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A quick listen to the three solo records released by Austin, Texas based musician, Jeff Plankenhorn will give you an idea of the extremely varied styles the man Emily Robison (The Dixie Chicks) calls a ‘chameleon’ of performing. A deeper listen will uncover the overwhelmingly deep love all types of music Jeff has incorporated in his own unique style. Plankenhorn, or “Plank” as he is known, has found a way to blend the soulful vocals of the church, Motown, and funk singers that dominated his speakers as a youth with the bluegrass he studied while living in Nashville and the lyrically driven feel of the songwriters he has performed with since moving to Austin into an intoxicating sound that spans them all.
Like many other artists, Jeff found his voice in the church choir of his boyhood home in Ohio, “It was my first sense of belonging, community, and a feeling of doing good for others when we sang”. Given a guitar from his older brother (an accomplished musician in his own right), Plank immediately found his calling as a musician, and began a lifetime calling of mastering the stringed instruments that spoke to him. His high school days, full of recording and performing, led him to the University of Michigan where he quickly became a mainstay in the Ann Arbor music scene. Following college Jeff headed to Nashville to continue his education, “studying” under the likes of Uncle Josh Graves, Gene Wooten, and Jerry Douglas. Never satisfied with the status quo, Jeff was intrigued by the suggestion of songwriting legend, Ray Wylie Hubbard of coming to Austin, Texas. Upon arriving in the Lone Star State, Plankenhorn set about staking his claim as the go-to studio and stage musician. His Swiss army knife abilities immediately created a high demand for his talents, and he began adding to a resume that includes appearances on records by such luminaries as Joe Ely, Ray Wylie, Slaid Cleaves, Eliza Gilkyson, Jimmy Lafave and many more.
All of these experiences have led to Jeff’s currently tireless schedule of playing shows that include, song driven folk solo appearances, slide guitar heavy rock n roll/ soul shows with his band featuring Yoggie on bass and Brannen Temple on drums (featured on Live at the Saxon Pub) as well as the many standing dates with the collaborative Austin bands, The Apostles of Manchaca, The Purgatory Players, and the Resentments. 2015 will have, Jeff amping up his national touring schedule, with band shows, solo gigs, festival appearances, a tour with noted Texas musician, Michael O’Connor all while maintaining his presence in the Austin scene. In addition Plank will be entering the studio at some point in the year to record the follow up to 2011’s The Speed of Hope. The year promises to let the rest of the country in on what so many other musicians and the entire Austin music community has been enjoying for years now.
Official Site
'Go Now' - Jeff Plankenhorn
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