Reviews
Jeffery’s Recordings:
“Cycling through (his) record I could not help but wonder why he’s not already a star in this country. Over time, he’s evolved into a fine songwriter with great lyrical sensibilities. His music is a marvelous marriage of style and substance…Straker is very much an artist to watch.”
- Canadian Musician Magazine – (Jan/Feb 09)
“A stunning collection of cabaret-pop”
- xtra.ca and Xtra - Toronto (June 09)
“Rufus Wainwright, as well as k.d. lang… are among the Canadians making essential and beautiful music. Add the name Jeffery Straker to that list. Straker’s strong and playful vocals combined with his considerable songwriting talents make his debut album “Step Right Up” an invitation that’s nearly impossible to resist.”
- Chicago Free Press – Gregg Shapiro (Jan 09)
“Jeffery Straker’s enthusiasm leaps out of the speakers on Step Right Up. Playful, upbeat songs play well to his showmanship and his Freddie Mercury-like voice.”
- Regina Leader Post – Andrew Matte (Nov 08)
“You want this CD. I’m telling you; I listened to it once and had to have it on my iPod.”
- showbizmonkeys.com - Ariana Hepner - (Nov 08)
“There’s so much energy and fun here the effect is almost psychedelic, like being drunk on a rainbow. A set of wickedly theatrical piano-driven chamber pop songs, Step Right Up is in every jubilant note a manifesto of escape. This is a great listen– with energy, images and nimble keys, Jeffery Straker puts on a hell of a show; step right up, indeed.”
- Oxyfication.net (Nov 08)
“Musically delicious”
- Outlooks Magazine, National / Canada (Aug ‘08)
“Another great disc of music!! I am always happy to spin good tunes, thanks for continuing to make them!”
- Dan Reynish - Host/Producer, Saskatchewan Weekend CBC Radio (June ‘08)
“Response to your song has been so good, we’re adding it to our playlist-congratulations!”
- Mark Hunter Z99 radio Regina SK.
“Sophisticated sound….memorable tunes. An uplifting sense to his melodies. Overall - an eminently listenable album”
- Dale Smith (National reviewer, OUTLOOKS magazine) - CD Review (April 2006)
“Great Songs . . . . . and that voice - what amazing vocal range!”
- Colin Grewar - CBC Radio Saskatchewan - Jan ‘06
“Beautiful chorus….Warm and inviting writing….Strong and engaging….Rich vocals and harmonies….Great Rich Voice”
- ‘Communities of Note’ Songwriting Contest: Fall 2003 - awarded 5th place nationally, Judges included: Edwin of ‘I Mother Earth’, Fred Turner of Bachman Turner Overdrive, Dale Russell of The Guess Who, Mitch Dorge of the Crash Test Dummies.
“A smash hit all the way around….full of fresh lyrics & ideas…. a killer chorus…poetic and clever”.
- UNISONG 2004 International Songwriting contest.
“Straker’s music is honest and eloquent - an obvious by-product of years of training and a genuine love for his craft. . . Catchy energetic and cleverly crafted, it is doubtless that these are crowd-pleasers in the repertoire whenever he performs live.”
- John Ayres (Arts Reviewer) OUTLOOKS - July 2003 (CD Review)
“Besides his obviously exceptional musical ability, Straker has got talent to spare in the lyric and voice department as well. Combine the wonderfully deep and sensitive lyrics with rich and bold music, and you get harmonic bliss.”
- Jon Pressick - TRADE Magazine: Summer 2003 Issue (CD Review of CD)
Jeffery’s Live Shows:
“Straker was on the piano and had a bright, whimsical, cabaret sound, accompanied by a barrel of lyrics. With Elton John ala Tiny Dancer inspired pianos and MIKA vocals, you can’t help but sit up and take a listen.”
- www.spotthegroove.com (Sept 08)
“I was enthralled by your performance, as was the audience. Never have I seen a crowd erupt with such applause, appreciation and enthusiasm”
- Marilyn Sigda - CJTR 91.3fm (June ‘08)
“You are a HUGE talent with a great band. Your fans LOVE you, your wit and your musical, conceptual and lyrical brilliance. If this was 1970, you would be Reginald Dwight. Best thing I’ve seen in years.”
- Mark Schmidt – Talent Buyer, Casino Regina (June ‘08)
“. . . as usual you were great! Relaxed, talented, with a great sense of humour!”
- Russell Leon - Producer of Songwriters Unite, Toronto (Oct ‘07)
“. . .your music has great energy. . . you are a superb performer. “
- Sandra Butel Artistic Director Regina Folk Festival (July ‘07)
“You blew me away with that song!… “
- Jason Blume - Nashville Hit Songwriter (May ‘07)
“…he packs an impressive range into his delivery with his showtunes- and blues-influenced style. Armed with his piano, he could hold his own against a wild pack of attacking cabaret performers armed with broken martini glasses.”
- Jed Ryan – New York City Reviewer (jedryan.com/Outmusic-2007)
“One of the province’s hottest entertainers on the music scene “
- Ryan Kiedrowski - Northeast Sun Newspaper, Sask, (Sept ‘06)
“After 4 bars it’s a given that something wonderful is going on! “
- Steve McDonnell - Cathedral Village Arts Festival, Regina, SK, (June ‘06)
“One can’t help but be entertained. We would welcome him back anytime.”
- Susan Robertson - Outlook and District Arts Council (Jan 2006)
“The Crowd and the two other acts sharing the bill with Jeff at a recent performance, were enchanted by his theatrtical performing style and entertaining storytelling through song. His rootsy percussive sound sets him apart from other piano based artists and gives him a style all his own”.
- Tabassum Siddiqui, Toronto Arts Writer/Editor - Performance Toronto’s C’est What - June 2003
