Jeff Plankenhorn's songwriting, expressive vocals, and musicianship are front and center on his latest album, Alone At Sea, produced by Colin Linden (Bruce Cockburn, Keb Mo.) New sonic territory is explored on this gem of a long player.
The title track, "Alone at Sea," is a poignant ballad nestled between two of the album's many up-tempo tunes.It envisions an adventurous soul who's searching for self-awareness and learns to appreciate solitude, not unlike Plank's experience of moving to Canada's Vancouver Island from a 20-year stint in the landlocked confines of Austin, TX.
For Jeff Plankenhorn, there's nothing quite like the feeling of bringing people together to experience the joy music brings. He's so good at it that he's been recognized with Austin Music Award nominations for Musician of the Year, Best Guitarist, and Best Misc. Instrument - for “The Plank” a hybrid lap steel guitar Jeff designed himself. In 2016-2017, he also earned Album and Song of the Year nominations for his album, SoulSlide, and the single "Trouble Find Me." Listeners quickly get that Plank loves a good groove, but he's also become quite accomplished at composing ballads, as proven by two of the album's other standouts, "Bluer Skies" and You'll Stay." These days, Plank happily finds himself on the road over 150 days a year. "I like the idea that people get uplifted at my shows; there are many ways to escape the hubbub of day-to-day living. Dancing is one of the more noble and effective, better than any drug I've tried. I like the idea that everybody who walks in — I don't care if you're a biker or a drag queen — I want you there. Music is supposed to bring people together." His music does exactly that — whether people come to listen or do a little dancing. Or ideally, both.
In 2024, he’ll extend his reach into Europe & maybe Australia for the first time.
"The real revelations here, though, are the title track “Alone At Sea” and “Bluer Skies,” which chime and ring with richly melodic guitars as they
draw upon Plankenhorn’s natural charm as a singer."
-Peter Blackstock/No Depression Magazine, 9/21/23
"Jeff Plankenhorn is a triple-threat Artist. He is the perfect combination of singer/writer/player which makes him a great asset to any Festival
lineup. His Festival concert was very well attended by an appreciative crowd at MusicFest and his ability to contribute to sessions/wkshops/song
circles is second to none. Book him Dano!"
- Doug Cox, Artistic Director/Executive Producer, Vancouver Island MusicFest
“I’d book Jeff Plankenhorn again. A stellar multi-instrumentalist, his music travels americana, blues, folk, roots rock, and soul trails. Jeff’s
savvy and sharp-witted lyrics, all delivered in his warm baritone, make you want to pay attention. He’s the consummate musician, easy-going
and professional. Now, what’s not to love?”
- Jean Spivey, Old Settler’s Music Festival Director, 2006-2020
"Multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, “Plank” first came to Central Texas as a sideman for Ray Wylie Hubbard. With his innate knowledge
of what to play, and when he soon picked up jobs with the hierarchy of Austin based musicians including Joe Ely, Willis Allan Ramsey, Bob
Schneider, and many others. Few people knew that in his “off time” he was pouring his heart out playing long solo shows at Gruene Hall and
other venues, playing for tips and low wages. It’s wonderful to see his hard work pay off as he morphed from side man to a well-respected
headliner.”
- Tracie Ferguson, Talent Buyer – Gruene Hall