Customer Reviews

Currently

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is simply amazing the way Keaton Simons
is able to communicate with his music.

His approach to various genres, from blues to rock,
from jazz to folk, re-inventing them and giving them
a new fresh look, is original and never clichéd.

This boy is a newcomer but his music sounds like
he's been around quite long enough to achieve the wisdom
and self control of the greatest songwriters.

He's genuine and direct, he never poses, he never fakes.

His songs are little windows, opening to emotional,
intimate worlds; the way he talks about feelings
common to everybody is enhanced by gentle, well-chosen lyrics.

There is harmony; the feeling that everything
is in the correct place.
Listening to his music is like listening
to your best friend's encouraging words
when you're feeling down.

You can either lay down and relax, letting his silky,
warm voice sweeten your soul, or jump in your car
and have the joyride of your life.

He will always put you at ease.

Keaton Simons doesn't have to compromise with the pressure
of the standards that music industry imposes these days.

He doesn't need to show he's got all the cool and trendy stuff to appeal his audience;
his music is an illustration that you can't buy or grow a talent - instead, you're born with it.

His classy music speaks for itself,
from the very first time you listen to it.

At last, some music that doesn't bore me to tears with the same old sameness. If you enjoy things like Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Fountains of Wayne - but also want some jazz, some excellent traditional blues, unfussy production, pure sounds and great musicality, then this is probably for you. I can hear all my record collection in this man's music! (The fact that I say "record collection" tells you I am in my late 30s, which will also give you a clue as to whether you might also enjoy this music). I have no clue how old this man is, but he sounds like he has been in the business for quite a while - his songs bear the hallmarks of having been around the proverbial Block of Life a couple of times.

A+... What a relief to hear music like this out! Not trying to be anything more then what it is. Simple, honest and beautiful. Music is long over due for the voice and charm of Keaton Simons. A great live show as well. If you like "Blonde on Blonde", Harry Nillson, "Sea Change", Elliot Smith, "Grace", Gordan Lightfoot and whatever comes in between, this EP is a must have.

This music is really exciting. This artist is exciting. His voice is unlike any other, yet reminiscent of some of the coolest male voices ever. I don't want to waste words listing comparisons, so do yourself a great service, and listen. Keaton is really gorgeous (KCRW live) and funny, really smart & soulful. The songs on the EP: CURRENTLY - Smokey room, couple dancing almost asleep on eachother, in the corner of a room full of tables, but no other people; the words take your breath away, the song is a standard. Then he goes to TO ME: A ballad - Like the best, most emotionally chilling ones of the seventies, with a voice and words you can't resist falling completely in love with. LIFT ME UP - Up there with the best blues sounds ever. And Keaton's guitar playing. Whoa. I've read that he wrote this one for a movie, and they forfeited a Tom Waits song to use it. LIGHTNING - The kind of song that compells you to find out what's inside and behind it. What people and events is he singing to and about? LONG WAY FROM HOME - This guy is a true, studied musician. He's a chance taker, and we're about to see his diversity. I've also read about his upcoming album, where he conquers the world of radio-friendly music in a huge way, creating and mastering songs that are exciting in a whole other style, without ever losing what we love on this EP. He's so fresh, so exstensively amazing.
Keaton's someone I imagine (no pun) John Lennon would have really loved.

If you love blues-influenced music, smart lyrics, great melodies and a warm, sensuous voice that gives you goose bumps, then you will love Keaton Simons. He is a great guitarist and singer, with immaculate timing and phrasing, and everyone who is a fan of blues rock, great guitar playing, and excellent musicianship, should make it his top priority to buy this album.

Just listen to this music with your eyes closed and if you can't hear and believe this is some of the best music ever written, you don't have a good ear for music. This CD has it all. Great lyrics, great hooks, great arranging, and timeless music that will stand the test of time. And this from a guy who looks like a movie star - ladies beware!!

I, too, like the stories Keaton tells with his songs - some are very personal, some are funny, sometimes the sadness is just a sigh away. But they are always told with grace, beauty, style and wisdom far beyond his years. And the sweetness and honesty that seems to be so much a part of his personality always shines through.

Keaton Simons' melodies are versatile and show many influences, but I a like him best when he interprets his own version of the blues... As anyone who knows anything about music knows, the blues is the basis for so many of the best elements of rock and roll music. And for sure, they blend exceptionally well on this album!

