ABC Public Relations

KEATON SIMONS
CONTINUES IN-PROGRESS U.S. TOUR WITH
PETE FRANCIS FROM DISPATCH STARTING OCTOBER 21
AS ‘CAN YOU HEAR ME’ CONTINUES TO
RACK UP RAVE REVIEWS

September 19, 2008 -- Singer/songwriter/guitarist Keaton Simons is no stranger to the road. He’s been on tour ever since his critically acclaimed debut album, CAN YOU HEAR ME, was released June 10 on CBS Records. Even as he criss-crosses the U.S.--along with Curtis Peoples, Tyrone Wells, Tony Lucca and Todd Carey--now comes word that he’ll be heading out for a couple of weeks in October with Pete Francis from Dispatch.

“Without Your Skin,” the album’s second single, is currently being serviced to radio stations nationwide. Fans can check out the first video from CAN YOU HEAR ME, “Good Things Get Better,” on various outlets across the country including FUSE and DMX.

For his on-going tour with Tony Lucca and Curtis Peoples, Keaton piled his tour mates and equipment into his Toyota Highlander Hybrid. For the environmentally friendly musician, it’s the ideal way to travel, as he says: “Driving in my hybrid is perfect! We save on gas and help the environment. I really want to explore bio diesel ASAP.”

The road is Keaton’s home away from home and he’s hoping to be traveling all around the U.S. for many months to come to spread the word about his debut album. “Every time I step on stage is a new opportunity to connect with music, the audience and myself,” he explains. “It feels so good to be on the road promoting an album I believe in as strongly as this one. I literally want EVERYONE in the world to hear it. I love the road and I feel perfectly suited for it. All the ups and downs…constantly on the move…it all feels completely natural to me. This is the best way to see the country.”

Throughout the album, Keaton’s tasteful Rock/Blues fretwork, masterful songwriting and searing vocals bring an honesty and integrity that’s instantly embracing, a warm emotional center core that reaches from the tangled vulnerability of opening track “Without Your Skin” and the lean, sensual drift of “To Me” to the spry suggestion of the title track and the playful intrigue of “Misfits.” “Nobody Knows” proves instantly infectious, its sinewy rhythms wrapping around an irresistible refrain, while “Good Things Get Better” touts an optimistic view of the bonds that develop and strengthen through the inevitable ups and downs of relationships.
CAN YOU HEAR ME--produced by Dave Bianco (Mick Jagger, Zach De La Rocha, The Black Crowes)—has been racking up rave reviews. To wit:

“…a deft effort at capturing Simons' unusual and versatile sound. The songs include delicate, jazzy ballads and powerful blues numbers, peppered with elements of Elvis Costello, Eagle-Eye Cherry and Lenny Kravitz.”

“His knack for composing tunes with appealing melodic and rhythmic hooks is apparent from the outset, and more than a few lyrics on CAN YOU HEAR ME point to a promising future. His acoustic and electric guitar work, another big plus, helps personalize the album.”

“Elements of funk, rock, pop, jazz, country, you name it, are evident on this record. Simons’ voice and masterful instrumental skills shine on all 11 tracks. He sings songs that are uplifting and full of hope—his voice is honest and pure, almost innocent at times—however, his mood changes a bit on songs such as the emotionally indulgent “Without Your Skin,” “Currently” and “Unstoppable” and his vulnerability and wisdom come through forcing that squeaky clean image you thought you saw to fade away, allowing a musician full of grace and wisdom to appear…For a first release, Keaton Simons has put out a great record; one that showcases his many influences, but also lets his own creativity and character shine through. Grade: A.”

“There is a hint of Jeff Healey and Robert Cray here; with music delivered with oodles of feeling and attention to detail. This is smoky barroom blues that is rife with emotion.”