Riley Jantzen Sings So Sweet
October 24, 2009 · Print This Article
On a cross-country road trip to the Grand Canyon, I found a young man by the name of Riley Jantzen, a self- proclaimed “fan and maker of music.” His music has influenced and affected my music and life since the day I pulled up to his house in Oklahoma.Standing in his yard in a ragged white t-shirt and equally tattered jeans, one may not expect such a person to be the greatest song writer of our generation. But I can say without hesitation that I have yet to find another person who writes such beautiful, honest and brilliant music.
His songs are simple and sweet. His voice soars and trembles over a guitar that is working hard to keep up with his genius. His stories paint the most vivid images filled with colorful characters and breath-taking scenery. His sound is unique and yet familiar. His lyrics seem to have come from ages past or somewhere deep in our own soul. He doesn’t fuss over imperfections in his vocals or rhythm, creating a most spectacular work of art filled with little sonic secrets like the squeak of a chair underneath the strumming of an acoustic guitar.
His creations truly are refreshing in its fairness and faithfulness to its maker. It doesn’t worry over pitch correction or other candy coatings. It relies on what all art should rely: the artist’s ability to convey emotion with its striking beauty. Riley Jantzen is the definition of good music. But beware, once you’ve listened to Riley Jantzen, your other music might not taste as sweet.
P.S. If you like Jantzen’s style but want a faster, more rocking equivalent, check out his band Mayola: the best band in America today.
Alex Aaron-Indie Contributor
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i’d like to hear his music where can i or we hear it on your site
ashley, the easiest way to listen is to go to riley’s myspace. you could even email him there to ask about buying a cd.