Today country music is a divided genre comprised of everything from contemporary and traditional to alternative and Americana, not to mention it is often mixed with flavors of bluegrass, gospel and folk. Singer/songwriters are as varied as the genre itself with different vocal styles and songwriting methods. While traditional country music may not be heard as much on mainstream country radio now as it once was, there are up and coming artists that are embracing those deep roots of country music and are determined to keep that sound alive. Jeff Maddox is a prime example of the “new” traditional sound that is hitting the airwaves and catching the ears of listeners from nine to ninety-two.

A Mississippi native, Jeff began singing and songwriting in his 20’s. Influenced by the pen of musical wordsmiths like Jimmy Buffet and John Prine, he soon developed a passion for songwriting and a style all his own. While his influences at first appear to be more middle-of-the-road and folk, add in a little influence from Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson and that blend turns into a traditional sound that rivals some of country music’s best from George Jones to Merle Haggard.

After honing his skills, Jeff contacted a friend in Hendersonville, Tennessee to record some demos. From there, Jeff’s search for a record label would lead to the doorstep of Echo-Vista Records, known mainly for their underground 12” hip hop and R&B releases. Obviously an odd place for this traditionalist to land, but the label was considering branching out into country music and Jeff Maddox became their flagship artist in the country genre. Echo-Vista’s Jeffrey Collins spearheaded the release of the project and connected Jeff with well-known Nashville musician and producer, Gary "Brotherman" Branchaud. His career was now in full swing with the release of his first CD entitled, That’s What Love Does.

A year or so later, a second album, entitled You Call It Country followed on Famous Records. While each sixteen song project highlighted Jeff’s traditional vocals, they also showcased his songwriting prowess on those thirty-two self-penned tunes. Not surprising that Jeff sees himself as a songwriter most of all, commenting, “That’s the horse I want to ride…and what I consider myself first and foremost… I put a lot of value on being a songwriter.” Although he has a burning desire to write and record, Jeff has learned over time that it’s not something he can control by simply turning it on and off - he must trust and relax in the process which has helped him develop as a songwriter; hence he notes, “My philosophy, I really don’t go out and look real hard for the songs…my job is to be patiently aware and ready and recognize the idea - the little spark that comes along.” And those ideas usually come out of the blue - it could be something someone says or as simple as a key phrase that comes to mind when he’s playing guitar.

Two songs from the first album, That’s What Love Does, were subsequently released as singles, “Take It From Me” and “Like I Need You,” both of which garnered Top 10 positions in the New Music Weekly country chart. He describes “Like I Need You” as “a sweet little love song” and “a very emotionally written song” - not his typical writing method, but then rules are meant to be broken and it worked.

When describing his music, he comments, “It’s country that leans traditional.” Jeff plans to continue that traditional sound with a new album release being slated for 2013 on Platinum Plus International Records which is distributed by The Orchard. Although still in the song selection process, he is very excited about the possibilities. “I hope as people listen to my music whether they like it or they don’t like it that they say this guy’s different. He’s unique. He’s tried something new. I want to be true to myself,” Jeff comments.

Now with his focus squarely set on songwriting for the new project, it is home in Pearl, Mississippi with his wife, Renee and two sons, Aden and Riley that keeps him grounded and full of ideas and enthusiasm.

Jeff Maddox continues to gain momentum in his musical quest and it’s only a matter of time before this “new” traditionalist will be making mainstream waves.

www.JeffMaddoxMusic.com