JEFFERY STRAKER

What’s most remarkable about singer-songwriter-pianist Jeffery Straker is that he has garnered such high praise and attention entirely through his own perseverance, a blend of creativity and business smarts, and dogged determination. This drive has helped him climb into the top 10 on Canada’s Much More Music video TV (2009), gain radio airplay, secure Canada-wide distribution for his album with Universal Music Canada/Conveyor, and get tapped by a symphony orchestra for a collaborative tour in 2010. Oh yes, and he’s booked and performed 100+ shows a year for the past several years. The Saskatchewan-raised performer’s dynamic and infectious album Step Right Up is a carnival-esque collection of 14 boisterous tunes which paints vivid aural images with not only lyrical artistry but also Jeffery’s gloriously energetic prowess on the piano—and sharp sense of humour. The CD was produced by Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Jacksoul) and Oxyfication.net declares, "There’s so much energy and fun here the effect is almost psychedelic, like being drunk on a rainbow."

But in addition to his recent album, it’s his live stage presence that has hooked many new fans. Both energetic and charismatic he blends his show-stopping piano playing and 3 octave tenor voice with incredible story-telling and banter between songs. Fans leave the show feeling like they’ve uniquely experienced both the intimacy of a house concert and the energy of a stadium concert. Most recently this live experience was captured by the CBC who will air a Straker concert on Canada Live in 2010 - also available as a CBC concert-on-demand.

After unsuccessfully trying attract label attention for his album, Jeffery rolled up his sleeves and launched it on his own - and the results have been impressive. Jeffery’s indie release of the song "Hypnotized" from Step Right Up earned a Top 10 position from viewer votes on Much More Music. To produce the video, Jeffery advertised on craigslist.com for extras dressed up as circus entertainers, and not only did they show up, that online ad garnered a donated antique upright piano for the shoot. Jeffery then pounded the pavement servicing that video to get airplay. Along with video promotion, Jeffery took on the task of booking agent, averaging 100 shows a year ranging from solo shows, festival slots, and opening for Mel C. At those live shows, he sold over 2,200 CDs. All this activity, including securing radio airplay and an invitation to tour with the Regina Symphony Orchestra made him "very much an artist to watch" as touted by Canadian Musician Magazine. The well-established Canadian symphony orchestra will arrange his music for touring in 2010.

And now he’s attracted label support to release his album nationally. Though it’s Jeffery Straker’s third full CD, Step Right Up is his first with MDM Recordings Inc, which brings with it major label distribution from Conveyor / Universal Music Canada. Featuring drummer Randy Cook (Five For Fighting, Chantal Kreviazuk and Kelly Clarkson) and guitarist Justin Abedin (Amanda Marshall, Jacksoul), the album’s official release is scheduled for early 2010, with the lilting, poetic "Somewhere Between" leading the re-launch at radio and video.

Jeffery’s love affair with the piano started at the age of 6 and was nurtured by his church organist mother and auctioneer father. In addition to piano lessons, regular jam sessions took place in their rural hometown of Punnichy, Saskatchewan (population 250) with friends and neighbours joining in. Jeffery played by ear, picking out tunes and "making things up" along the way. By 19, Jeffery had earned a degree in piano performance from England’s Trinity College of Music - practicing 4-5 hours a day. Serious songwriting however didn’t start until about 9 years ago, influenced by a combination of the classical training, the pop Jeffery listened to with his family, and a "strong story-telling tradition where I grew up".

His musical prowess and flare at the piano has an incredibly famous connection - it’s true. While studying at the conservatory of music at the University of Regina, Jeffery worked with one Frank Crumly, who had been taught by Thomas Manshardt, who previously had been taught by Howard Wells, who was a student of Leschetizky (acknowledged as the greatest teacher of all time), who was taught by Czerny, who, you guessed it, was taught by Beethoven. A similar lineage through Manshardt connects Jeffery to Chopin. Quite the pedigree!

Watch for more from Jeffery through 2010. For more information visit www.jeffstraker.com Jeffery thanks the Saskatchewan Arts Board, SaskMusic and FACTOR for their on-going support of his music.