JORDAN ZEVON: Jordan Zevon

Jordan Zevon

Jordan Zevon

© 2005 Mixed Headache Productions (837101062916)

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California rock with a touch of brit pop.

notes

Jordan Zevon was born on August 7, 1969 to Marylin 'Tule' Livingston and Warren Zevon. He emerged in Los Angeles with a love for music and a seemingly endless supply of drool. By the time he attended University High School (well, rumor has it he was seen there once in a while), the drooling had subsided-for the most part, but the love of music continued and he joined the New Originals as a drummer and vocalist. Mostly a cover band with an ironic name, the band started delving into songwriting and later changed their name to THE iMPOSTERS. With steady gigs at the Whiskey, Roxy, and several other LA clubs, the band drew sold out crowds and a growing fan base. Jordan left the band in 1992 to pursue a career in stripping which was short-lived (he found the pole to cause chafing). He continued to write songs and, at the same time, crossed over to the other side of the fence and joined the Arista Records staff as the Coordinator of West Coast Tour Press. With his drooling in check, he was afforded the opportunity to work with artists like Sarah McLachlan, Notorious B.I.G., and Outkast as well as legendary label heads like Clive Davis and Puffy Combs. In 1996, Jordan, along with a couple of his friends: Director Gil Cates, Jr. and musician Jordan Summers (from the then reformed iMPOSTERS), formed Trademark Entertainment and produced an award winning short film called Screening (which he and Summers co-wrote). He was also executive producer for the feature film, $pent, starring Jason London. Jordan left Trademark Entertainment in 2001 (a possible red flag to a commitment problem) and began to do web design for the UK company, Art Science, before forging out on his own. He continued to write and record; appearing on several albums of his father's. In addition, he sang harmonies for All Day Sucker, the group that was formed by some former members of THE iMPOSTERS. Jordan then joined his pal Phil Jamison to work for the legendary amplifier company, Matchless. In August 2002 life took a dramatic turn for Jordan when his father was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Warren was given only a few months to live and spent that time finishing his final album, The Wind. Because of his failing health and the demands of recording, Warren asked Jordan to Executive Produce the album along Warren's longtime friend and collaborator Jorge Calderón. The Wind was a commercial and critical success that even earned him his first Grammy (posthumously), which Jordan along with Jorge and his sister Ariel accepted at the 2004 Grammy awards. After outliving his doctor's prediction by 9 months and not only achieving the completion of The Wind, but also the accompanying VH-1 documentary, Warren Zevon passed away a week after the album's release. Before his death, Warren told Jordan that he should use his studio (Anatomy of a Headache) to record his music and follow his dream. Not one to ignore fatherly advice, Jordan began to write and record at the relocated and renamed, Mixed Headache Studios. When Artemis Records brought up the idea of recording a tribute record for Warren, Jordan and Jorge joined forces again to produce "Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon." Jordan also performed a previously unreleased song, "Studebaker" on the record with such legendary musicians as David Lindley, Waddy Wachtel, and Calderón. As John Lennon wrote, "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans" and Jordan would learn how true that was when 3 weeks after his father's death, the news came that his Mother, Tule Livingston Dillow, was diagnosed with inoperable breast cancer. Music was set aside as the family began the process of care for Tule while she underwent a painful series of radiation and chemotherapy. What was originally thought to be a treatable cancer was starting to spread quickly and was eventually too aggressive to fight. Tule died on March 3, 2004. Knowing how much his parents believed in his music and armed with a newfound appreciation for life, and the support of his recent marriage to "the one that almost got away", Jodi (apparently he has managed to work through his fears of commitment), Jordan knew it was time to get serious about his own career in music. He enlisted the help of some long time friends who, as luck would have it, are also talented musicians/producers. His first EP was released in early July, '05.

reviews

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  • A Real Treat
    author: tenley

    Boy, discovering this new music by a "new" (to me, anyway), artist, is like Christmas, or akin to discovering Tom Robbins has a new book out. It makes it a special treat that Jordan is the son of Warren Zevon, one of my all-time favorites. The twist here is, of course, that Jordan is his own man, and the music is his own; no recycling here. Like a few other reviewers noted, it has a real seventies feel. As some of the best rock music EVER came from this era, this is a good thing! Also like the others, I can't wait for more. I have a question, though: Why isn't the song "Home" on the album? I can't find it on iTunes, or on here. I love this song; it is beautiful and everyone can relate to the feeling in it, but I love it also as a coda to Dad Warren, and probably to his mom, who certainly contributed the genes to give Jordan his absolutely lovely voice - Warren's gravel is missing, which is fitting. Warren had a unique sound and was a prolific and terrific songwriter. Jordan may be getting a late start for us fans, but he is a terrific songwriter, also. Let's hope he's prolific as well!

