Artist description An inviting pop-rocker with americana roots.

Music Style roots/americana/songwriter/alternative/pop/rock

Musical Influences The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Taj Mahal

Similar Artists Elliott Smith, Liz Phair, Lucinda Williams, The Bottlerockets,The Wallflowers,Tom Petty, Steve Earl, Sting,Sheryl Crow, Shaun Mullins,n Mullins

Artist History First show was May '99. Been going strong ever since -- recording, playing, recovering from strange addictions. Jeff Witzeman came to Los Angeles via Cleveland and Phoenix. In college, he entertained thoughts of being a minister, but opted for an acting career instead. He starred in such shows as Frazier and Jake & the Fatman, but soon got tired of the scene. Witzeman started singing in coffee houses, formed a band and played under the name PAPER BRIDEGROOM for 4 years. They recorded three CD’s receiving strong reviews including the highest rated CD in Music Connection’s demo critiques section (March ‘98). The band secured a development deal, but found the “band sound” was stepping on the vocals and diluting the message. Witzeman broke off from the band to focus on a new stripped down approach, Jeff wrote a new batch of songs, coached by A&M Records Tobi Miller. Miller gave a copy of Lucinda Williams CD, “Car Wheels . . .” and told him to listen to the emotion she pushes through a song. The result was a whole new level of material. Miller was called away to other work so Witzeman hooked up with Evan Frankfort (Wallflowers, Jayhawks touring player and Musician Magazine’s best unsigned artist) to co-produce a new album. The result is a very compelling mix of Americana/Songwriter/Alt/Pop/Rock. A.M. of the NoHo News calls Witzeman, “ . . . a fine and deep poet,” and says , “I can’t stop hitting the replay button.” Doug Simpson of CAMPUS CIRCLE calls him a “star,” and praises the music for the “warm direct, vocals.”Witzeman spared no expense getting an unbelievable cast of musicians to play on the album including Alan Pasqua, Greg Leisz, Goffrey Moore and Clay Goldstein to name a few. MTV recently licensed the song “One Day,” for an ABC show called MAKING THE BAND. Look for Witzeman, bassist Tony Black and drummer Bogie Bowles to be hitting the festivals soon. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RIDDLE, the new album will be due for release September, 2000.

Group Members Jeff Witzeman, Tony Black, Bogie Bowles

Instruments Guitar, bass and drums

Albums 2 EP's

Press Reviews "Jeff Witzeman's demo of 4 new songs contains haunting, ballad type rock melodies that keep you hitting the replay button. After listening to them over and over, the lyrics start hitting home and make you realize what a fine and deep poet this guy is. Leaving more commercial sounds with band deals behind, this is Jeff's real stuff, personal and genuine. In "Crazy," he sings " . . . you're my little suicide disease"in a song about doing the right thing vs. surrendering to love. "God" is an upbeat country sounding tune about priorities, which has received great feedback. "Fade Away" and "One Day" are strong songs, and all four recordings have excellent production values. Evan Frankfort produced with Jeff. ~AM, NoHo News ( . . . and then later in a conversation re. the new CD),"I get hundreds of CD's in the mail to review . . . this is the only one that made it to my car." ~AM, NoHo News"It takes dedication, hard work and talent to flourish in L.A.'s competitive music scene. Jeff Witzeman could already be a star in a low-key environment like Seattle, Chicago or Austin. He's certainly got what it takes to get noticed. . . . Witzeman's demo strongly opens with the philosophical "God." The Americana, roots-oriented tune bops along with some striking harmonica and fine acoustic piano accompaniment. The cut recalls AJ Croce's barroom aesthetic and intelligently weaves together Witzeman's thoughts about religion and Hollywood (Witzeman ultimately abandoned evangelism as a career choice). The other three songs display Witzeman's personal struggles with relationships. The highly effective, third-person ballad "One Day" showcases Witzeman's warm, direct vocals. The subdued production (by Wallflowers road player, Evan Frankfort) neatly frames Witzeman's intimate voice. . . . Songwriter Jeff Witzeman can best be experienced in Hollywood's nightspots, where he is currently one of many talented artists who can be heard each week working at their craft piece by piece, song by song. Take some time to see him; Jeff Witzeman is definitely an up-and-coming musician worth searching out and listening to."~Doug Simpson, Campus Circle"An inviting pop-rocker that could find a spot on the same shelf as Hootie and the Wallflowers." ~Music Connection Magazine" . . . satisfyingly solid songwriting. . . these guys pull it off nicely making your ears too pleasantly surprised to revolt. The sound is radio friendly and if they can stick it out and garner a little luck these guys just might have the right mix of talent and marketablility to become one of those Wallfloweresque bands we can't stand because of over rotation, but can't deny that they got something good going on." ~Teri Duerr,Lick Magazine" . . . Witzeman recently played The Mint, a cozy little club in Hollywood. He wore a suit and tie, and played songs, which are heart-felt, personal records of his life, off his newest, self-titled CD,. Although he has performed his music for just around five years,Witzeman displays confidence and warmth on stage and doesn't shy away from talking to his audience and sharing personal stories. He enjoys playing his music and it shows.."~Julie Drake, Daily Sundial

Location La Crescenta, California - USA

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