Over the next nine years, many of Durango’s finest musicians played in Jeff’s bands, including Bill Boyer, Todd Kirkland, John June, DC Duncan, Brant Leeper, Michael McAllister and others. They were regulars at a host of music venues in the area, including Scoot ’n Blues, Storyville, the Wild Horse Saloon, the Abbey Theatre, the Animas River Blues Festival and Rubio’s in Aztec, and the Sheridan Hotel Bar in Telluride.

Jeff was a prolific songwriter, and recorded several CDs, including “Along For the Ride,” “Red Dirt Blues,” “Amen to the Blues” and “Blue ’Til I Die.” He was an equally talented singer, guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter, and one of his signature talents when performing live was playing guitar and keyboard at the same time, one hand playing each instrument.

Jeff left Durango in 2009 to return to Texas. He continued to record and perform, playing clubs in the Austin area, and touring throughout Texas, Florida, New Mexico and Colorado. He also represented the San Angelo (Texas) Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge, held annually in Nashville, where he was a five-time semifinalist from 2005 to 2009. Jeff continued to play in Durango frequently, while on tour to Telluride and the Denver area, and was scheduled to play on the Blues Train this year.

The Durango music community will miss Jeff, both his music and his friendship, and is fortunate to have had the time he spent here. He will be remembered for his ever-present smile and laughter, and his passion and commitment to his music.

Larry Carver

Durango