Kevin Jeffries

Singer/songwriter/performer from NZ Kevin was born in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1954. This was to be the beginning of an extremely interesting and varied lifestyle!He began to play guitar at age 13, was influenced by artists like Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie,Don McLean,Cat Stevens etc. Although he has occassionaly been seen playing with other musicians and been involved in various bands over the years,he has remained pretty much a solo act(similar to the artists who influenced him).At age 27 he began a professional career in entertaining in various hotels,clubs all over the South Island of New Zealand, he played for 8 years making a good living, then became interested in skin art and set up business as a tattooist. "Like any art form I enjoyed the creative aspect of tattooing" Kevin worked from his studio in Christchurch until he met and married his wife, Julie.This is where the plot get's really interesting and begins to add an entirely new direction and dimension to there lives and to the music!Kevin, always a man with a deep faith and drawing towards the things of God, shortly after being wed, embarked on a mission (a traveling ministry) to spread the things that they had learned with anyone who wanted to know!Kevin & Julie later did an intense 3 year bible college internship and Kevin later became an ordained minister and they established their own church in New Zealand.Nowdays Kevin (apart from duties as minister) spends much of his time as a busker (street musician) and plays pubs in the weekends as well. "For me it's all about relationship with everyday people and sharing the gift and talents that I've been given. There is nothing like playing live and raw on the street and being a part of peoples lives in this way.""Some of my music definitely relects my faith and contains a distinct message (particularly songs I have written) but just as much I play the songs that have impacted me over the years from many varied artists."There is a story in here about "beating the odds", Kevin battled with alcoholism from his early teens until age 27, when he discovered through the help of many dedicated people and a faith in someone outside himself, that there was a way out. "We sometimes believe in what people say we are! The truth is we must never allow people to have that much influence over our lives, especially where it can have such negative consequences. We can allow ourselves to be influenced by certain values, holding to what benefits us (if it is good , just & true) but never, ever allowing others to manipulate or control us physically or emotionally. Freedom is the thing that makes life worth living" "I give all thanks to God for my life, and my hope & prayer is that my music will glorify Him."Future plans: "To keep doin' what I'm doin' to wherever that takes me...I love life and want others to share all the goodness it holds."