Album Notes

Among the most enigmatic and elusive of American pop artists of our generation, one may feel slighted to have somehow missed the phenomenal talent that is Jaxon. Long an underground presence in the music and film community, this truly gifted and visionary songwriter, screenwriter and avant-garde performer has taken an unusually uncharacteristic turn and released a set of recordings of his very personal and, until now, quite unattainable work. And WE are certainly the lucky ones!

"QUICK & INTENSE" is the incredible debut release, initiating what one can only hope will be a long and happy relationship with indie label Jaxalon Records. The five songs featured on the CD represent about 17 minutes of frenetic excitement that is rare if not altogether unheard of in music and art today. From the classic "Why Do You Remain So Aloof?" (many versions of which have surfaced throughout the years on college and indie radio - even good ole Rodney on the ROQ's legendary late night KROQ Los Angeles based radio show was playing a version some years back). But none of these lesser bootlegs compare to the ferocity present in this brand new track. Jaxon's personal stamp, bright and powerful, was obviously missing - until now.

"Egan Street" a fabled era, or is it a real street? or just a neighborhood in Jaxon's psyche? It's a place few have been, but many can now visit with glee thanks to this hot new release by the once reclusive star. And that is "star" in the real sense of the word, a bright light that shines along with a limited few in an otherwise dark universe, somewhere far above us mere mortals. Who is this Nancy, and just what did the cards say? Deliciously satisfying!

"I Don't Wanna C U" and "I Just Gotta Luv U" are heavy, thick, unapologetically catchy pop anthems layered with a punk angst that will laden even the most reverent of the hardcore. The youthful exuberance blended with a reaching out, almost as if to an entire humanity, and then loss, is a vocal quality not found anywhere else. Ever.

The final song, "What Do I Mean To You?" is a comfortable porch swing, maybe a hammock between two cypress trees on a deep green Southern bayou. Two friends and an acoustic guitar harmonize as only those twilight summer moments allow. In a distance you're thrown back to two dreamy unknown harmonizing friends in a rainy port city somewhere in Northern England, about three decades ago.

You see, the art of Jaxon connects and re-connects the listener to many, many times and places. Hauntingly beautiful moments and memories that flow into our future, past, and those flashes of sanity in between. Listen and enjoy. Over and over. And then again. You'll find it difficult to stop. This is art and you WILL be moved!
Richard Markham