
07-07-08: Northwest Shred Fest 2008 Compilation is Out
The
Northwest Shred Fest 2008 Compilation CD has been released! I contributed
two songs: remixes of "King Lerxst" (from Loss
for Words) and "Clearwater Road Trip" (a song I originally
wrote for the DOA 2006 compilation album). I made radical changes to the songs
for this album including new drum sounds, new bass sounds, new arrangements.
If you liked the originals, I think you'll enjoy the new mixes.
John Jaunese, a fantastic neo-classical player, is the mastermind behind this project. The roster of artists includes: John Jaunese, Ed to Shred, Ed Degenaro, Saed Bawaney, Brian Hunsaker, Wayde Cooper, George Varghese, Rich Nakatsu and yours truly. Check out the Northwest Shred Fest 2008 My Space Page for audio demos.
I have a limited number of CDs available from the first run. You can buy them from me directly for $10.00 (which includes shipping). Payment through Paypal: jeffrey@jrsmoots.com. Contact me if you need more info.
02-08-08: Jeff's new favorite Bass library, from Chris Hein
When it came time to remix two songs for the Northwest Shred Fest compilation, I decided to change the bass sounds. Surfing the web, I stumbled upon Chris Hein's website (www.chrishein.net). Chris's Horn and Guitar libraries have already achieved widespread acclaim for their oustanding sound quality and programming. Chris had recently released a new library, the Chris Hein Bass. I listened to the audio demos and was knocked out by the sound quality and realism -- realism achieved by innovative Kontakt programmin/scripting. Chris has recorded just about every sound a bass can make, and then made those sounds easily used via very clever programming.
One
feature that I immediately took advantage of is the ability to randomize the
bass sounds. One can can introduce randomized string squeeks, changes in fret
hand position, changes in the release tail, the list goes on and on. These
subtle touches change the bass from a run-of-the-mill sample library into
a living instrument. I've only scratched the surface on the E-Bass. Through
simple key switches, it's capable of even more expressivity than I used on
my remixes. I look forward to more opportunities to use this bass.
You can preview audio and video demos of the Chris Hein Bass library at Sounds Online. I also want to mention that you can download individual basses (E Bass, Fretless Bass and Upright Bass) from Chris Hein's web store, Best Service. To hear how I used the Chris Hein E Bass for the Northwest Shred Fest compilation, click here.
02-08-08: JRS to appear on Northwest Shred Fest 2008 Compilation
I've
been invited to appear on a new compilation album spotlighting Northwest instrumental
guitarists. I submitted two songs: remixes of "King Lerxst" (from
Loss for Words) and
"Clearwater Road Trip" (a song I originally wrote for the DOA 2006
compilation album). I made radical changes to the songs for this album including
new drum sounds, new bass sounds, new arrangements. If you liked the originals,
I think you'll enjoy the new remixes.
John Jaunese, a fantastic neo-classical player, is the mastermind behind this project. The roster of artists slated to appear on the album include: Wayde Cooper, Saeed Bawaney, Brian Hunsaker, George Varghese, Rich Nakatsu and John Jaunese. Check out the My Space web page for audio demos.
08-01-07: JRS Music available from PayPlay.fm
You can now download JRS singles and albums from PayPlay.fm.
JRS - Loss for Words
JRS - Spank Your Inner Child
04-17-07: Gear list updated
My gear page is slightly updated. It's been about 2 years since I revised it, and you all know how fast technology moves! Click here to check it out.
04-03-07: New Old Stock Recording Blog on My Space
I've been keeping a log of sorts about the recording of my upcoming album, New Old Stock. You can read at My Space; click here to go directly to the blog. I'll try to keep the blog updated frequently. If you are a DIY (do it yourself) recording musician, you may find the blog interesting. I'll try to be as specific as possible about the gear I use to record, how I record the instruments, how I mix them. I welcome your comments and questions too. Post away. Eventually I'll move the blog over to this site, and include photos and screenshots from the recording process.
02-13-07: Dean Owners of America Audible Portrait 2006
I
contributed a song to the Dean Owners of America Audible Portrait 2006, which
was released January 2007. My contribution is an instrumental, called "Clearwater
Road Trip". Click here
to for ordering information. I also want to mention that one of my favorite
vocalists, Mike Vescera is on the DOA CD! Obsession,
fronted by the vocal god that is Mr. Vescera, has contributed a song from
their new CD. You MUST check it out!! Actually, the DOA CD is excellent from
start to finish. Quite a diverse group of artists are represnted on the CD,
from blues to shred to metal. Good stuff! Now, go check out.
