JERRY LEE SURBER: Press

HEY---GUITAR review by Chuck Dauphin Aug.20,2007

With a name like Jerry Lee, you would have to figure that you would be in for a dose of Southern music mixed with a little bit of blues. That's what you get on this disc. Surber, a native of Shamrock,TX., assembled quite an interesting collection with this disc. First of all, the instrumentation is nothing less than first-rate all the way through. Whether is be Surber, Chip Martin, Brian Pruitt, or Jason Roller, there's some awfully nice picking going on all the way throughout.

Vocally, to suggest that Surber's vocals are clean and pristine would be stretching things a little. His voice is one that has been lived in....a trait that is very apparent on tracks like "Hard Luck" and "Ev'ry Town", which is an ode to small town life. He's better on the uptempo cuts, such a "Educated Redneck", which benefits from some strong dobro playing from Martin.

His vocal approach brings to miind someone like Chris LeDoux, who had a style all his own. Is it Country? Well... that could be debated. Is it Blues? That could be debated as well.
Is it entertaining? That.....I can tell you most assuredly...it is!!!

WRANGLER CD review by Chuck Dauphin
May 14, 2008

The son of a teacher and a Baptist preacher, one would assume that Jerry Lee Surber would tend to paint inside the lines most of the time. Even so, there's a very eclectic feel to the music that he presents on WRANGLER.

There's a little bit of Texas roadhouse sounds on the CD's opener,the title cut. Then he takes a turn on the ligh-and-easy "Keep On Dancin", which should be a favorite on many dance floors in the Lone Star state.

Vocally, I prefer the ballads on this disc, and he's got some good ones. There's a vulnerability in the story song "He Left Her Standin" that he pulls off quite nicely, and strikes a romantic chord in "Kiss Me Back". The up-tempo fare stands up pretty well though. "So There" adds a little bit of funk to his style, and "Try To Go The Distance Together", the album's best cut, tips a hat to 70's acts like Poco, America, and the Eagles.

I don't know if Surber would be as effective delivering this material ten to twenty years ago, as he hadn't lived these experiences yet.

With his age and wisdom, these songs definitely sound like they are coming straight from the heart.....and that's what sets them apart!!!

"HEY---GUITAR" review by Will Jordan written
March 23,2007
author: Rib Magazine

Jerry Lee Surber holds his head up high as he sings his heart out on his latest release, Hey Guitar. The singer/songwriter has a lot to share with the world after a near death experience, which left him in a coma for five weeks in January and February 2000. He found his way back, fully recovered and is stronger than ever as indicated by his latest compilation of Texas storied songs, which are dripping with sweat and tears. The album begins with the raucous, “Educated Redneck", a nod to Surber’s ever-present sense-of-humor. What follows is a palette of different sounds and emotions from the ironically upbeat, “Please Let Go Of My Heart” to the radio-friendly “Don’t Have To Love Me Back,” the soulful, harmonica-heavy “Down in Mexico,” the fiery, wide-ranging, “Showdown (at the Lonestar Saloon)” and the cheerful ode to his only daughter Shawn-Michelle entitled, “Mornin’ Light.” Surber made his bones in the band Texas during the 70s’-80s' and has proved he can stand on his own as a songwriter. There’s a message behind his music, and it’s time the rest of the world heard it!

"HEY---GUITAR" review written by Shawn-Michelle Nelson March 23, 2007

author: Shawn Nelson
This is a great CD! Each song is different but has the same flavor from this insightful artist. From inflections and emotional expressions to good old rock and roll this CD doesn't miss a beat. It fits into all genres and can and will be appreciated by all music lovers. This is one of those rare gems you can put in, press play and let it go. There's not a bad song on it- its all great stuff! The words, the music, the obvious expertise of the musicians and the expert songwriting skills make this a great one to add to your collection and tell all your friends about!There are so many intricacies in the music that compliment the song lyrics...incredible harmony vocals...we have definitely found a new fave! This CD has it all and it will blow you away! Looking forward to much more from this artist. A+++

"HEY--GUITAR" review by Freddy Mullins written
April 2, 2007

A perfect marriage of writing and melodies...
author: Freddy Mullins
Here is the deal. Jerry doesn't write songs...he paints them. The songs that Jerry writes and sings are the kind that play in your mind's eye as a movie would...you see his songs and emotions as they play. Sometimes you are smiling from the feel good light-hearted melodies and sometimes you are left silent imagining the pain that the song reveals....but no matter what you are in the songs and they are in you. The production is absolutely top notch as producer Chip Martin and Jerry combine perfectly. A great example of this is in the song "Don't Have to Love Me Back". A great song enhanced, but not overshadowed by wonderful production. Other highlights include: Down in Mexico, He Don't Matter to Her No More, I've been There, and Hard Luck. Very nice work in producing an all American "Original Southern Music" album Jerry!

"NEIGHBORHOOD" review
May 9, 2009 by Chuck Dauphin

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing a project from a very talented artist by the name of Jerry Lee Surber. In the words I wrote to describe his last project, I talked about how wonderfully eclectic he was.

For his new collection, he has kicked that definition up a notch----releasing an album that could fit in very nicely in a variety of musical styles and formats.

He kicks off the album with the rollicking "Somethin' Ain't Right," which sounds like it very well could have originated from Sun Records in Memphis. Also in the vein is the R&B-tinged "Set Up Again By Love."

Switching gears a little, he tackles somewhat of an 80's sound on "The Last Time," where he benefits from some nice harmonica licks from Chip Martin. I also like the mysterious pop feel of "She Lied To Him Again." I think it's a safe bet that Jerry has listened to more than a little bit of Fleetwood Mac in his lifetime.

In addition to these performances, there's some nice traditional Country moments, as well. "The Other Side Of Lonesome," "Color Run," and the very melodious "She's Not There" all will satisfy fans who like their Country with Twang. I really think the latter merits some discussion for being a single.

After listening to a couple of his discs, I can tell you that you would be hard pressed to find an entertainer who works harder at covering each and every musical base....that he can keep the listener satisfied. Give "NEIGHBORHOOD" a listen.....You just might like it!!