Upstate South Carolina’s Jeff Gates has been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. A former member of the 80’s rock staple Nantucket, Gates has traveled the highways and biways of these United States in style, sharing stages with the biggest names in rock. Now he delivers a CD that is all Jeff. A blues rocking collection that will set your toes to tapping.

From the opener, “Wanted You Too Much,” the gravel-voiced Gates belts out the blues rock from the heart, augmenting the vocal with some might tasty guitar artistry. Of course, “Poor Little Rich Girl” may be my favorite cut on the record. It’s downright funky.

The title track, “You Make Me,” sounds good with a little volume behind it. Try tuning up the volume control a but on this bass and drum driven rocker. I’m just sayin.’...  And the lead guitar work is really nice on this one as well. Oh, and the rocking “Work” is one of the finest songs about walking away from a bad relationship I have heard lately, and when Jeff utters the words “I ain’t gonna work for you no more,”  he means it, and echoes those sentiments with a scorching lead solo. You go brother.

Of course, Gates can dish up a fine ballad as well, as with “Dreams,” and sing a smoldering blues with “Dangerous.” And “Sweet Sweet” is another good one that showcases Jeff’s guitar playing on both acoustic and electric.

You Make Me is a rocking good time, with infectious blues, some southern funk and a whole lot of fine guitar playing. Buffalo says
Check it out.”  

- Michael Buffalo Smith
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