Album Notes

For the members of Blackeyed Katy, it is all about the songs. Crossing genres, tempos and influences, the songs - written primarily by band frontman/singer/guitarist Jared Perkins with musical contributions from the whole band – blend melodies, rhythms and lyrics into well-structured essays on everyday life. They write songs about lost love, personal struggles and the world around them, much the way the singer-songwriters of the ‘60’s did – songs that will mean something to everyone and that will stand the test of time.

Formed in the bars and clubs of southern Georgia, Blackeyed Katy grew out of the duo of Perkins along with guitarist David Lee whose guitar solos seem almost to cry along with Jared’s heart-stirring lyrics. Perfectly meshed and blended Lee understands Perkins’ voice – probably from their years performing together as an acoustic duo when it was just the words, voice and guitars. Now, as a full band with the talented rhythm section of bassist Rory Hoke and Justin Moore on drums, Blackeyed Katy’s debut CD dealin’ is a collection of musical dissertations reminiscent of the songs of Van Morrison and Paul Simon. Musically the full band’s rock edge adds the sound of a Springsteen or Dave Matthews.

“When David and Jared approached me to join Blackeyed Katy,” explains Rory, “they told me that they loved my energy and sound and knew it would fit with their styles.” Drummer Moore brought them even further with his no boundaries style that blends jazz and heavy rock “I love all kinds of music,” explains Justin, “and I play guitar as well as drums, so that definitely adds some unique influences to my style. I treat the drums as if they are there to do more than just keep the beat.”

“We were first influenced by listening to our parents’ albums,” explains Perkins. “I would say that for me, I have always felt that the songs themselves are what’s most important because I grew up listening to guys like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. But in terms of my vocal style, I’d say I’ve been most influenced by Eddie Vedder.” What could sound like a strange mix of influences and styles is made even more kaleidoscopic by guitarist Lee’s affinity for guitarists like Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour.

“I believe that my part is to accompany Jared’s vocals,” says David Lee. “If you listen to old Gilmour or Page solos, you’ll see how that as flashy and technically great they are is only part of their beauty. The solos fit the songs, and that’s what I try to do in this band.” Like his bandmate, Lee also credits Pearl Jam, particularly guitarist Mike McCreedy, with having a powerful influence on their style..

But most important to all the members of Blackeyed Katy, in spite of the many obvious influences, is to stay true to themselves and their vision for this band. On dealin’, the songs are the immediate stand out, but this is one of those albums that grows on you with every listening. “Broken” uses voices like instruments – the harmonies filling out the sound that starts out sounding like an acoustic number and ends up a melodic pop song with hit potential. And then on “Glory And Grievance” the emphasis is almost reversed as the rhythm seems to lead the vocals and melodies.

Live, Blackeyed Katy play their originals mixed in with cover tunes of the members’ favorite hits and album cuts from all genres of popular music. But the songwriting and musical ability in this band leaves no doubt that in time they will need only play their favorite hits and album cuts from their own very rich catalogue of material.