12-07-06: Loss for Words Available for Digital Download
JRS
- Loss for Words is now available as a digital download! Below
is a direct link to ITunes. I'll add direct links to additional download services
(Rhapsody, EMusic,
MSN Music, MusicNet,
MusicMatch),
asap.
| ITunes
|
12-07-06: Wings of Gold Available for Digital Download
My
album JRS - Wings of Gold
is now available as a digital download! Below are direct links to ITunes,
Rhapsody, EMusic, and MSN Music.
| ITunes
|
| Rhapsody
|
| EMusic
|
| MSN
Music |
10-01-06: Dean Rhapsody 12-string Bass

That's right, a 12-string bass! My Dean Guitar Arsenal has grown to include this beast. Each standard bass string has 2 additional strings, tuned one octave up. This bass sounds absolutely huge. I bought it because I admire Doug Pinnick's 12-string bass playing. Check back soon for more pictures and info.
08-14-06: Dean USA Custom MSV
This
beautiful guitar is a custom USA Michael Schenker V. Dean had a dozen or so
of these that became available for customization. I was able to choose the
color and the hardware. This is my first custom ordered guitar, and I'm pleased
to say it is exactly what I asked for. When it arrived at my house, I tore
into the package like a little kid at Christmas!
Feel-wise, the guitar plays just like the USA Michael Schenker V Limited Edition. Soundwise, I think it's a tiny bit brighter. Also, I think this particular guitar is little bit lighter in weight than the Schenker V Limited Edition.
I'm especially pleased with the look of the satin nickel hardware. Dean has been putting satin nickel hardware on its Dean Professional series, but this may be one of the first MSV's in satin. I think it looks great :)
05-29-06: JRS on My Space
I finally got around to creating a profile on My Space and uploading music. Click here to visit the page. You'll find four full-length songs (two from Inner Resonance - Solar Voices, and two from JRS - Loss for Words). I'm also attempting a blog, which should get more interesting when I start the final recording of my upcoming album, JRS - New old Stock.
04-25-05: The Hybrid Has Landed
Back in 1991, Roy Gray, Anthony Beck and I recorded a 5 song EP. The music was fast, angry, and strange. We called ourselves Hybrid, because we brought such varied sounds to the music. We played the Seattle club circuit with these songs, entertaining some and annoying others.
The Hybrid EP also won me a writeup in Guitar For the Practicing Musician.
I've had the 24-track 2" reel sitting around, and have always wanted to remix it. This year, I decided it was time. So, here are 30-second excerpts from the songs. If you enjoy them, please let me know (jeffrey@jrsmoots.com). If Roy and Anthony are agreeable, maybe we'll re-release it!
Hybrid EP
- Squirrel Birm: mp3 - Excerpt
- Stand On It: mp3 - Excerpt
- What's Next: mp3 - Excerpt
- Funk Biscuit: mp3 - Excerpt
- R.I.P.: mp3 - Excerpt
09-05-05: New JRS song on Dean Owners of America album
I'm
honored to be part of the first Dean Owners of America CD, Audible
Portrait 2005. This album features 17 songs by Dean Guitar owners--members
of the Dean Owners of America (DOA). I wrote and recorded a new song for this
album. The song's called 'Tie One On'. I used by Dean
Hardtail for the rhythm and leads. For more information, please visit
the Dean Guitars Website.
08-13-05: JRS guest solo on Scott Hughes' new album
I
recently contributed a guest solo on Scott Hughes' new album, The
In-Between Phase. Scott is an extraordinarily talented musician. I love
his new album, and am honored to be on it. You'll also find a guest solo from
guitar wizard Derryl
Gabel. Derryl and I can be found on the track "Fi-lo". In addition
to Scott's excellent original compositions, be sure to check out his smokin'
version of Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein", and his humorous and quirky
interpretation of Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk". The
In-Between Phase is a must-listen album. Go have a listen!
If you're into Star Wars, check this little lightsaber duel test clip. Jeremy Colyer and a friend are doing the fighting. I did the sound :) Visit XTreme Design Fx to see some of Jeremy's costume and mask design work.