Keaton Simons is a great new voice, a pure and shining talent, and definitely on his way to fame. I hope he will get all the recognition he deserves, and soon!!

Honestly, yummy! Just listen to "Currently" and you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm sure the artist would prefer me not to make these comparisons, but he's like a mix between John Mayer and B.B. King... pop sensibility with a blues vibe. Forget Joss Stone- Keaton Simon's where it's at.

This is truly a great EP. Keaton is truly unlike anything else that`s out there today. Anyone who buys this will definately not be able to wait for the full-length album.

While awaiting the release of Keaton Simons' formal debut disc, Exes & Whys, Maverick Records decided to whet the market's appetite and generate some buzz by releasing the EP Currently. Featuring five originals by Simons, Currently is like the down-home cousin to John Mayer's Room for Squares, as both musicians are skilled guitarists who juice up their singer/songwriter personas with hints of other genres - Mayer's pop is infused with jazz while Simons leans toward the blues. Although it is not a direct comparison, there is something inherently similar about their sounds and the way both artists have been groomed for success by their record labels. Even the playful soul of Currently's title track could easily follow Mayer's "Your Body Is a Wonderland" as a quirky radio hit. However, Simons' organic sound is more intimate than Mayer's slick productions, and that helps to draw listeners closer to Simons' dark lyrics. With a voice that sounds like a less gravelly John Hiatt, Simons shows off his chops in bluesy numbers like "Lift Me Up," but there is a sense that he is holding back. Like some performers, Simons may be more subdued in the confines of a studio, but really lets loose in front of an audience. Even with this slight vocal tameness, his songs are impeccably performed and varied in their tones and styles. The appealing folk of "Lightning" plays like a lost track from Jules Shear's brilliant Between Us, while "To Me" echoes the acoustic works of Duncan Sheik from his Phantom Moon phase. Despite these comparisons, Simons' music and sound is engaging and all his own, but with the Matrix (Avril Lavigne, Liz Phair) producing several tracks for Exes & Whys, it remains to be seen whether Simons can retain his music's soulful personality or if it will succumb to the machinations of pop music producing. Regardless, Currently is a fine introduction to an emerging artist who is poised to make it big. - Aaron Latham

Keaton Simons was the opener for Paul Thorn at a club date I attended last September. Thorn has been out there a number of years, and I love his songs: great music and killer lyrics. He's also a fantastic live performer. I had never heard of Simons, but his music was incredible. He performed a couple of songs from the EP, and, more importantly, three or four from the full-length CD. He is an incredible storyteller with a beautiful voice. He accompanied himself on the guitar at the Thorn show, and that was all he needed. I saw him at the bar after the show and talked to him a little bit. It turned out that the songs I liked the best from his performance were NOT on the EP but would be on the CD. I bought a copy of the EP from him anyway and was just blown away by it. It stayed in the CD player for almost three months (along with Stephen Clair's "Little Radio"). Even when I put Christmas music into the player, Keaton stayed there in spot number one. A lot of the songs are about heartbreak and heartache but not in any kind of country-music cliche. The songs are highly self analtyical, and Simons doesn't spare himself the blame for love gone wrong. Moreover, his voice and the simple accompaniment serve only to highlight the lyrics - they don't detract or obscure the message, and they're incredibly tuneful. I can't wait for the full CD and the chance to get the other songs I heard him perform that night.

Who would have ever thought that Celebrity Rehab's last season would introduce, Keaton Simons, stepson of actor, Eric Roberts? Well, I didn't even know of his existence but I'm glad that the show did something else. It provided rehab for those participants like Eric Roberts but also allowed us to meet Keaton Simons, a musician and singer in his own right.

The series detailed how an incident 16 years ago estranged Eric and his stepson, Keaton. When they reunited on the show, it was a genuine moment of forgiveness and healing for all involved including his mother, Eliza Roberts, who was in the middle of the feud.

During the series, Keaton performed at the family get-together as well. He was genuine in his music without being silly, pretentious, or shallow. His music and lyrics speak for themselves about love and relationships and life itself. Keaton Simons is a performer, musician, and singer but he's more than Eric Roberts' stepson. He is an artist completely in his own right and I thank the show for allowing me to be exposed to his music.

Keaton's working on another CD and he's not as famous as the musicians and singers today. He reminds me of a young Joe Henry. Keaton's going to be around for a long time and whether he plays in small clubs or sold-out arenas, he's going to maintain his artistry and that's more than enough for me. I can't wait for his next compact disc to be released.