounds into a well-paced alternative indie mix.
I was quite impressed and even added the first track to my computer in my
'blast the speakers to keep you motivated' folder. I'm sure we all have
one of those. If you have yet to select a track to promote as a single, I
would definately suggest the first track. I loved it!"
- Jennifer Blix CD 101 Columbus, OH
"The record, as a whole, leaves listeners with an unshakable, optimistic feeling. The energetic nature of each hit will instantly shake away any bad mood."
- Kelly Vormelker SpeakEasy Magazine
"Invokes the better days of Soul Asylum's Dave Pirner, in terms of writing serious, intelligent pop songs that you can play on an acoustic guitar"
-The Other Paper
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What a pleasant surprise it was to see you in Athens last night! and to think.....I wasn't even going to go in that bar.............I'm still smiling ( with a huge headache, and the lingering taste of vomit,) but it was worth it all the while!
Yep that was me!! Carie talks about the Freely Fest all the time. I'm her Dayton Friend. Hope to go to her hometown sometime and see the Freely Fest. Take Care JMTB
Springtime ... time for some fun in the sun and some ROCK & ROLL! If you think it's a bit too loud just turn it up some more to be absolutely sure - BTL ;-)
haha - its going well man. It keeps me busy in my "spare" time from work if there is such a thing working at E&Y. We have had alot of success when I played and since Ive been back coaching but we have our work cut out for us this next year or two trying to replace 7 seniors and a couple all americans!
Loving the songs fellas, Ill have to get you to do a show in Columbus sometime!!
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