  • Interesting music and intelligent lyrics with a great vocal delivery!
    author: D43pro

    This CD is a joy to listen to from the word go. The songs are interesting, the instruments are well defined and clear in the mix, and Jordan has a great singing voice that stands out just right with a lot of personality and character to top it all off. Definitely one to listen to over and over and to share with friends...Plus, the cover photo has his dad's old Jordan amplifier right there, proudly on display...

  • A closely-fallen acorn
    author: Solid Silver

    This is very impressive for a freshman effort. After hearing Jordan's 'Studebaker' on the 'Enjoy Every Sandwich' tribute, I was hoping he'd do more. No, it's not Warren II. Yes, it's witty and well-crafted. Get this CD. You'll be listening to it over and over again.

  • Beatlesque
    author: JJJ

    Your VOCALS are incredible but so is the writing. I wished I had your talents way back when! More on the instrumental side would be helpful, if only to help distinguish songs (I found that people remember the solo more than the words, unless you are already the Beatles). I haven't found a song though, that I didn't like. Keep it up!

  • Great work!
    author: Jean W

    Jordan, your dad would be proud! Love the CD, your voice, the sound. It's all good. 5 songs is a nice first CD, looking forward to more soon.:) ~A long time Zevon admirer.

  • The Joke's NOT on Me.... Worth every penny!
    author: Brian Bolan

    Can't say enough great things about this CD. Sharp lyrics and great music! Hoping this lead to a full disc of great tunes!

  • Remember the name.
    author: Mike E.

    The name Zevon may be familiar to you, the music isn't. I bought cd this after listening to Warren a lot recently. It's not his daddy's music. Not better, not worse, very different. A big career is my prediction for Jordan. Not only a splendid talent but a ginuinely nice guy with one incredible heart. Oh, the music. Like melody with wit and insight. Some of the best imagery heard since Joni Mitchell.

  • Brings back memories...
    author: James S Bobiney

    I love these songs. It has that sound of the mid 70's. Brings back memories of music from bands like America and the like. Great work Jordan!

  • Great tunes!
    author: chris g

    Plain and simple I liked this cd. Good tunes, catchy melodies and lyrics that give you pause to think. Well done Jordan....your dad must be looking down and smiling :-)

  • Nice venture. Easy on my ears
    author: chipster

    Nice cannonball into the musical waters Mr. Zevon. Looking forward to more from you for sure. I had tasted some of this from WZBB a while back. Nice to finally get my hands on a copy. Best of luck to ya'.

  • GREAT STUFF
    author: Andy

    THIS CD IS GREAT. LOVE THE SONGS, AND THE GENERAL FEEL OF THE DISC. WITTY, CHARMING, AND FUNNY, WARREN WOULD BE PROUD.

  • author: G

    Jordan Zevon has a very 70's sound to me and I absolutely love that! Catchy tunes, some great lyrics. Only thing wrong with this cd? Not enough songs on it!

  • More, Please!
    author: Susan F. Heywood

    Thanks for chronicling the detours and redemptions of those who felt we'd "missed a meeting or two" and that freeway desperation to race to our limitations that can trap us if we let it. Never underestimate the power of the voice on a phone machine...or the reasons not to hesitate. More, please???

  • Great CD
    author: John

    I don't know if this is Jordan's first CD but if so it is a great effort. Great voice, great lyrics and production. I particularly like Insides Out and Too Late to be Saved. I always liked Warren and it looks like I will get into Jordan in the same way. Looking forward to the next one.

  • A FANTASTIC CD!! (A Fan is Born!!)
    author: Sally

    My God!! This CD is awesome indeed! In thold days I used to play vinyl albums until they were worn out with no grooves - here's hoping the same doesn't happen with CDs, or this one will be unplayable very soon! Can't wait for more from you, Jordan!

  • Music is fun again
    author: Alan

    It is great to be able to listen to music and smile during. Nicely done - only two tracks really stand out in my opinion, but well worth it.

  • ZEVON-TASTIC!
    author: CW

    Could Zevon jr live up to his dad's almighty greatness? Could he? Would he? Has he? Well, not quite yet...but ruddy heck give him time and he will. A lot of the Zevon greatness shines through (especially the lyrics) and I reckon with a couple of full length albums under his belt JZ is headed for the top. Good luck to him...He rocks!

