Jeff Irwin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications. Primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of the article are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please include more appropriate citations from reliable sources, or discuss the issue on the talk page. (January 2008) |
| Jeff Irwin | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jeffrey Matthew Irwin |
| Born | September 12, 1977 in Creve Coeur, Missouri, U.S. |
| Genre(s) | Alternative, experimental, electronica, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, producer |
| Instrument(s) | piano, violin, viola, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, contrabass, baritone horn, euphonium horn, drums, synthesizers, melodica, mandolin, tin whistle, alto recorder, cowbell |
| Years active | 1995-present |
| Label(s) | Rocketown Records for Taylor Sorensen, Netwerk for Griffin House, Rough Trade for Cerys Matthews, Columbia/Aware for Mat Kearney |
| Website | Jeff Irwin's MySpace Irwin Music's MySpace |
| Notable instrument(s) | |
| 1977-78 Fender Jazz Bass, Ashdown Bass Magnifier | |
Jeff Irwin (a.k.a. "the Yeti", born September 12, 1977) is an East Nashville, Tennessee based multi-instrumentalist. He has performed with Griffin House,[1] [2], Cerys Matthews (formerly of Catatonia)[3], Derek Webb[4] & Sandra McCracken, Mat Kearney, Taylor Sorensen & the Trigger Code[5][6][7] [8], and many others including the Counting Crows.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Born in Creve Coeur, Missouri, Irwin grew up in St. Louis County. Growing up he studied piano, violin (learning the Suzuki method), viola, trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, contrabass, baritone horn, and various synthesizers. Irwin also received vocal training by participating in various area choirs. He wrote and performed an overture for his 4th grade class' musical production of Magellan.
By the time he reached high school, he formed his first band, coyly named The Mafia. The band was focused on both performing cover songs and writing original music. The Mafia were so adept, that they sometimes doubled as an instrumental jazz combo, playing parties and corporate functions. This was a catalyst for his involvement in school orchestras, jazz ensembles, choirs, and musical productions. In 1995, Jeff started playing solo acoustic "coffehouse" performances. Irwin began exploring the work of other songwriters like Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, Sting, and U2.
In college, Irwin performed more as a bassist than as a singer/songwriter. From 1996-1999, while living in Bolivar, Missouri and Springfield, Missouri, he played in a ska band as well as various jazz groups. In 1999, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Belmont University. He immediately began writing and performing with numerous groups, from rock bands to orchestras.
[edit] Current Activities
Thus far in 2008, Jeff has worked with the following artists; Tristen, The Bittersweets, Roman Candle, Thad Cockrell, Andrew Peterson, Randall Goodgame, Stephen Gordon, and Sandra McCracken, among others.
[edit] Influences
Irwin cites John Entwistle (The Who), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel), Matt Malley (Counting Crows), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Adam Clayton (U2)) as the bassists who have most influenced his playing.
[edit] Selected recordings
- Taylor Sorensen's The Overflow 2003
- Griffin House's Homecoming 2006
- Cerys Matthews' Never Said Goodbye 2006
[edit] References
- ^ Griffin House's website - Band members 9/06
- ^ http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kxfuxzwhldde~T2 All Music.com "Flying Upside Down" Credits
- ^ http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hcfwxqwdldke~T2 All Music.com "Never Said Goodbye" Album Credits
- ^ Derek Webb Message Board
- ^ Taylor Sorensen's website - Bio
- ^ http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wcfexq8aldte~T2 All Music.com "The Fill" EP Credits
- ^ http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fnfixqwaldke~T2 All Music.com "The Overflow" LP Credits
- ^ http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jnfqxqrsldje~T2 All Music.com "TMM" Credits
