Jeff Pevar

Can you tell us a bit about your musical background?
I have been quite fortunate, as I knew that I wanted to make a career out of playing music in my early teens. I actually stated playing  in clubs when I was 15 (I was tall for my age). As the days have gone by I have played with scores of fantastic artists such as, Ray Charles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Joe Cocker, James Taylor, Donald Fagen, David Foster, Rickie Lee Jones, Jimmy Webb, Marc Cohn, Phil Lesh, Jazz Is Dead, Jefferson Starship and many others.

I am a self taught musician and I would like to consider myself proficient in many styles, which is one reason that I have been able to stay busy as I have. The “classes” I ended up missing by leaving high school in my teens, I sort of re-created by manifesting all sorts of musical opportunities with established artists. So, in a way, I just redirected my course of studies. Between learning hundreds of songs for the various artists I have, and also learning how to be a supportive and sought after musician, is a wonderful opportunity to sink yer teeth into.

I feel quite blessed with all the opportunities that have presented themselves though my dedication to following my dreams and desires.

What are you presently working on?
I released my first record a couple months ago. It’s quite a story.

I received an invitation to compose music for a PBS documentary on the Oregon Caves National Monument. After I agreed to take on the project I was presented with the unique opportunity to record my original music in the Oregon Caves themselves!

I decided not to prepare anything in advance as I had a premonition that recording there would strongly influence my improvisations. I went in with no idea what I was going to do, and 12 compositions were spontaneously conceived, one after the other, while in the caves.

The staff at the Oregon Caves National Monument inquired if I would consider releasing the music I wrote for the documentary, as a CD of its own. The concept of turning these improvisations into complete arrangements, much less a debut release, wasn’t at all a consideration previously, yet, to my surprise and delight, a lifelong quest was realized. Up until this time, the daunting task of deciding what music might possibly be included on a debut project of my own had eluded me. Now in one fateful, fruitful three-hour visit to the Oregon Caves, this wish had been visualized, crystallized and documented.

Rather than release this debut as a solo guitar record only, I chose to overdub additional instruments in my home studio. While most of the instruments heard on these songs are overdubbed performances of my own, as the project evolved, I invited a number of special guests to add their unique flavor on selected songs, including one of my favorite vocalists and composers, Jon Anderson, best known from his work with the band YES, who co-wrote lyrics and sings on one of the songs “River Of Dreams”. It has given me a faith that more is available to us than we could ever imagine, if we trust to call on it. The record is called “From The Core.”

More info is at www.pevar.com and there is a promo video on YouTube.

What do you think of the current state of the musical industry?
I think the fact that musicians have so much more power to produce, record, distribute and advertise music on their own, makes it an exciting time. Whle technology has been both a blessing and a curse, I am an optimist, and the fact remains that world needs inspiration and creativity to save it from itself. Hopefully as time goes on people will realize more how essential it is. may do,,,and many take it for granted.
All in all, I think that it’s an amazing time to be alive.

Jeff on the “dusty end”

What’s coming up in the future for you?
I have my fingers in a lot of pies. I have been scoring films, making records, touring with various artists and all of those things I would  like to think that I am getting better and better at, so I am planning on doing all these things that I enjoy and am passionate about as Iong as I am breathing.  I like the saying “The only limitation is our imaginations” and my imagination runs wild, so I am quite excited about the days to come.

What attracted you to Mooer pedals?
I love the fact that I can have a pedal board with so many great effects and also at such a reduced size and weight than other pedals that usually don’t even sound as good! As soon as I heard them I had to get a bunch of em and I want to hear them all! Thanks to Mooer for making such a great product that it doesn’t break the bank or your back!