Very much born out of the state of Colorado, Forever Morning is the latest album from American singer songwriter Jeff Cramer.

By Graeme Smith

Opening with some gentle acoustic guitar and trotting percussion, we get an immediate sense of Rocky Mountain America through first track As I Am. Jeff’s vocals are strikingly soulful and pleading as they deliver lyrics that combine introspection with a desire for connection. The track builds its sense of emotion nicely, arriving at a lingering crescendo.

Ravens is a gentle moment full of heartache and tale of travel while Lost in the Catacombs brings a livelier tempo and plenty of philosophy. Misunderstood keeps things lively while adding in a dark and moody edge before Lover rounds off the early listening with a cosmic interlude.

Throughout, Jeff balances an eclectic use of genre with a recognisable cohesion. These tracks unmistakably belong together, and give us contrast between the atmospheric (Rest Your Head, Gravity, Studio Lights), the folksy (Midnight Train, Underneath, Remember Me), and the punchy (The Fighting, Colors). Jordan is wonderfully nostalgic highlight while New Day (She Said) and Memories close the album with a vibrant anthem and a dreamy vignette respectively.

Jeff Cramer is such an accomplished songwriter and this new album proves it. At sixteen tracks long, it’s ambitious, but never feels overly so. It’s simply a collection in which you can easily get lost. Give it a listen when you fancy a change of scenery. It will surely provide it.

Forever Morning was recorded at Blasting Room Studios in Fort Collins, Colorado by Jeff with producer Andrew Berlin. It features contributions from Emma Rose on bass and harmonies, Max Barcelow on drums, Charlie Rose and Dave Divine on electric guitars, Russick Smith and Eve Panning on cello and fiddle, and Jon Estes on organ and keyboard. Jeff provides lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, piano, Rhodes and the water bucket.

The album is out now and you can give it a listen below.