  • good sound, obvious talent,his own brand,probable insight into the human heart &
    author: r k middleton- (detoxman)

    not the artist in general, how in the hell can i do that? i,ve been listening to this cat,s daddy over 30 yrs & my children & i have a chance to listen to another Zevon for 30 more.i got drunk w/ warren & i got sober 15+ yrs ago w/ him. so the Zevon name means something to me. forgive my tyrade! jz has a great voice,obvious writing talent, the heart, the guts & the brains it takes to step out there & be something a little better, a little different,true,w/ a ability to lay something on ya,like a meat clever between the eye,s. then again, i could be wrong. i also like the musicians he has gathered ,round him on his work. i,m not my father & i can,t be him. but funny, i look in the mirror & there he is. good work Jordan, rock on, please. rkm.

  • last track was very poignant and heard it over & over
    author: Ivan Fernandez

    I couldn't wait to own the song "Too late to be saved" since Jordan played it and Warren sat down to accompany him on piano on footage of "The wind". Very moving. Thanks, Jordan!

  • The Begining
    author: Joy

    listening to this you know you are at the begining of something great. I want more!

  • Graham Nash + BNL. He's his own man.
    author: SRH

    These tunes remind me of Bare Naked Ladies. Their good stuff, not their commercial pap. Musically there are interesting change ups and lyrically there is an acerbic wit. "Too late to be Saved" also reminds me of Graham Nash. Don't expect him to sound like Warren. He's his own man.

  • loved it
    author: abby

    I enjoy this disc so much that I have bought it for family and friends. Thus far, they love it too.

  • my feelings about the CD
    author: Deb

    the lyrics are GREAT, the timing of the way the lyrics are sung is GREAT!!, the songs stick in my head, love jordan's voice

  • Superb!
    author: DW

    Only five songs but each one is a stonker!

  • Brilliant!
    author: Jeremy Dearth

    Absolutely brilliant! Never has a song connected to me the way "Too Late To Be Saved" did. No other artist has ever been able to put to words my own personal feelings on God. Kudos Jordan! Your father would be proud!

  • NOT A WEAK CUT
    author: David Finlayson

    It must be in that Zevon blood. Jordan is an excellent songwriter. In a way it reminds me of his dad's Excitable Boy, not because of the songs but the way it was produced...really full sound with a punch. I appreciate the songs as well as the production. Jordan did good. The CD might've been shor, it just left me wanting more. I'll be on the look out for more from this guy.

  • Fabulous first outing -- bring on some more!
    author: dlw

    This short compilation is such a teaser!! Great sound, excellent writing, strong performances -- Jordan Zevon is a star! You just start relaxing into the music and getting into a cool mood and the darned thing ends. Better to have a taste, though, than to miss out entirely. Here's hoping a full length offering will be hitting this site soon.

  • Very impressive, bring on a full album.
    author: Duncan Smith Top Shelf Music

    This is an excellent collection, and has left me thirsting for a fully fledged album.Very melodic,well produced and with accomplished craftsmanship this is one of my favourite releases of the year to date.I own everything Warren ever did and on the strength of this music ,I will purchase all Jordan's releases too. Highly recommended.

  • 5 of the best tunes you could ever want to buy
    author: Frenzy

    Great work Jordan!!! Your 5 tunes are better than any of the tunes I've ever written! I hear some beatles in your song writing and several other great influences. I can't wait to hear more my man! Congrats on writing some awesome music! Now if the rest of the world will clue in! -trey

  • HEY!!! Where's the Rest???
    author: Bill Cermak

    I'm not complaining, mind you. This CD is highly addictive, but only 5 songs!!! Where's the rest??? I knew that it was only 5 songs when I bought it and the price is more than fair, but it left me wanting more. So Jordan, when can we expect a follow up??? And, a full CD next time please. I'm sure that your parents are smiling. Looking forward to hearing more.

  • I can't stop playing this cd!
    author: leah b

    A fantastic album through and through. Smart lyrics, a great voice... a great introduction to Jordan Zevon. I can't wait for more!

  • Amazing!
    author: Christopher Mast

    I have to admit I was biased AGAINST this disc at first. I guess it's all the times before where family members of deceased genius try to cash in on a name. This is not the case here. After listening to the online samples, I ordered the disc as soon as I was off the road. Jordan is an amazing songwriter. I'm looking forward to several more discs from him!

  • Would you expect less?
    author: Don Ward

    Of course it's not his daddy's music. But, why would it be? The man has his own talent. Which in itself, proves exceptional breeding. Proud of you, Jordan.

  • Would you expect less?
    author: Don Ward

    Of course it's not his daddy's music. But, why would it be? The man has his own talent. Which in itself, proves exceptional breeding. Proud of you, Jordan.

  • great and innovative CD
    author: J

    This CD is unlike other CDs you will listen to and is quite great. The lyrics often have a nice touch of humor too.

