Review of Just Passing Through by Jeff O'Kelley
Southeast Performer Magazine, Shawn M. Haney
"just passing through" is a watershed in Southern rock Americana, a soulful, autobiographical work full of witty compositions, delightful instrumentation and introspective lyrics. Jeff O'Kelley presents eleven graceful tunes, touching moods of all parts of the palette. The colorization of each individual song is full of vibrant charm, refreshing and merry at times, with dabs of darker imagery mixed in between. In the end, the overall message of this record seems to partake a characteristic of the power of victory in life, joyous times made, memories rekindled and relationships broken, only to be repaired again and brought back to unmistakable life. The melodies are warm, and the lyrics are broad-based and hymn-like. With a great sense of emotional resonance, each tune deliver a gripping theme the listener can and should relate to, themes that are easily appealing and music that is simply performed and clearly presented. O'Kelley tackles his experiences of his travels on "Lost Again" and "Highwayman," a spiritual side in "Save Me," and the complex makeup of relationships in "Too Late" and "Talk to Me." The songwriting craft is mature and complete, and the structure fully devised for immediate impact. The production by Don Dixon and Jamie Hoover is above average, and the packaging depicting the group on the road is somewhat appealing, nevertheless a portrait of their days as musicians laying out their lives for the musical high life. One can learn a lot from a few listens of this record. "Big Mistake" can bring one to terms situations that feel strange or uncomfortable in life, those that turn out to be quite big mistakes. Hoover provides an embellished blues, southern rock feel on electric guitars, while providing bass, Hammond organs, and various other toys. Chris Garges lays out crafty percussion, and Don Dixon stays true with moving upright bass, keyboards, backing vocals. "Crucified" puts a lid on the project, a meditative piece narrated by O'Kelley the soul searcher. Quite a musical piece of art for this group collectively and a rather enjoyable listen.
Mr. Jeff "Hiatt" O'Kelley! Whats up pal! Really looking forward to my trip to Tampa bro. Playing alongside ya. Hope all is well and you're muse is moving along great. Say hi to Priscilla for me.