05-26-05: JRS' Dean Guitar Arsenal Page Updated
Click here to see my recent Dean guitar acquisitions, including my Michael Schenker Limited Edition V, Dean Palomino, and Dean USA Hardtail.
03-28-05: JRS albums available for download
You can now download tracks from Wings of Gold and Loss for Words, from a variety of download services, including: Rhapsody, Napster, BuyMusic, MP3Tunes, MusicMatch, and Apple Itunes. Download one song, or the whole album. It's up to you!
11-27-04: JRS and Inner Resonance available from Tower Records
You can now purchase JRS and Inner Resonance music from Tower Records online. Go to www.towerrecords.com or use these direct links: JRS Wings of Gold, Inner Resonance - Solar Voices, JRS - Spank Your Inner Child, JRS - Loss for Words.
08-21-2004: JRS - Loss for Words reviewed in Progression Magazine
Progression Magazine Issue 46 is hot off the presses and available now. Inside you'll find Michael Popke's review of Loss for Words. Visit www.progressionmagazine.com today to get your copy and help support progressive music. You can also read the complete Loss for Words review here. Many thanks to Mr. Popke for the review!
05-16-2004: Jeff & Wayde - Return of the Shred
Wayde Cooper and I have teamed up to bring shred guitar back to Seattle. We're currently rehearsing a set with highlights from both our albums, along with shredilicious cover tunes, like 'Scarified' from Racer X. Be sure to visit Wayde Cooper's website. He's a monster!

02-21-2004: Prog4You reviews Loss for Words
Prog4you has posted a review of Loss
for Words. Thanks to George Roldan (prog4you webmaster), Luis Nasser
(reviewer). Prog4You features news, eviews and interviews from artists in
the progressive music community. Click here
to read the Loss for Words review.
01-28-04: Loss for Words review at Electric Basement
Another review of Loss for Words just
came in, from Electric
Basement, a website devoted to guitar-driven hard rock and metal. Be sure
to stop by to read the Loss
for Words
review, and check out their many exclusive interviews with rock and rollers
like: Tantric, Michael Schenker, Kevin Dubrow, and Geoff Tate. Much thanks
to A. Lee Graham for the review and to website editor Brian Coles. Go check
it out!
11-26-03: JRS Appears in Guitar One Magazine
I've received a writeup in the January 2004 issue of Guitar One Magazine! I'm in the Fretbuzz column. The issue is available on newstands now. Check out page 26. Many, many thanks to the editors at Guitar One for checking out Loss for Words, and giving me coverage in a national magazine.
10-27-03: JRS Featured on Dean Guitars Website
The ever-supportive guitar maniacs at Dean Musical Instruments have a feature article about me, my EVO Guitars, and my new album Loss for Words. Mucho gratitude to the Dean people. They are enthusiastically devoted to music and all things guitar. Makes me proud to be a Dean Guitar endorsee. Click on the image below to check it out!
10-20-03: Loss for Words is Album of the Month at Guitar Mania
Another review of the new album is now available on the Guitar Mania website. Loss for Words was also chosen as Album of Month! Click here to check out the review, and an interview with yours truly. Many thanks to the staff at Guitar Mania for their support.
09-23-03: Review of Loss for Words on Dutch Progressive Rock Page
Just got a review of the new album on the Dutch Progressive Rock Page. Click here to check out!
08-19-03: JRS Swag now available from Cafepress
Get your official JRS - Loss for Words tshirt today from Cafe
Press. More cool swag will be available soon, including posters, coffee
mugs, stickers, even beer steins and coasters.
Click here to go straight to my web store on Cafe Press. And, be sure check back often to see new JRS swag!
08-19-03: Fossil Records offers free custom JRS guitar pick with purchase of Loss for Words
Purchase your copy of JRS - Loss for Words directly from Fossil
Records and you will receive a free cusom JRS guitar pick. This is an
exclusive offer, only available from Fossil Records.
Click here to order your copy of Loss for Words, and be sure to check out all the great music available from Fossil Records.
08-08-03: Loss for Words Available for Sale!
Loss for Words is available now from CD Baby. Click on the Buy
CD logo, or click here to
jump to the CD Baby website, where you can preview audio tracks and purchase
your copy.
