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If
you recognize the name of Jeff Plankenhorn, it's most likely you know him
as a sideman. During the past few years he's added his standout abilities
on dobro, all sorts of guitars and vocals to music from the likes of Ray
Wylie Hubbard, Eliza Gilkyson, Bruce Robison, Slaid Cleaves, Willis Alan
Ramsey, Gavin Degraw and a bunch more. But with his excellent new Blue Corn
release, "Plank," Plankenhorn steps out of the shadows and into
the limelight to reveal that songwriter can be added to his long list of
talents.
Plank, as confident a debut as you are likely to hear this year, was co-produced by Gurf Morlix and Plankenhorn. Morlix is famous for his work with Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen, Hubbard and Cleaves among many others. Plankenhorn's songs are solid roots music, jumping from bluegrass to blues, country to folk, each given a lively turn. Morlix has a proven affinity for such tunes. Here his ability to lend them backdrops that seem natural and fresh; together they seem a perfect fit. From the tender set opener, "Home Again" to rocked up blues of "Lovesick Woman" to the sprite shuffle "Teresa" to the heartfelt cover of Blaze Foley's "Picture Cards," the two have crafted a set of music that sparkles with spirit and soul.
Jeff Plankenhorn was born in Ohio, moved to Michigan during high school and attended the University of Michigan to study music. He moved to Nashville in 1999 to play bluegrass, hoping to focus on the Dobro and harmony singing. While there he established himself as a talented player who got to sit in with many of his heroes including Uncle Josh Graves, Kenny Baker and John Hartford. In early 2000, Jeff moved to Central Texas at the urging of Hubbard. The two had met a few years earlier in Memphis and played together a few times in-between. Within a couple of months, there were regular gigs playing weekends at Gruene Hall and as a part of Willis Alan Ramsey's band. That led to more, supporting Cleaves, Gilkyson, et al.
In the meantime, he's devoted time to his own songs, hosting song swaps and fronting the Bluegrass Nibblers which includes Darcie Deaville, Bryan Duckworth and Louis Meyers. With so many musical friends, his solo gigs are always a treat, as you never know who'll show up to sit in.
"Plank" is a superb introduction to the young multi-instrumentalist,
his smooth vocals and his ability to write songs in a wide variety of
styles. Striking melodies combine with lyrics dealing with everyday life
and it's all presented with surprising wit and subtle humor offering a
glimpse into a soul that reflects tradition while keeping an eye on today.
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