(Bozart Records) Jeff Talmadge is an Austin based singer/songwriter. Others, like Guy Clark or the late Townes Van Zandt might be more well known, and newer up-and-comers like Slaid Cleaves might currently be getting more media attention. Jeff Talmadge, however, goes about his craft without much fanfare, putting out album after album of finely crafted songs that rightly rate up there with any of the aforementioned singer/songwriters. Jeff was born in Uvalde, Texas and spent his life growing up in a string of small towns throughout Texas, a life he often draws his inspiration from.

Grace, Gravity And The Moon is Jeff's fourth release and joining him in the studio are: Bradley Kopp (guitars, backing vocals), Glenn Fukunaga (bass), Paul Pearcy (percussion, drums), Peter Keane (guitars), Karen Mal (backing vocals, guitars), Michael Hardwick (dobro), Richard Bowden (violin, mandolin), Chip Dolan (accordion, piano), Rich Brock (harmonica), Randy McCullough and Lorrie Singer (backing vocals).

Tales of love's broken dreams and regrets, both bitter and achingly bittersweet are told in "Photograph," "All The Things That She'll Miss," "Everything I Know," and "If I'd Have Known You Were Coming." On the flip side, Jeff uses the imagery of the highway as a backdrop to a set of uptempo songs ("Interstate Blues," "Little Dress" and "Beyond The Headlights") that convey the message that wherever the road takes us on life's journey, it eventually always leads back home. In the powerful "House On Fire," Jeff uses vivid imagery to whip up the desperation felt when faced with making hard choices. He uses a more up-tempo approach to living with one's choices in the toe tapper, "Chasing Grace." The melancholy "Inside The Brackets" looks at the damage done by words left unspoken. Quietly aching, "Rose Tattoo" reflects on not being able to change the past, while the poignant "Alfred" is a tale of an old man's sorrow filled wish to remember faded memories for something to hold on to. The album closes with "I Held A Penny" in which Jeff leaves us with the message that life deals the cards and it's best to play the hand you're dealt the best you can.

On Gravity, Grace And The Moon, Jeff Talmadge manages to touch all sides of emotion as he weaves his stories of fading memories, regrets, sorrow, hopes, dreams and of finding, if not always joy, contentment right under your nose. He creates a moodiness of dusty plains, long stretches of lonesome highway and time worn memories through simple yet profound lyrics, gentle and earthy melodies delivered with the right balance of homey, acoustic arrangements and Jeff's own warm, relaxed vocals. Gravity, Grace And The Moon is a sterling effort by one of the finest singer/songwriters around today, one who's well deserving of far greater recognition.     

Standout Tracks: "Photograph," "House On Fire," "All The Things That She'll Miss," "If I'd Known You Were Coming," "Rose Tattoo," "Alfred"

On The Net: www.jefftalmadge.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack July 2004