08-07-03: New Endorsement Deal for JRS!
That's right, folks. I'm now an official Peavey Amplification endorsee. I
just took delivery of my new Peavey Triple XXX 120 watt, all tube head and
4 x 12 cabinet. The XXX is truly a tone beast. Brutal.
Three
channels (clean, rhythm, lead), super adjustable active EQ on the rhythm and
lead channels, effects loop, beautiful clean channel; this head rules. Do
yourself a huge favor and check out the Peavey XXX series of all-tube guitar
amplifiers. Great sound and great price. Made in the USA. Check 'em out! Click
here for more information and pictures.
08-03-03:Loss for Words has Arrived!
The completed Loss for Words CD just arrived from Disk Makers, and will be available for sale very, very soon.
07-29-03: JRS on Prog4You Compilation Album
I'm honored to have been chosen to contribute a song to the Prog4You.com Progressive
Rock For You Volume 1, available now at the Prog4You
website. I contributed "The Anachronist", from my soon-to-be-released
album, Loss for Words. Progressive
Rock For You Volume 1 features 12 songs from prog artists like: Man on
Fire, Prymary, Sonus Umbra, Bubblemath, IZZ, and Persephone's Dream. There
is some great music on this disk--go check it out!
06-12-03: JRS Loss for Words artwork preview
Click
here to preview the artwork for Loss
for Words, created by by Matt
Harpold. Be sure to visit his site
to see more work by this compelling artist.
06-02-03: NEW MUSIC: Smoots - Cooper - Reindel Project release first song!
The first song from the Smoots-Cooper-Reindel Project is now available for your listening pleasure. The song is called Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It's 5+ minutes of unapologetic shred rock. Click here to find out more.
05-19-03: Loss for Words mixing and mastering completed!
Loss for Words is mixed and mastered. The artwork is about finished, so we're about ready to send it to be duplicated. Here's the final track list:
- Unearthly Ambition
- Dog Robot
- King Lerxst: Excerpt
- Mr. Negativity: Excerpt
- Ambergris
- Builder
- Cornfed
- Double Star
- Skyward
- Stadium Dreams
- The Anachronist
- Zeta Principle: Excerpt
10-08-02: JRS now a Friend of Morley
I'm very happy to announce my new relationship with Morley, maker of the outstanding Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah and the Steve Little Alligator Volume (as well as many other extremely cool pedals). I'm now an official "Friend of Morley", so my name will appear on the Morley website and in their print catalog. I used the Bad Horsie Wah and Little Alligator Volume extensively on my new album, Loss for Words. The pedals are both extremely quiet (great for recording), and extremely tough (great for playing live). Many thanks to Bill at Morley for getting me set up!
07-26-02: Loss for Words mixing is complete
Loss for Words track List:
05-19-2002: New reviews of JRS music at Prog4You
The fine folks at Prog4You have posted reviews several of my albums. They reviewed Wings of Gold, Spank Your Inner Child, and Despair to Peace. They also reviewed Inner Resonance - Solar Voices. Prog4You has a large amount of prog-rock content, including album reviews, and interviews with members of Dream Theater, Persephones Dream, Cairo and many others. This is a great site for proggers. Check it out!
05-01-2002: Loss for Words nears completion
The new JRS album, Loss for Words is just about ready for prime time. Here's the track list for the album:
12-13-2001: Exclusive Sneak Preview song from upcoming album, Loss for Words
I've just completed a rough mix of the song "Mr. Negativity", from my upcoming album, Loss for Words. This mix is basically the backing tracks for the song--no solo's yet. Stay tuned to this website for more sneak previews as I complete work on Loss for Words!
You can also hear the new song (plus songs from all my albums) on JRS Radio.
11-26-2001: JRS and Advanced Design of Kentucky
I'm pleased to announce a new endorser, Advanced Design of Kentucky. ADK specialize in custom-built high performance PC's. I'm currently using an ADK Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to record my new album, Loss for Words. My system has run flawlessy, right out of the box! Having a reliable, rock-solid DAW has changed recording from a frustrating chore to an exciting, fun experience. I'm actually enjoying the recording process again! [Click here to see my DAW configuration].
ADK build top-notch computers, provide outstanding service and support, and offer great prices. If you're considering upgrading or replacing your PC, I highly recommend ADK. And, tell them I sent you!
