MIKE BAIRD, MATT LAUG, & ED EBLEN: Drums/Percussion
SKIP EDWARDS:Piano, B3, Wurlitzer
LEE THORNBURG & JERRY PETERSON:Horns
DAVE "THE WEAPON" PEPIN: Production/Engineering
Influences
GUITAR: Danny Gatton, Roy Buchanan, Albert Lee, Dave Edmunds, Richard Thompson, Kenny Burrell, BB King, Clarence White, Reggie Young, James Burton, Joe DiOrio, George Harrison, Mike Campbell.....I could go on all day.
SONGWRITING: Tom Petty, Dwight Yoakam, John Hiatt, Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, Don Henley, Marshall Crenshaw, Lennon & McCartney, Bruce Springsteen....I could go on for another whole day.
Sounds Like
What would happen if Tom Petty, John Hiatt, and Dave Edmunds threw a party in Danny Gatton's backyard?
Hovering just above Jere Mendelsohn’s shoulder on the cover of his new CD, Triple Double Take, is a hazy image of a Mystery Girl. Is she a muse? A modern-day Venus? The one that got away? All of the above?
“I’m basically a romantic at heart,” says Jere in regards to his songwriting. “One way or another I get around to writing about love, romance, relationships, lust, or some combination of those themes. I think it’s in our nature to yearn, dream, and fantasize, so maybe the Mystery Girl represents everything from the schoolboy crush, to the long-term relationship, to the ones that didn’t’ work out.”
Over the course of 14 memorable tracks, Mendelsohn runs the emotional gamut, from the yearning of Rainey and Back To Sleep, to the humorous resignation of Falling Out Of Love With You and If You Think You're Lonely Now. There's a sly, jazzy sensuality to Original Sin, and sorrow and fatalism in Swimming To The Surface. Impeccably produced by Dave Pepin for dpnumber 80 Productions, Triple Double Take highlights Jere’s soulful vocals and the melodic, searing guitar work for which he is recognized by other players and audiences all over Southern California. Throughout, Jere is supported by some of the finest musicians in LA: Mike Baird (Journey, Steely Dan), Matt Laug (Slash’s Snakepit, Mike Campbell), and Ed Eblen (Nashville session/touring) on drums and percussion; session aces Taras Prodaniuk (Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams) and Brian Netzley on bass; Skip Edwards (Dwight Yoakam, Desert Rose Band, Roy Orbison) keyboards, and Lee Thornburg (Tower of Power, Tonight Show band) and Jerry Peterson (Billy Vera, Teresa James) on horns.
An admitted “sucker for a good melody,” Mendelsohn is grateful to have access to such accomplished and sympathetic players. “I’ve been through my ‘gunslinger’ period as a guitar player, trying to mow the audience down with speed and skill. Zappa used to refer to them as ‘gnat notes.’ But I really love the way guys like George Harrison and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty’s lead guitar player) play to the song rather than simply exploit their technical abilities. That’s what I was shooting for on this album, and it’s certainly what every other player brought to the music. It’s the most intense fun I’ve ever had working on a project.” Rather than make a an all-instrumental album, Mendelsohn asserts “I wanted to craft something that would appeal to a wide audience, people who believe that songs really matter, who remember having favorite 45s or album cuts they love. I still love the thrill of hearing a song for the first time, the one you just totally get on every level.”
Asked about his inspirations, Jere replies, “I listen to writers such as Petty, John Hiatt, Richard Thompson, Don Henley, Springsteen, Nick Lowe, Mark Knopfler... guys who can get you in the gut and the head. They're literate; they can get serious, funny, sad, whatever, but they never write down to their audiences. They’re always reaching for something higher. And they rock. That’s what I’m shooting for, too.”
Mendelsohn admits, “Like lots of other ‘guitar geeks,’ I picked up the guitar because it captured my imagination, and frankly, there weren’t many other things I could do well. I thought it might improve my social standing, too, especially with girls.” On Triple Double Take, does the hero finally get the Mystery Girl? “People who've seen the cover ask who she is,” Mendelsohn laughs. “You gotta listen to the tunes- she’s somewhere in all of them. Sometimes I get her, sometimes I don’t. And if I lose her, at least I get to keep my guitar.”
Hey Jere, Wanted to drop by and show you some LOVE- I need alot of cd's to sell for you! You're much wanted in my areas....(stop laughing!) HUGZ I'll email ya with the info. k?
Make sure you get some of that free BBQ on Sunday, brother.... I'll try & get over there for a hang. What days are you there? I have a new page up for this new roots trio I'm doing.... here's the address www. myspace. com/thefulltones ...should have some music up for it next week...
Jere, Thanks for sending out the new CD...Triple Double Take. EXCELLENT tunes, super production and fantastic instrumentation. I really really enjoy your playing style and tone.
Hey Jere, Loving your CD. "Love Ain't the Only Thing" , "Queen of Sheba" are two of my fave's. Can't wait to 10 step to "Shake Your Hair Down". Love your music and your lyrics. Can I have your autograph?? (Before you become rich and famous and leave all your lowly friends behind). Love ya, Shelley : )
I'm confused. Is a 'triple double take' three double takes, i.e. a 'sextuple take'? Or is it merely a third take appended to an existing double take? But wouldn't that be a triple take? Or is it some combination of the above?
Happy New Year, to you and your multi-talented schmekel!
With the arrival of your new CD (yes, before Christmas) I share Steve Martin's enthusiasm for the new phone book. I had high hopes, but you've exceeded any and all expectations. I'm in the midst of my first (of many) listens, but couldn't wait to tell you how overjoyed I am with the results of your efforts.
Reading over your influences and aspirations, and being a huge fan of those who've inspired you, you've not only met your goals, but made them proud.
That said, I can only imagine how easy (just kidding) this must have been for you being supported and surrounded by only the best. You couldn't have accomplished more. I only hope that you can appreciate the end product through all of your sweat and tears (and my bitching and whining).
Okay now, you had to know this was coming, when's your next disc coming out? The one thing about all musicians is that in exchange for your immortality we never let you rest.
You leave me rocking and a reeling. With the exception of the lack of vinyl smell, this brings back memories of all those years of opening my latest Beatle album at Christmas.
Hey Jere, You're an amazing player with tone to die for.....keep up the great work but give us other geeetar slingers a chance to catch up just a little! haha
Hey Jere- Great infomercial! You look and sound great... THANKS FOR THE AGKNOWLEDGEMENT ON THE CD! I HAD A BLAST-AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT! THE CD IS FANTASTIC-SOUNDS BETTER EVERYTIME I LISTEN. YOU'RE LIKE A FINE WINE-YOU ONLY GET BETTER WITH TIME! HUGZ AND LOVE MY FRIEND... Steph....
