Dream Job
Diesel, 2024
8/10
The Canadian singer/songwriter Jeff Rogers brings his rootsy flavor and keyboard prowess to these 9 songs that welcome Kelvin Holly, Justin Holder, Shonna Tucker and Clayton Ivey, plus others, to the affair.
“Her Kind Of Trouble” starts the listen with Rogers’ soulful and expressive voice alongside warm piano and Holder’s skilled drums in the bluesy climate, and “Lock & Key” follows with Holly’s spirited guitar alongside bright brass for the rich delivery.
Deeper into the listen, “Mind Of Your Own” recruits Colin Linden on slide guitar, which suits Rogers’ dancing keys for the rhythmic album highlight, while “Saving This Bottle Of Wine” finds a more intimate place to reside, where emotive storytelling is met with soft singing and John Steele’s heartfelt pedal steel.
Close to the end, Kellylee Evans lends her stunning pipes for the dreamy “So Worth The Wait”, where Ivey’s well timed organ makes an impression, and “Deep Cold Water” exits with a choir in attendance for a gospel appeal that’s powerful and soaring.
A luminary in the Ottawa music scene, Rogers has 20 years under his belt performing in the area, and the sincerity and talent present in his songwriting allows the songs to resonate long after the music stops.
Travels well with: Leo Lyons- Movin’ On; Kevin Burt & Big Medicine- Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute To Bill Withers