08-15-2001: Fossil Records releases JRS - Despair to Peace
My first instrumental classical album, Despair
to Peace, is now available from Fossil
Records. This album was written as a way for me to deal with the unexpected
loss of a loved one. For more about Despair to Peace, (including streaming
mp3's) visit the D2P page.
08-01-2001: Official Release of JRS - Spank Your Inner Child
Today marks the official Fossil Records release of my progressive/electronic instrumental album, Spank Your Inner Child. SYIC is available now from the Fossil Records Website, and CDBaby.
06-13-2001: Fossil Records to release JRS - Spank Your Inner Child
Fossil
Records is releasing my progressive electronica album, Spank Your
Inner Child. For more information about SYIC (including streaming mp3's
and downloadable midi files) visit the SYIC
page. And, be sure to check out all the great progressive and instrumental
music available on Fossil Records, from artists like Reindel, Goocher, The
Franklin/Neumann Project, Rod Lazchanzky, Denis Taafe, Ecstasy in Numbers,
and many more.
05-01-2001: JRS Receives Endorsement from Dean Markley Strings
![]() |
I'm very happy to announce I'm now a Dean Markley Strings endorsing artist. I'm a long-time Dean Markley Blue Steel String user, so I'm quite pleased to have the opportunity to work with Dean Markley. Be sure to visit their website, which has all the information you'll ever need about strings. And, if you haven't already tried them, go out now and get a set of Dean Markley Blue Steel strings. You haven't experienced the best until you've played Dean Markley. |
03-08-2001: JRS' MIDI Files Featured at ESH's MIDI Barn
MIDI-philes should go visit ESH's MIDI Barn, a repository for MIDI files in many styles. My thanks to ESH for including me on the website!
02-04-2001: JRS Contributes Lesson to Insane Guitar website
Those of you who have enjoyed my guitar lessons should visit the Insane Guitar website, which features a brand new lesson I wrote, entitled Using Modes in Solos. Insane Guitar also features lessons by several other guitarists, including Insane Guitar founder Joel Wanasek. This website is an excellent resource for information about playing shred guitar. I highly recommend you give it a visit!
01-23-2001: JRS Interviewed on Music Extreme
I've just completed an interview with Music Extreme, a new webzine devoted to extreme music from around the world. My thanks to Federico, founder of Music Extreme for interviewing me and providing this excellent exposure, especially since Music Extreme's home country is Argentina! Maybe someday I'll get to visit. Who knows?
01-22-2001: Dean Guitar website updated to include JRS
Dean Guitars, my guitar endorser, has updated their website with a page about me. Here's the direct link to the page: Dean Endorsee - Jeffrey Ryan Smoots.
12-11-2000: Two songs from SYIC released as MIDI files
I've made two songs from my album Spank Your Inner Child available in MIDI file format. Visit the my MIDI Music page or the SYIC page to download the songs. The first two available are "Regression", and "Solitude". More will follow. Enjoy!
12-10-2000: JRS Receives Product Endorsement from Dean Guitars
I'm proud to announce my new association with Dean Guitars! I'll be playing instruments from their expansive product line--a breathtaking array of acoustic, electric, nylon string, and resonator guitars, as well as an extensive line of 4, 5, and 6 string basses. My main guitar will be the Dean EVO Special 7, a great-playing, beautiful looking seven string electric guitar. Check out my Gear page to see this gorgeous guitar up close. You'll be hearing Dean guitars exclusively on my upcoming albums. So, head on over to www.deanguitars.com and take a look, you'll be glad you did!
09-08-2000: JRS Artist Interview Series begins
In an effort to help promote independent music, I'm proud to announce my new Artist Interview Series. What began as interviews for my mp3.com stations: Temple of Shred, and 21st Century Prog has now evolved into an ongoing series of interviews with independent artists. I'm fortunate to be acquainted with quite a few talented independent artists, and hope wrangle an interview out of each of them eventually, so visit the Artist Interview Series page often to see the latest!
08-31-2000: JRS and Inner Resonance to be featured artists on "Midday Madness" at radio station 97.5 CKDU.
