Jeff Buckley - Grace
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On this week's episode, we look at our second "Lister's Choice" and a record that we were for the most part sadly unaware of: the 1994 studio debut by Jeff Buckley - Grace.
Jeff Buckley's career was brief, but brilliant. The son a famed singer/songwriter Tim Buckley, he worked as a session guy before making people really take notice at a New York tribute concert in his dad's honor. Jeff unfortunately followed in his father's footsteps by dying too young, with a brilliant career ahead of him. His lone studio recording, Grace, showcases his songwriting, his guitar playing, and his unbelievably rich voice and heartbreaking falsetto. The songs drift and float with the aid of Buckley's remarkable band and lush production. Released during the height of the country's obsession with Grunge, even though it famously contains the quintessential version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah, Grace was sadly underappreciated upon its release. Thankfully it has gained well-deserved accolades in subsequent years.
We lost this artist way too soon, but he did leave behind an album that is not only considered by many to be one of the best albums released in 1990s, but also one with timeless staying power.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Jeff Buckley performed at the “Greetings from Tim Buckley” tribute concert for his father at St. Ann, St. Ann's Church, Brooklyn, New York, April 26, 1991. He played with Gary Lucas (left), on guitar, and singer Julia Hayward.
Here’s the first song that Jeff Buckley played at his father’s tribute concert - “Never Asked to be Your Mountain.” Its a song Tim Buckley had written for his ex wife and the son he had never met (at the time).
After playing with Jeff Lucas at the tribute concert for his father, Jeff Buckley was asked to join Lucas’s band Gods and Monsters. Here’s a video of the band performing in 1992.
Buckley utilizes the Indian harmonium throughout the recording of Grace.
The Indian harmonium is a type of small reed pump organ, the back of which contains a bellows. The keyboard is played by one hand, the other works the bellows.
Want to know more about the harmonium? Here’s a short and informative video that will give you some basics.
Jeff Buckley and his band hanging out in front of an old school Austin, TX dive - Joe’s Generic Bar.
