Bob Jeter steps out into your consciousness with a beautifully jazz-infused musical introduction.

Along For The Ride features songs written by Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductees Buddy Buie, JR Cobb (The Atlanta Rhythm Section/Classics 4/Roy Orbison) and Danny O’Keefe (“Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues”).
Producer/Keyboardist Kenny Kirby (Sly & The Family Stone, Van Morrison/Linda Creed) was recently honored by the Alabama Hall of Fame as a Music Achiever. Also featured are Fred Vigdor on sax (Michael McDonald/Average White Band) and another Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee: Ric Seymour on guitar (Wet Willie).

More info: www.bobjeter.com

To expect something in particular from a country and blues artist would be a mistake in this case – the song smoothly steps out into your consciousness with a beautifully jazz-infused musical introduction. The song that follows is indeed soaked with a fairly classic Americana sort of song writing style, with a gorgeous and slightly gravelly voice to match, and so the final result has a wonderful combination of the vintage and the new.

There’s a sense of importance put out by the leading vocal performance in this song – the artist has an effortless sound to his voice, and the effect of this is that it makes you really look past the singing and zone straight in on the words. The music has been so flawlessly crafted and produced that you really can just ride along with the lyrics and the melody of this song, which obviously fits in perfectly with the concept (and title). It’s a clever result, it’s a song that makes you smile, it has a smoothness to it that glides through your mind and takes you somewhere calming for a few minutes.

The saxophone sections are inspired, particularly that intro, as mentioned, and then later when it storms back into the scene – unexpected in both cases, but a brilliant choice for the breakaway. The song has a touch of The Eagles to it, a little Springsteen on occasion, but for the most part it’s a pleasure to just press play and really listen to something new and skilfully portrayed. The blissful sound is enough to keep you listening, but the song writing is impressive as well, many of the lyrics, and the shortness of the lines in the verses, the pauses that add to the effect – all of this makes it very inviting to seek out more music from Bob Jeter; more songs, more moments, probably even a live show if nearby.

By Rebecca Cullen

Rebecca is a Musician and writer from Manchester, UK, with an MA in Song Writing.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Bob Jeter:  I grew up in Richmond, VA. I go back aways but I remember singing in public for the first at my high school talent show. I sung Hello Mary Lou by Ricky Nelson and everyone was amazed. I never knew I could sing so that gave me incentive. I quit the football team and joined an R&B band. I sung (before I picked up the guitar -I played trumpet in the school band but it wasn’t my instrument) in various bands and did the high school – college circuit near my home town. I finished my BA in History and being unsatisfied I took off to Europe – though everyone was telling me to go to California. In Europe – a long story – I learned how to play the guitar, started writing songs and did the busking thing – hitch hiking all the way to Berlin when it was still the Soviet Union – to mention one episode. I met my wife in Paris settled down for a while teaching at Berliz but still writing songs – even a few in French. Met Johnny Holiday – Guy Lux (the French Dick Clark) but never had any great success. I came home thinking that music would be better for me in the States but had to find work to support the family – so became a banker. I’ve been in many types of jobs during my life but only recently have been able to put a lot of focus on music.I am definitely an artist and have always dabbled in the arts – singer/songwriter, producer,painter, broadcaster etc.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Bob Jeter (JeterNTheJets) – My real name is Robert Jeter so I use my nick name Bob as a solo artist. And thanks to Derek most people now know how to pronounce my last name LOL. I came up with my current band’s name because I remembered a childhood friend suggesting this before Bernie or any of the other groups with the name Jets came about. I also have a band called the Ariel David Band (my name in Hebrew) which I perform with at Jewish functions.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Bob Jeter – Online music has changed the music business. It is almost a given that you give away music at certain points in your career. Why? With sites like Spotify and the streaming of music, in order to get you music out to the public, you have to play the same game. But there could be a way to do it differently and get some revenue. The industry is changing as we speak and I believe there will soon be a new paradigm though I am not sure what it will be.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

            Bob Jeter – Practice – practice – practice – perfect your craft (I’m still perfecting mine)- and learn from mentors and others in the business.

Surround yourself with positive people who will tell you the truth.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Bob Jeter – Sure – who doesn’t? I look at videos of the performances to know where to improve and listen to peoples comments.You have to put your ego aside but yet follow your instinct.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Bob Jeter – I had a crazy tour through Europe. A story which needs to be told in book form. Stopping at every German town to sample their home brew almost cut the tour short. But that’s for another day. (I am currently perfecting my sound with a band and hope to tour with them in the near future.).

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Bob Jeter – My inspiration comes from many places but it’s usually deals with what is happening in my life at the time. It may start with a melody or may start with a phrase/lyric I like. I also like to write about social issues or humous topics on occasion. I have at times collaborated with others which always takes me in directions I would have normally not gone. It can be a long process that takes years or a rather short process that may take a half a day. But you are always revisiting – maybe too much sometimes.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Bob Jeter (JeterNTheJets): www.jeternthejets.com, www.bobjeter.com  I am also on Soundcloud and Reverbnation. I have a twitter and instigram account as well. And of course you can find me on Facebook. I have a FB group – RJ’s Music Hub & a fan page for jeternthejets.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Bob Jeter Some stuff I wrote that is absolutely terrible!

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Bob Jeter: Create! I would spend the 1/2 million on whatever supplies/equipment/place I needed.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Bob Jeter: I am always buying new toys I can’t afford LOL. Currently I have a small studio in my house – my garage actually, which I have turned into a studio and practice space. Currently I cut my demos/releases with a friend who has all the bells and whistles in his home studio. Though I cut Along For the Ride with my producer friend in a larger studio with secession musicians.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Bob Jeter: Social Media has been a big asset for me and many independent artists. Though the Big Labels have gone through a lot of changes due to free music online and the streaming services – and have signed fewer acts etc – an artist –  singer/songwriter – or whoever can benefit from services – such as EXPOSED VOCALS – and get his/her art Out There (actually I have a demo cut of a song of mine by this title – released on a compilation album out on Spotify etc.) Finding people in the industry who know the challenges and how it should be done is also a big asset. Working in your community – doing local shows etc. also increases awareness of your brand though those closest to you – friends and family etc are not always your best advocates. It takes building a team to take it to the next level because you can’t do it all by yourself.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Bob Jeter: Thats a tough one. There are so many great artists and great venues. Maybe with Van Morrison – since my producer friend – Kenny Kirby has played with him – in a small pub in Ireland. Cheers!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Bob Jeter: . I am currently working on a new release – the first song entitled – Why Suffer The Innocent Children. (Possible title of Album – The House of Lore.) I hope to help a friend who lives in Gambia to build a school there with the proceeds from this release.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Bob Jeter: Painting or writing a book.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Bob Jeter: I remember the Beatles – and probably the 1st album I bought was their first US release. I remember those black and white faces in half shadow. It seemed so mysterious and intriguing.Their marketing was superb! – not to mention the music.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Bob Jeter: I work part time supervising in the catering business – food is such a delicious art LOL – which gives me time – but never enough – for music. But organization is always a challenge – there is never enough time in the day.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

Bob Jeter: A new album and maybe a new EP. Also I hope to increase my concert schedule with JeterNTheJets. I am also starting a newletter and may resume broadcasting.