JRS and Inner Resonance have been chosen as the featured new artists on Midday Madness, a progressive rock show airing on radio station 97.5 CKDU, transmitting from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Special thanks go to Jeff Tucker, aka "Dr. Rock" for his outstanding support of progressive music, and his willingness to give independent bands like JRS and Inner Resonance a chance to have our music exposed to a such a large audience. Listeners can tune into Midday Madness every Thursday afternoon from 2pm-5pm (Nova Scotia time).
08-29-2000: JRS appears on newly released live album, Axis - Live in Seattle.
Wayde Cooper, band leader of Axis, has released a full length CD of songs from several live shows the band played in Seattle nearly a decade ago.
I hadn't heard the live tapes for several years, and got a kick out of listening to them again. It brought back memories of the early nineties, before grunge had totally taken over the Seattle music scene. I hope you'll go check them out!
Axis - Live in Seattle is available for preview and purchase on Wayde Cooper's mp3.com webpage. You can also find out more about Axis and Wayde Cooper by visiting www.waydecooper.com.
08-19-2000: JRS contributes track to POD9 compilation
I've contributed my song Double Star to POD9 Records' "Laid Tracks Volume Two", a CD of guitar-oriented songs by musicians who appear on the MP3.COM website. Other artists contributing songs include: Ovall, Tim Simmons, Craig Jackson, Rod Laschansky, James Hart, Reindel, Loren "Lo" Woods, and Rick Renstrom. I'm proud to be included with such a group of talented musicians. POD9 records has two other releases in the Laid Tracks series--I highly recommend them to you as a great introduction to the independent, underground music scene.
07-24-2000: JRS instrumental hits NUMBER ONE on MP3.COM Rock Instrumental charts--Again!
The instrumental, 'Intro', from my album Wings of Gold, has hit number one on the Instrumental Rock charts again! It previously hit number one back in March of this year. If you haven't already visited my MP3.COM page, here's the address: www.mp3.com/jrsmoots. Thanks again to everyone that checked out the song :) Now if I could get 'Intro' licensed in some big blockbuster movie....
05-23-2000: JRS song chosen as a "Personal Pick" on MP3.COM Communicator newsletter
MP3.COM has chosen the song "Living", from my Wings of Gold album, as a "Personal Pick" for the MP3.COM Communicator newsletter. This email newsletter goes out to everyone who has downloaded songs from MP3.COM, and all the artists who have songs loaded on MP3.COM. This came as a complete surprise to me. I really appreciate the exposure, though! I've already received email from several people who checked out my music as a result of the newsletter. So, to whomever chose me to be in the newsletter: Thank You!
05-22-2000: Sounduser.com publishes JRS drum sequencing article
Sounduser.com has added my popular drum sequencing article to their website. Sounduser's purpose is to provide readers with independent reviews of sample CD's, provide links to music related sites, and provide Faqs, News and Software resources on many aspects of sampling and making music (especially with computers), focusing on sampling and sample CD's.
As a hardcore computer user, I'm happy to see sites like this springing up on the web. They provide valuable information to the computer-based music maker. I'm honored to be included on their site.
05-03-2000: Fossil Records to distribute JRS
I'm happy to announce my new association with Fossil Records. This new label specializes in progressive and instrumental rock and metal. They will be distributing my CD Wings of Gold, as well as CD's from Inner Resonance, Reindel, The Franklin-Neumann Project, Dennis Taaffe, and Third Voice. If you're a fan of progressive music, I highly recommend you check out the artists on Fossil Records.
04-23-2000: 'Double Star reaches number three on MP3.COM Instrumental Charts
I admit it, I'm a chart watcher now. 'Double Star', an instrumental song available on my album Wings of Gold - Special Edition, has hit number three on the Instrumental Rock charts on MP3.COM. I watch in amusement and amazement as my songs duke it out with other artists for position on the charts. My songs reach the top ten, then crash and burn down 30 or more places. It seems to happen cycles. I really must figure this out...
Anway, if you haven't already visited my MP3.COM page, here's the address: www.mp3.com/jrsmoots
03-06-2000:
"Ages Ago" by JRS to be used in multimedia exhibit
Mulitmedia artist Andrew Thomas has chosen a song I wrote entitled "Ages Ago" for a multimedia exhibition he's preparing for his final year project at the University of Hertfordshire, England. Andrew is earning his degree in Software Systems for the Arts and Media. Andrew is a very talented artist, and I am honored to be considered for his project. In fact, I've begun negotiations with Andrew to have him create the cover for my upcoming progressive rock instrumental album, "Loss for Words".