  • Utterly Mindblowing
    author: Robert Hughes

    Jordan Zevon, he is an amazing songwritter and musician. I know of his fathers extensive work and was blown away by Jordans cover of "Studebaker". I bought the EP without hearing any preview. I was blown away. Too late to be saved, draws up images of his father and the sound is superb. I can only hope he continuies to release more music like this.

  • A Sonic Colonic
    author: James Beck

    J-Zev has got a beautiful harmonic sensibility and his father's gift for pithy punchy lyrics. In a just world, "The Joke's On Me" would be a mammoth hit single.

  • Poetic lyrics match well with Brit pop influenced instrumentation
    author: kristina dickenson

    The lyrics sometimes approach poetry. While I don't generally favour brit pop, a genre heavily borrowed from by this artist, the instrumentation matches the occassionally soulful word choices. My favourite is "There's a message in this bottle ... I'm going to drink until I find it" on Too Late to Be Saved. Even though this album was an EP I felt drained by the end of it, a real sense of having taken a journey as the songs unfolded. Jordan Zevon is on course to be a great songwriter.

  • Buy It -- You Won't Be Sorry
    author: Mark Fisher (Mark_in_KC)

    In a world of overused superlatives, it is difficult to properly relate the high quality of every aspect of these songs/recordings. Well-crafted comes to mind, as there is a very well-crafted blend of melodies and lyrics wrapped up in unpretentious, dynamic musical mastery, impressive harmonies, and, often, deep meaning. These are songs that can mean different things to different people at different times, although they are all clear in relating their stories. A masterful manner few ever attain. Influences are many, but not easily identified. JZ makes no effort to imitate his father or anyone else. Definitely a product by an artist being true to himself. At times poignant, personal, revealing, uplifting, sentimental, funny, and even sensual. A delight for the senses. Let us all hope for much, much more in the future from a talented, and creative songwriter, musician, performer. I can see Warren grinning ear to ear over on the other side of tomorrow.

  • Jordan Zevon has talent and his own style.
    author: Jim Rendek

    If given the proper opportunity he could have a wonderful music career. His music is definitely different from that of his father's but he inherited the talent.

  • Solid Debut Rewards Multiple Plays
    author: Charlene Komar Storey

    No clunkers in this debut from Jordan Zevon. Press "repest" when you slide it in your player, because not only is it just plain fun to listen to again and again, you get more out of it each time -- the mark of a really good CD. It has something of a British invasion feel, with a dash of his father's wry wit. Well worth ordering.

  • I expected no less
    author: Jan Hauenstein

    Having heard the songs before (there was a preview on the Warren Zevon board), I expected to like the EP. Now that I´ve got the booklet, I can see all the better how well-crafted the songs are. Here is a seriously good wordsmith. Clever, but not for the sake of cleverness, for the sake of the song. Very well played and fine arrangements, too. I do like the melodies. Often, when listening to new music, one 'knows' what the next phrase will be. Not so on this EP - you hum along, fully expecting the next notes to soar UP, and they don´t. The melody veers off in an unexpected direction. VERY nice. Highly recommended. More, please.

  • It's like driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible
    author: certaingirl

    Soaring harmonies, nice pop-style hooks will put you into a "California Dreaming" state of mind. "This Girl" will put a smile on you face and set your feet to dancing. A fine, fine first outing by the son of the late, great Warren Zevon. I can't wait to hear more from this talented singer-songwriter.

  • My Daughter and I Can't Stop Listenin to IT
    author: Anndrea Naidu

    Your Music fits the setting where you have grown in Music and Life. We found your music by browsing CDBABY, today and wanted to share our thoughts. DANCING!

  • I can't stop listening to it.
    author: Captain Yoo Hoo

    Since I have gotten this c.d. I have,no foolin', listened to it front to back at least 60 times. I can't explain just what it is that gets me. Perhaps it's the likeness to other great pop acts, like XTC,The Grays,Paul Simon,Elvis Costello,Squeeze, and not surprisingly, Warren Zevon. I know it's obvious to look for the similarities between Jordan and Warren but in a strange way Jordan's c.d. has made listening to Warren's music an even more enriching experience. I assume it's because the sweetness and fuller range of Jordan's voice allows for a strange recall of what was occasionaly hidden in Warren's voice. The lyrics are also convincingly established. Where some writers would only use wordplay as an intellectual flex, Jordan has attached an emotional resonance to clever turns of phrase. As all great pop records do, this one gets better with every listen. My only regret is that there only 5 songs available right now.

  • Good stuff!
    author: 12_String

    This is Jordan Zevon's first foray on his own into recorded music and he makes a good go of it. Laced with more than a little of his late Father's wry wit, his songs will give you pause to reflect on life, love and tomorrow. Good stuff, Jordan. Good stuff indeed.

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