Deep Blue Sky

In Deep Blue Sky, accomplished musician Jerry Palmer offers a master class in guitar-based compositions. From the first rockin’ song (“Rockabilly Wannabe”) to the last haunting track (“I’ll Remember”), this contemporary instrumental spin on classical, rock, and new age will transport you to a rhythmic world of texture and emotion. Music first began for Jerry as a teen when he discovered his passion for keyboards and flute. He went on to develop his musical talents in various rock & roll and rhythm & blues bands. At 23, he recorded his first album, Nightsong, which featured an eighty-piece orchestra on six tracks. Al Perkins played petal-steel guitar while Jerry played flute and piano.

Jerry moved from his native South Dakota to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1983. In 1985 he went to see Michael Hedges perform, and at that show he witnessed a solo effort that was nothing less than spectacular. One week later, he purchased his first guitar. Meeting and listening to Hedges play again sent the message home for Jerry that the guitar could allow him the freedom he desired as a performing soloist. Ten years later, Jerry not only found himself on stage as the opening act for Michael Hedges, but also had the opportunity to perform with him. One year after opening for Hedges, Jerry released his own solo guitar instrumentals on Blue Guitar, his debut album.

Nevada Winds, a collection of 12 guitar-based instrumental pieces, followed in 2002, while 2003 saw the release of Soul Gardener, a skillful journey through fields of classical guitar, steel-string guitar, and synthesizer. Jerry Palmer has also performed or opened for many other talented musicians, including Peppino DeAugistino, Ed Gerhard, Nathan Cavaliri, Stewart Weber, Renée Heredia, and the harpist Deborah Hensen.

William Henderson