03-01-2000: JRS instrumental hits NUMBER ONE on MP3.COM Rock Instrumental charts
To my continuing amazement, 'Intro', from my album Wings of Gold, has hit number one on the Instrumental Rock charts!! The song is doing so well, it has crossed over to the MP3.COM Pop & Rock charts, and is listed at number nine. This is my first "number one" anything! I've run out of words to describe how cool this is. My profuse thanks go to all those who have checked out the music. If you haven't already visited my MP3.COM page, here's the address: www.mp3.com/jrsmoots
02-27-2000: JRS scores number two instrumental on MP3.COM
On February 27th, 'Intro' skyrocketed to number two on the Instrumental Rock charts on MP3.COM, surpassing 'Double Star' which held at number five for three days (and remains in the top ten). In addition, 'Living' and 'Pound', both from the Wings of Gold album, have cracked the top 40 on the Progressive Rock charts on MP3.COM. What can I say? I'm kind of in shock! Thanks a million to all those who checked out the music :)
02-22-2000: 'Double Star' continues to rise on MP3.COM instrumental charts.
On February 21st, 'Double Star' reached number six on the MP3.COM Instrumental Rock charts, up two from the previous day. Perhaps I'll have my first number one song soon! I'm hoping :) For those of you who haven't heard the song yet, click here to go to my page MP3.COM.
02-21-2000: 'Double Star' cracks top ten on MP3.COM instrumental charts.
On February 20th, 'Double Star' reached number eight on the MP3.COM Instrumental Rock charts. I want to thank all my listeners for their outstanding support. I had no idea 'Double Star' would climb the charts so quickly! For those of you who haven't heard the song yet, click here to go to my page MP3.COM.
02-11-2000: New mp3 version of Wings of Gold available, with bonus track.
I've released a new mp3 edition of my Wings of Gold solo album. This version features all twelve songs from the original release, as well as a bonus track, 'Double Star'. The CD, entitled Wings of Gold - Special Edition, is available exclusively at MP3.COM.
02-07-2000: 'Double Star', first song from upcoming instrumental album, Loss for Words, now available.
I've released the first song from my upcoming instrumental progressive rock album, Loss for Words. The song is called 'Double Star'. I'm proud of this song--I think it has some of my best guitar playing to date. This song also features the Sonic Implants Session Drums, from Sonic Implants Network. You can listen to and download the song from MP3.COM. Special thanks go to Jennifer and Dave at Sonic Implants Network for the killer drum sounds!
12-20-1999: Wings of Gold reviewed by Brazilian magazine.
Edgar Franco at the Brazilian magazine Krepuskulum Underzine has reviewed Wings of Gold. You can read the review on the Wings of Gold page. My thanks to Edgar and all at Krepuskulum for their support of independent music.
11-19-1999: Jeffrey Ryan Smoots creates Rock WebPack for Sonic Implants Network.
Sonic Implants Network, makers of Sonic Implants Soundfonts, have released a collection of audio clips for use on websites and multimedia projects. I was asked to do the "Rock" WebPack for the series. The WebPacks are a collection of loops, button sounds, and intro sounds that you can use to turn your website into an exciting multimedia experience for your visitors. This is is my first project for Sonic Implants Network. You can check it out at PCSounds.com. Sonic Implants Network has also released several other WebPacks in different styles, like Funk, DJ, Electronica, etc.
11-05-1999: Jeffrey Ryan Smoots receives endorsement from Sonic Implants Network, makers of Sonic Implant Soundfonts.
I'm very pleased to announce my first product endorsement, from Sonic Implants Network, makers of Sonic Implants Soundfonts. As an avid MIDI composer, I'm constantly searching for high quality samples for my Creative Labs Soundblaster Live sound card. Sonic Implants are professional, audiophile-quality sounds for Soundfont-compatible sound cards. These sounds are simply the finest available. I'm pleased to be associated with Sonic Implants Network, and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.
11-04-1999: Sonic Implants Network profiles Jeffrey Ryan Smoots in November Sonic Implants Newsletter.
The folks at Sonic Implants Network profiled me in their November 1999 Sonic Implants newsletter. My thanks go to them for the very kind things they had to say about my music!
Note: This news page was started November, 1999.