About Jeff
Jeff has been a performing artist for over 20 years in various original and cover groups. From Glam Metal bands of the late '80's to Hard Rock and Metal bands through the '90's, to today writing songs from the heart with his wife Valarie.
Jeff has appeared as a guest artist on four recent Nox Arcana releases; Winter's Knight performing "Coventry Carol", Blood of the Dragon singing "Treasure of the Four Crowns", and Carnival of Lost Souls playing electric guitar on the secret track "Spellbound".
Just released 12/7/09 is the latest release Winter's Eve in which Jeff sings the title track. Check out the amazing music of Nox Arcana and the world of fantasy artist Joseph Vargo at both www.josephvargo.com and at www.noxarcana.com
A musician from the age of 9, Jeff started with piano and trumpet, the latter he played all through Jr. High and High School...until AC/DC blew him away in 1981 and he begged his parents for a guitar (and by the way, they said he'd "never stick with it!"). As the ledgend goes, Jeff saved his money and bought his first real six string from a second hand store....sounds a bit like a song, doesn't it...! Jeff is primarily self-taught since he already possessed the musical thoery knowledge. It was all about the mechanics of the instrument. He took several lessons from various teachers along the way to help him over the many hurrdles that come along with an instrument like the guitar.
Writing music for the heavier bands Jeff performed with was always a difficult task for him...all that really wanted to come out was a "lighter" type of music...soulful and sometimes bluesy. It wasn't until many years later that Jeff finally listened to his heart (and his wife, quite honestly). A few years ago, his wife Valarie (who is an artist and writer herself) approached Jeff with a poem that she had written and challenged him to put it to music. That song would later turn out to be "Shadows of Sherwood Forest". It's the song, Jeff states, that started it all rolling.
Jeff also performs in "The World's Most Dangerous Party Band" in North East Ohio called "Skinny Moo" with four other very talented musicians. Also, he performs in an acoustic duo and solo. With the release of this CD he will be performing a lot more at festivals and events. Skinny Moo has also been awarded the honor of "Best Cover Band in Cleveland" by Cleveland Magazine for 2009.
You may also remember Jeff was formally with the AC/DC Tribute act "Bonfire" for several years as the "Angus". Other previous bands include "Big Machine", "Hammered", "S.O.S.", "Spank the Band", "Seven", and acoustic projects "Hollow" and "The Miller Brothers" all spanning the last 20 years. Jeff now also gives private guitar lessons and is taking applications.