Jake Walden • The Line

Just thought as I have not featured Jake Walden on the blog lately, it was about time I did. And while I am hoping to relax and get my back better, I would post one of my favorite songs by the handsome and talented singer/songwriter. "The Line" can be found on Jake's debut album, Alive And Screaming. Released in 2008, the album effortlessly combines storytelling and music, as Jake's brusk voice slides up and down his range with ease. This is a wonderful live performance that also includes Tom Goss on guitar.

Just a little over a year ago, Jake released another disc of love, Same Something Different. While few thought it possible, the new release was even stronger than the first, seeming more personal, confessional. While Jake's voice hadn't changed, the vocals were even more nuanced, caressing your heart with a softer touch. Take, for example, the beautiful "Almost Brave", one of the many favorites available on the album.

For more about my buddy Jake, visit his official website. You can find Alive And Screaming on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can also find Jake's latest, Same Something Different, on iTunes CD Baby, and Amazon.

Jake Walden Premiere's Even In Your Doubt

Jake Walden has released the first video from his latest release, Same Something Different. The charming Even In Your Doubt is just a delight to hear, and even better to watch. So join Jake in his walk in this enchanting forest. And if you chat with Little Jake, tell him not to worry, he's gonna grow up to be a handsome and talented musician.



Same Something Different is a great album, and is available for download on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here. You can purchase the CD on Amazon.com here. Same Something Different is also available from CD Baby here. You can discover more about Jake and his music at his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter to tell him how much you are liking his music. Tweet him here.

Same Something Different On Sale Now!

Jake Walden's sophomore album is available for purchase now, and as someone who has Same Something Different, I can tell you it is well worth buying. From start to finish, the 11-song collection is amazing, start to finish, with a depth and richness in his performance which must be heard. There is the joy found in cuts like When The World Lay Still, or the buoyantly positive cuts like Even In Your Doubt, to the clarion call for happiness of Simple Life, to the ethereal yet never wistful Dreamer, the melodic slice of life of Almost Brave, to the hopeful yearning of We Are Not Broken, the album streams life, pulsates with the collective human experience, and comes out on top, unfazed and undeterred, ready to look at life as the joyous and beautiful experience it is. Jake's voice soars when it should, and softly caresses other times, and never overpowered by the lush orchestration. Same Something Different is never the same as anything, but instead a series of mosaics, depicting life and love with the fabric squares of a life well-lived. Take a listen to a live performance of the title track, Same Something Different, from a recent performance.



Same Something Different is available for download on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here. You can purchase the CD on Amazon.com here. Same Something Different is also available from CD Baby here. You can discover more about Jake and his music at his official website here. You can also find him on Twitter to tell him how much you are liking his music. Tweet him here.

Jake Walden at MilkBoy Coffee

I was thrilled to be going to see Jake Walden on July 15th, driving to MilkBoy Coffee in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. It's been a couple of years since I last saw Jake, when he played with Tom Goss in Washington, DC. But this time, Jake would be the closing set, with Amy Regan and Shaun Hague there to prime the crowd for Jake's electric set. I was looking forward to the show, for I knew we'd be hearing some of the new music set to be released on the 26th, Same Something Different. That was something that certainly drew me to be even more excited about a show that promised to be sensational.

I saw Jake shortly before the show, and got my first hug of the night. He seemed relaxed, especially for Jake. Now, if I were to describe seeing Jake perform, I would use words like, twitchy, exposed, intense, and even edgy. He seems to be a conduit for his nervous energy, and practically vibrate with that energy, channeled into the most expressive and glorious expression of his talent. This post features videos and pictures I took at the show, so you can share the wonderful experience with me.



He began the show in Jake's own way, singing The Line, the song that opens all of Jake's shows. The song originally appeared on Walden's debut album, Alive And Screaming. It has one of the most beautiful lines in the chorus, "I don't wanna learn in the morning, that I was only dreaming tonight." Le sigh...



Soon we start hearing the music from the upcoming album, Same Something Different. Here, I will start with the joyous and beautiful first cut off the album, Even In Your Doubt. The simple, yet lovely melody drives the song, and makes me want to listen time and time again.





The eighth cut on the new album, Almost Brave, was an interesting one, to be sure. The first few bars grabbed my attention, and Jake's voice came in and snapped that lead, and on the chorus, claimed my heart.



