"Jive White Boy has branded himself as a unique, credible songwriter. Knives That Stab Your Face is a record that flies by, in a good way. Back to back to back, these songs compliment and build off each other, brandishing some lucid licks with an underbelly of deep hurt. Songs like the titular opener, and the somber, beautiful “Slowly” possess the kind of maturity and depth of a seasoned veteran." - Matthew Cohen of "Delusions of Adequacy"
"The world needs more people with DIY aesthetics who are out to buck the system, not for their share of the economic pie, but because they want to prove that there are other paths available than that provided by the “powers that be.”
This is the spirit evinced by Jive White Boy, the musical creation of Portland, OR-based singer/songwriter Brian Senesac, on his debut project - Knives That Stab Your Face. True, his brand of white-boy-acoustic-soul music might not change the world, but it could change his street and neighborhood, and that’s exactly the point. The subject matter of his songs are replete with ruminations on familiar topics – the pains of adolescence and growing up, struggles against the machine that is the daily grind, and concerns with family life – but the transparency of his lyrics, not to mention the honest warmth of his voice, keep the songs from dipping too deeply into cliché." - Dryvetymeonlyne.com
"Over the Christmas Holidays, I received a gift in my inbox in the form of Portland indie-folk/rock artist Jive White Boy’s album Knives That Stab Your Face. What I found was an original and completely unexpected sound that stayed with me long after listening. The song I chose to highlight is the title track from the album. What struck me most about this song was how powerful it was with such a simple ensemble of instruments and effects. The uniqueness of the delivery and the weaving of the harmonies creates a song that completely sucks you in by the 2:00 mark." - bowlingstone.com
"Passionate and original, Brian Senesac is a a talented guy. If there's any cosmic justice, you'll be sure to hear more of Jive White Boy around Portland clubs in the future." - Jeremy Wilson of the Maston Music Hour Podcast
"Knives, in many ways, is a record of the same caliber as Counting Crow's "August & Everything After" and Bill Fox's "Shelter From the Smoke". Translation, an important record. Its always a promising sign when an artist leaves a profound impression on us with a minimal amount of elements. Further, when they do this via standard elements used in non-standard ways. In this sense, Jive White Boy is a significant sign of the times." - Chano Santamaria (songwriter and blogist)
"If you're one of those people who enjoy rainy
days and looking out the window wondering about life, then I say you NEED
this album." - andy of biggestletdown.com
For booking and general consultation, contact me at jivewhiteboy@gmail.com.
How is the 2nd record coming along? We're looking forward to it. Have been enjoying the new material. 1775 has a post-Motown Marvin Gaye feel to it. Haven't been able to pinpoint exactly what does this, but haunting & tragic like his later records (e.g. Dream of a Lifetime). Cool to hear the Jive White Boy sound developing. Saludos.
Four more little sonic gems for your August pleasure are now available on the site. Blitzen Trapper, Boulder Acoustic Society, Jay Brannan and The Wiyos. Yet another fine quartet even though we say so ourselves as picked them out.
