Folks, here the press release for the new Jon De Graham record!!
Freedom Records
PRESS RELEASE – 8/28/09
Jon Dee Graham, three-time inductee to the Austin Music Hall of Fame, releases his sixth studio album and, in a sign of the new music economy, reaches out directly to fans for support.
“It’s Not As Bad As It Looks” hits the streets on October 27, 2009.
Brand New Video Here: http://tinyurl.com/n7xhfd
AUSTIN, TX — Its been a tough year for Jon Dee Graham. In July, 2008, Graham survived a one car crash on Texas’ I-35 that claimed his spleen, left him with a zipper scar up his chest, and permanently wreaked havoc on his back and neck. Despite a massive hospital bill – or perhaps because of it – Graham was back at work about one month later at his beloved Continental Club in Austin. He’s barely slowed down since, finding time to write and record a new album – his first studio record since 2006 — and making time to develop a new weekly live residency, Jon Dee and Friend, — whose guests have already included Kelly Willis, Alejandro Escovedo, James McMurtry, & Curt Kirkwood.
It’s Not As Bad As it Looks is about — you guessed it – second chances, hope, sin & redemption, the constant search for higher meaning and a path forward, and trying to walk that fine line life often forces upon you. And it’s all delivered through Jon Dee Graham’s unique prism of pointed lyrics, searing guitar, and arrangements that sway between touching ballads and balls out rock with a punk edge.
“I know this is loaded and I am way too close to it” Graham says, “but I think it’s my best record since my first one, Escape From Monster Island.”
It’s Not As Bad As It Looks was recorded this summer at Austin’s Wire Recording with Stuart Sullivan at the helm. Graham produced with his long-time musical partner and cohort, Mike Hardwick. Another stalwart compadre, Andrew Duplantis, of Son Volt, was on bass. And Joey Sheffield held down the backbeat with help from another Austin fixture, drummer Daren Hess.
In a sign of the upheaval and uncertainty in today’s music business, Graham has joined the ranks of artists reaching out directly to their audience; bridging the gap between musician and fan. It’s Not As Bad As It Looks is being launched with a massive pre-order package that offers fans an a la carte menu of purchasing options. Ranging from 100 bucks to 7500 bucks, fans may choose premiums as modest as signed CDs up to house concerts and private face time with Graham. In one package, Jon Dee Graham will even craft you a personal song.
Jon Dee Graham is a legend on the Austin music scene. He’s been inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame three times, in 2000 as a solo artist, in 2008 as a member of the Skunks, and in 2009 as a member of the True Believers.
In 2006, the readers of the Austin Chronicle named him Austin Musician of the Year.
In 2008, Graham was the subject of a portrait-of-the-artist documentary, Swept Away, which is available nationally on DVD. In its final issue, No Depression magazine called the film, “superb.”
It’s Not As Bad As It Looks is Graham’s seventh record overall and his fourth album with Freedom Records.
Jon Dee Graham is available for interviews and will discuss his car wreck, his pre-order packages, and anything in general about life and its vicissitudes during his 30+ year journey through music.
Contact:
Matt Eskey at freedom@anyandallmedia.com or
mark Finkelpearl at mark@treadmillproductions.com
URL’s:
http://jondeegraham.com
http://freedomrecords.com
Upcoming Tour Dates:
September 17th, 2009 Ashland Coffee & Tea, Ashland, VA
September 18t, 2009 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
September 20th, 2009 The Mansion on O Street, Washington, DC
October 14th, 2009 Tales of the Tavern, Santa Ynez, CA
