New York (Top40 Charts/ Ruf Records) - Ruf Records announces a
September 8 release date in the U.S. for Songs from the Road, a new album featuring 11 previously unreleased live tracks from the late, uniquely-gifted guitarist Jeff Healey. The recordings were done over a 15 month period at the famous Notodden Blues Festival in Norway (8/5/06), the Islington Academy in London (5/20/07) and Jeff Healey's Roadhouse in Toronto (11/15/07). Germany-based Ruf Records is distributed in the U.S. by the Allegro Corporation, and will also release the album internationally, except in Canada, where Songs from the Road will be released by Stony Plain Records.
Songs from the Road is the follow-up to Mess of Blues, which was released just weeks after Jeff's untimely death from cancer at age 41 on March 2nd of last year. Mess of Blues was honored at this year's Blues Music Awards as 'Blues-Rock Album of the Year,' the debut of that award category. Jeff's widow, Cristie, was there to receive the award, giving an emotional acceptance speech to a standing ovation.
Songs from the Road showcases the amazing breadth of Jeff Healey's guitar playing and soulful vocals, including psychedelic rock ('White Room'), bluesy versions of pop songs ('Teach Your Children,' 'Come Together' and 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' the latter which Jeff originally recorded with George Harrison), Chicago and Delta blues ('I'm Ready,' 'Stop Breaking Down') and an updated version of Jeff's biggest international hit, 'Angel Eyes.' Other tracks include his take on The Allman Brothers Band's 'Whipping Post,' Mark Knopfler's 'I Think I Love You Too Much' and the rockin' Christmas chestnut, 'Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me.'
Songs from the Road features Jeff Healey backed by his long-time touring band, including good friend Alec Fraser, who also produced the new album. Guitarist Randy Bachman makes a guest appearance on a rousing version of 'Hoochie Coochie Man.'
'It's such a flashback; Jeff was in top form,' says Alec Fraser in the liner notes. 'As always, his repertoire was as wide as the Mississippi - Jeff always gave his best, even in the last days when he was seriously ill. I believe Jeff was one of a kind and it's doubtful there will ever be another one like him.'
'All of us in Jeff's family, a family that includes thousands of fans around the world, are so pleased to see the release of this recording,' says Cristie Healey in the liner notes. 'Today, more than a year after he left us, we recommend this wonderful recording to you. Songs from the Road is the way we all want to remember him: Smiling, laughing and playing and singing from his heart.'
For more information, visit www.jeffhealey.com.
