Music: Matt Zarley “Somebody For Everybody” (feat Shoshana Bean & Jeb Havens)

Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Zarley releases this acoustic version of his song “Somebody For Everybody” with guest vocals by the fab Shoshana Bean and uber-talented Jeb Havens.

The song began as a uptempo/dance track early in the genesis of Zarley’s hopefulROMANTIC project. But once done, he decided he wanted the tune to have a more subtle setting.

Three terrific musicians here, kids.

“There’s somebody for everybody, you’ve just gotta believe…”

Happy Valentine’s Weekend!

12 Days Of Christmas Music: Jeb Havens “I Wish I Had A River”

Seeing how it’s Hump Day and I just received this excellent cover of Joni Mitchell’s “River” by the uber-talented Jeb Havens, how could I not post it today?

You can’t have too much holiday music 🙂

I’ve enjoyed Jeb’s music for a long time. You’ll recall his version of “Fast Car” this summer set the internet on fire, plus his collaborations with other artists like Matt Zarley and Tom Goss, and his own original songs have all appeared on The Randy Report.

In addition to a gorgeous voice that suits him perfectly, Jeb has an uncanny sense for songs that suit his considerable talents, and “River” is a fantastic choice for both his voice and his interpretive powers.

Find more of his music on iTunes here.

Although not specifically a Christmas song (the lyrics begin with “it’s coming on Christmas”), the song has emerged as a modern Christmas standard.

“River” is the second-most widely covered of songs in Mitchell’s catalog.

Jeb Havens and Tom Goss cover Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”

Who needs professional dancers and high-end production when you’ve got out singer/songwriters Tom Goss and Jeb Havens? These two “bear-y” talented guys only need a trash can, some mics, and a keyboard roped to a sawhorse.

Check out their “trashy” take on Taylor Swift’s hit song “Shake It Off.”

Love both of these guys. A think a hallmark of both artists is their lack of self-consciousness. They just hit “go” and share exactly who they are; no calculation, no overthinking.

Check earlier posts featuring Jab Havens here and here; and more Tom Goss here and here.

Top 5 new posts on The Randy Report this week

Jeb Havens cover of  Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” goes viral with over 122,000 views

1. Music: Jeb Havens covers “Fast Car”

2. Neil Patrick Harris tweets naked post-“Hedwig” selfie from dressing room

3. American Idol alum Michael Johns dies at 35

4. Baby deer freaks out when the belly run ends

5. Barbra Streisand joins Instagram

Music: Jeb Havens covers “Fast Car”

Hunky Jeb Havens goes viral with Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" in his "Closet Covers" series

Great cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” by one of my current music obsessions, Jeb Havens.

Jeb sings with a great edge and clarity in his vocals; and he has an honest, open connection to what he’s singing about.

Notice his eye contact with the camera – not afraid to stay connected to his audience.  And his transitions from one lyric to the next make sense as a storyteller.  Very in the moment without being over the top  or heavy-handed.

This video comes from his series of “Closet Covers” shot literally in his closet.  I imagine the clothes help dampen outside noises for recording purposes, but it also seems personal and intimate being in his closet with him.

Oh – and he’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.  I noticed that 🙂

Subscribe to his YouTube channel here and download his music on iTunes here.

Music: Jeb Havens Closet Sessions “The Happiest (Please Say Yes)”

Ok, I’m officially “in crush” with Jeb Haven’s talent.

I love that he does these “Closet Sessions” so he can record.  Lots more great stuff on his YouTube channel.

If you like (and why wouldn’t you?) find him on iTunes here and go download something.

I’m always a big fan of supporting independent artists.  And here’s a great one.  I’m very drawn to the edge on his voice and the authentic emotion in everything he does.

Take a listen.

Music video: Matt Zarley and Jeb Havens “F**ckin’ Perfect”

Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Zarley is currently in the middle of producing a musical short film due out next year.  But he’s still recording music for fans on demand with a web series he’s called “Covered.”

Every couple of weeks he records and releases a cover song named by fans through his social media.

This week Matt invited the equally woofy Jeb Havens to join him on a duet of Pink’s “F**kin’ Perfect.”  Great song, great voices all wrapped up in furry goodness.  What’s not to like?

The hunky duo will be singing this LIVE in San Francisco on July 11th, in a concert event they call “Boys Life” at Beat Box.  Details here.

For more info on the guys themselves, visit JebHavens.com and MattZarley.com