Jeff Jensen has been a musical work in progress for over a decade, blending blues, soul, west coast swing and Americana into a mature sound that now defines his latest highly-anticipated release, Road Worn and Ragged. Having moved to Memphis, TN from Portland, Oregon just two years ago, Jeff immediately began touring with Beale Street staple, Brandon Santini and recently co-produced and co-wrote on Santini's acclaimed album This Time Another Year. Recording almost entirely live at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Jeff subtly emphasizes substance over hype, all the while never shying away from the extreme energy and honest emotion that he is well known for. On the heels of his last two highly acclaimed nationally distributed albums (Self-Titled-2007 & I'm Coming Home -2009) Road Worn and Ragged will be serviced to over 600 radio stations and media outlets. With an exciting mission to assemble the finest group of musicians, Jeff finds a powerhouse group of friends that share his passion for musical exploration. Complete with brand new fiery tracks like Brunette Woman and Crosseyed Cat to the risky emotional honesty of River Runs Dry, this album shows the progressive maturity of a consistently growing artist. Road Worn and Ragged features bassist Bill Ruffino, James Cunningham on drums, Chris Stephenson on organ and Wurlitzer, Brandon Santini on harmonica and 2013 BMA Winner Victor Wainwright on piano. Wainwright also co-wrote the swinging Raggedy Ann and produced four of Jeff's vocal tracks. The one and only Reverend Billy C. Wirtz even chipped in by co-writing the easy shuffle with stinging honesty, Good Bye Portland. Jeff don't chase any ghosts of Robert Johnson, or fall into the pitfalls of coming off gimmicky... He brings the goods with this no-nonsense production and I can't help but conclude that his songs were constructed for the express purpose of taking on and winning over an audience... something I greatly admire and something he and his band have the extreme talent to do! - Victor Wainwright (2013 BMA winner) Road Worn and Ragged Band Jeff Jensen - Vocals, Guitar Bill Ruffino - Bass James Cunningham - Drums Chris Stephenson - Organ --Special Guests-- Victor Wainwright - Piano Brandon Santini - Harmonica Jeff Jensen is not about playing the look at me, I'm a bluesman game, donning the ever popular black hat and jacket for that Jake & Elwood look. He may indeed dress that way from time to time but it has nothing to do with any sort of game. When it comes to the music, Jensen and all those associated with his band are all business. In the case of the Road Worn & Ragged Band, the core members are, of course Jensen on Guitar and vocals, Bill Ruffino on bass, James Cunningham on drums and Chris Stephenson on organ. They are joined by special guests Victor Wainwright on piano and Brandon Santini on harmonica. Jeff and a friend founded the Santa Clarita Blues Society in 2003 and traveled to Memphis for the 2004 IBC. He came home fired up to the max and the Jeff Jensen Band was formed in May of 2004. The band's self-titled was released in 2007. Their debut release was met with great reviews by some great sources. It hit both the Living Blues and the Roots Music charts that year. The band's second album, I'm Coming Home was released in 2009, hitting the Roots Music charts that same year. Jensen has since moved to Memphis and tours almost non-stop. Road Worn and Ragged is a solid blues album, about equally divided between covers and originals. The musicianship is flawless and the delivery is powerful and extremely passionate, making for an album that cuts straight through to the heart. When it comes to his music, Jensen is 100% serious. The band is solid as bands get. It is obvious that this is not just something they do for kicks on the weekend. The addition of Santini on harp and Victor Wainwright on piano is a nice touch, adding that little extra touch from time to time. When it comes to my favorite tune I lean strongly toward the original tunes. While Little Red Rooster and Crosseyed Cat