As the final song of the performance, Jake delivered a strong and beautiful version of We Are Not Broken, a song that was first featured on the first album, but was reimagined and included on the new album as well. Jake was kind to mention me in his dialog before the song, but also take note of his thoughts on a video, cause I will be reminding people of it when it is time. But, without further ado, this is We Are Not Broken.



After the show, I was able to catch up with him once again, and tell him how amazing the show was. And I was surprised to find the new album there for sale! So I had a head-start on many, but can tell you the album is amazing! It is just om damned multi-dimensional, so beautiful, so textured. And there is so much joy found in it. You can find out more about Jake Walden here. You can find his first album on iTunes here, or on Amazon.com here. And if you aren't quite convinced about buying the new album, I will remind you tomorrow with a video or two.

I'm Going To See Jake Walden!

Tonight I am driving my happy ass to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, to see my buddy Jake Walden performing live, promoting his music and his soon-to-be-released-album, Same Something Different. Here is a clip of the title song.





He will be performing with Shaun Hague, who I don't know a whole lot about, but bet I shall soon! I sure do like the sound of him playing Eric Clapton's Drifting Blues like this!



So, I hope to have pictures, videos and stories for you sometime very soon! And, if you can make it, they have two shows in Washington, DC, Saturday night, July 16th!

Jake Walden 2011 Tour

In preparation for the release of a new album, Jake Walden is getting set to take to the road. The singer/songwriter kicks things off in Chicago, Illinois, next week, and move to the East Coast for a couple of weeks, ending with two shows on July 16th in Washington, DC. In fact, the pictures above were taken by me the last time I saw Jake play in DC, when he played with Tom Goss. That was a great night! With Jake on the verge of releasing a new album, Same Something Different, there should be great new music, and a real excitement with the tour. I am trying to decide between the DC & Ardmore dates, cause I don't want to miss it.



For more complete information on the dates, check out Jake's schedule on his tour page here. And you can always visit his official website here. You can sample or purchase his first album, Alive And Screaming, on iTunes here or you can check out the Deluxe version here. You can find the Deluxe version on Amazon.com here.



Singer/Songwriter Shaun Hague will be opening for Jake on the tour. He also has a new release out, the EP The Time Is Now. You can hear his music and discover more about him by checking in on his official webpage here. You can find him on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here.

Free Download from Jake Walden

The benefit of lending your support from an independent artist like Jake Walden is the free goodies you can get along the way. One such bonus was the clip of Jake singing his favorite song by the Eagles, Desperado. He certainly gives his own take on the song, with a delivery that is distinctly Jake. Since I am posting this during the day, I guess I should mention that those who watch through to the end truly receive a special treat. Yes, Jake does bare his, um, soul for his fans. Make it easy to get behind him.



And I mentioned a FREE download, well, here it is. The song is the never heard or released version of Alive and Screaming LIVE from the Hotel Cafe (2009). You still have time to join in the support of his latest studio effort, Same Something Different. You can join in here.

Same Something Different - Jake Walden

Jake Walden, at play and at work.

Announcing he is in the planning stages of a new album, a follow-up to the amazing 2008 release Alive And Screaming, Jake Walden has started a fundraising effort to help with the costs of recording. Before I get too much further into that, let me remind you a bit about the artist. Handsome, out and proud, the singer/songwriter sings highly personal and beautiful songs, his voice at times aching, at other times reveling in life. Take, for example, the song We Are in a live performance.



The title cut from Alive And Screaming is not only a great example of his work, but also was heard on the soundtrack of an episode of the show Scrubs. It is a beautiful song with amazing layers and textures, all shown beautifully by Jake's vocal performance.



And here is a video of the song Same Something Different at a show in Las Vegas. The song shares a name with the new album, so it might just give you a little insight into the music to come. I was lucky enough to see him perform this live at a show in Washington DC. He was there with Tom Goss.



As I said, Jake has started to raise money for his next album, and the first goal is at the end of the month. As with many independent artists, the cost of studio time and promotion of new music is all left to the artist, and is a heavy burden. When you come across talented out artists like Jake, and enjoy their music, what better way to ensure they continue to enrich your life with that music than with your support? So, if you could, take the time to stop by his page on Kickstarter here and watch his video, and see the options available. You can donate anything from $1 to, well, whatever, and for donations over $12, you will get something in return. Most of all, remember the quality of the music on this page alone, just these three songs, and realize this is an artist worth supporting. Need more convincing? Go to Jake's official website here, join his mailing list, and get a free copy of the single Alive And Screaming. Give it a listen and I am convinced you will be a fan.