Jeff Liberman (Born Chicago. 1954) is an unlikely rock
and roll hero. Tall and lean, his serene presence belies his talent
for incendiary guitar work and insightful lyrics.
Jeff discovered music as a youth on the far south side of
Chicago in 1967, where he first heard Eric Clapton’s guitar on the
album “Disraeli Gears†with Cream. Jeff practiced diligently, and in
1968 wrote his first song. The work has been lost to time, but Jeff
remembers it was about “Batman & Robinâ€.
Safe from the draft (low
lottery number), Jeff eschewed the hippie movement and the drug scene
to focus on his music. He did what is quite common today, but was
radical and expensive in those heady days-he released independent
albums. There were four in all, and unfortunately, none achieved
mainstream success. After university, Jeff married, started a family,
and went into business selling lighting supplies, later opening an
art gallery. His businesses were a success, and allowed him the
luxury to invest early into the burgeoning field of digital home
recording, which provided an outlet for his love of music.
After family and business obligations, Jeff spent every extra
moment, (and many extra dollars) writing and recording his songs. As
the new century broke, Jeff forged an alliance with top recording
engineer Larry Millas, who helped Jeff assemble a studio band to
bring his creations to life. Since 2001, Jeff has independently
released three new CD’s with a wide variance of styles, from hard
rock to jazz-all featuring his distinctive baritone voice and
sizzling guitar work. Jeff Liberman was back as a serious recording
artist.
During the same time, a curious thing happened. Jeff's music
from the 70's was re-discovered by younger artists hungry for
something different than the bland fare offered by corporate America.
Jeff's albums began to fetch handsome prices in online auctions, and
a German label repackaged them for CD release.
Jeff Liberman's music has mostly centered on romantic themes,
but since the turn of the Century, a growing frustration with the
American Government has fostered another path. Being a child of the
60's, Jeff knew that music can move and inspire, it can cause one to
think, and it can deliver the news.
Washington Lobbyists' influence
on policies regarding energy, immigration, productivity and the war
were the primary focus of a set of new songs presented on Jeff's
latest disc-A Time For Reason-3 Song Political Jam. Unlike the folksy
protest songs of the sixties, these provoke thought and inspire (non-
violent) action, while keeping Jeff's trademark energy and rhythm.
The package also contains Jeff's “manifesto†outlining points that
require greater attention, in his opinion. Political action is in
Jeff's blood-Jeff's father was an activist for Veterans issues after
World War II.
Does Jeff Liberman hope to change the world? Well, in a
word...yes. Modern political dissent has degraded into name-calling
and divisive behavior, the issues pushed back into the shadows. This
isn't Jeff's style-he promotes intelligent thought, reason, logical
action, and above all, respect for one another and our common goal-a
secure and free America.
There are those who think this kind of talk is coming from a
potential candidate for office, a scenario that Jeff Liberman does
not entirely rule out. For now, Jeff's passions are his guitar, his
singing, and his songs. Songs that tell of love old and new, the high
roads and low, the past and the future, and the importance of reason
in all of our lives.
