Ottawa Singer/Songwriter Jeff Rogers Releases New Lyric Video For “Lock & Key” And Announces 2024 Shows
It’s been quite a wild ride for Ottawa roots singer/songwriter and keyboard player Jeff Rogers over the past 6 months.
Last fall he had the thrill of opening for The Legendary Downchild Blues Band on their sold-out Ontario theatre tour, to great response. The February 16, 2024, American and international release of his new album Dream Job, recorded in the revered music mecca of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, helped the album hit Top 5 on the Roots Music Report Canada Album Chart alongside The Dead South on March 30, 2024. Stellar album reviews south of the border from respected magazines like Downbeat and praise from Billboard Canada as “one to watch in 2024”, have helped put Jeff Rogers on the map internationally.
On June 27th, Rogers will hit the stage with his 10-piece band at the Ottawa Jazz Festival to open for American alternative/indie darlings Lake Street Dive, who just happens to be one of Rogers’ favourite bands.
“Lock & Key is a song that captures the excitement I feel coming home from the road to see my partner. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and there’s honest appreciation in the lyrics with a hint of rose-coloured glasses masking a fear that one might have been gone too long. The rhythm and music represent the more primal longing upon return. It’s a fun song, and the band is electric, especially Kelvin Holly on guitar,” says Rogers.
“I wanted to approach this song with a jam vibe, the chords aren’t complex, it really is about the train rolling down the tracks. This is one of the songs that benefited the most from being down in Muscle Shoals, utilizing musicians who breathe that bluesy southern rock vibe. As soon as we counted it in, we clicked with the right attitude, and Kelvin dug in. It was a super fun jam. A couple days later, Clayton Ivey came in the studio and put the finishing touches on the rhythm section with some well seasoned B3, and it all really came together. It was so fun having these guys on my album and listening to them add their own spices in the mix. Wishbone Studio has an incredible room, spacious and warm with all the vintage toys you need to capture that Alabama sound.”
Jeff Rogers’s unmistakably soulful voice often evokes weighty comparisons to the past – whether that’s Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, or even Otis Redding, yet, his tone, range, phrasing, and sincerity, all make him unmistakably contemporary – and totally original.
On his new album Dream Job, Jeff is accompanied by some legendary musicians, including Kelvin Holly (Little Richard, Bobby Bland, etc.), Clayton Ivey (The Staple Sisters, Thelma Houston), Justin Holder (Keb Mo’, Delbert McClinton) and Shonna Tucker (Booker T. Jones, Drive-By-Truckers). Dream Job features special guest appearances by Grammy Award winner, Colin Linden, and Juno Award-winning singer, Kellylee Evans.
Hi Jeff, good to see you again. What have you been up to since you released Lock & Key originally?
Since releasing Dream Job, and subsequently Lock & Key, I’ve been writing some more songs, and spending time with my family. The winter is always a quiet time for me, so there’s an opportunity to get back into writing mode and see what comes out of it. Maybe a new song or two for the festival season.
For people that haven’t had a chance to see you live, what can they expect?
One can expect to see world-class musicianship at our shows. I’m very fortunate to have an exceptionally talented group of musicians to present my music with. We have fun on stage and really feed off the energy of the crowd. As well, you’ll hear a few stories from me about the album.
How do you think technology has impacted the way we listen to and create music today?
Technology has made everything easier to do! The tools for creating, recording and listening are always present in our lives. Literally in our pockets, we carry around phones that can do everything we need through each stage of the process. To varying degrees of quality, of course, but it’s never been easier to catalogue your ideas and go from there. There’s an ocean of music everywhere, and that’s a beautiful thing. How one rises above sea level to become noticed is another matter, however.
What’s your go-to song when you need an instant mood boost?
Whenever I’m getting ready to go out on the town, I love to listen to some Jamiroquai. Just a happy energetic vibe to get my mood off on the right track. Space Cowboy, Little L, Love Fool, or Cosmic Girl… so many catchy tunes to choose from.
What are your plans for Spring and Summer?
This spring and summer I’m really looking forward to some festival dates. Specifically, June 27th at The Ottawa Jazzfest when I get to open up for my favourite band Lake Street Dive. I’ve been a fan of theirs since their debut album and have seen them live 5 times (6 if you include their livestream to send off McDuck). Honestly, my wife and I became friends on our way to one of their Toronto shows where mutual friends linked us up to drive together. In all seriousness, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited to get to open for and meet another band… this is a huge deal for me. I’m whipping the band up in to extra good shape to make a good impression! Hahaha