Jeff Kolhede’s debut album, Dismantle, takes listeners down the path of self-acceptance and self-discovery through the lens of new love. In amongst the catchy guitar licks, inventive string arrangements, and rich vocal harmonies, the album’s core themes aim to unravel our preconceived notions of ourselves, inviting us to embrace the elusive experience of true satisfaction.

A multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer, and producer in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kolhede’s songwriting owes as much to jazz and R&B as it does to laidback 70s era rock’n’roll. By skillfully blending modernity with classic elements, Kolhede and his collaborators create a sonic tapestry that is both timeless and contemporary, perhaps most notably in the meticulous restraint showcased in Kolhede’s production, which nods to the likes of John Martyn and early Paul McCartney. Kolhede's relentless devotion to his craft and his range as both a producer and songwriter become clear on emotive tracks such as “Wonder Why," which features string arrangements reminiscent of Nick Drake’s best records, and in the intentional delicacy of Kolhede's saxophone and horn arrangements that frame "Our Time.”

Lyrically, Dismantle unveils a deeply personal and relatable narrative, where each memorable refrain is delivered with an expressive nuance and a disarming sincerity. It's as if Kolhede wants us to understand that the notion of finding light at the end of the tunnel is not merely a cliché, but a tangible reality waiting to be discovered. With every heartfelt verse, he implores us to believe we possess the power to unearth the very essence of what we have been tirelessly searching for.

CONTACT INFO: INFO@JEFFKOLHEDE.COM

album release - November 24, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

- 11.05.23

Jeff Kolhede, “Dismantle” (Self-released)

As a Grammy-nominated producer and an engineer at Oakland’s 25th Street Recording studio, Jeff Kolhede is behind notable releases for standout Bay Area acts. With “Dismantle,” out Nov. 24, he’ll release his debut solo album of tightly produced folk that, fittingly, he recorded himself. 

The gorgeous “Wonder Why” calls to mind Nick Drake, with Kolhede’s vocals shining atop a layered string arrangement. And there’s both retro-minded and contemporary folk moments within Kolhede’s notable first effort. 

- ADRIAN SPINELLI

bandcamp - new and notable

- 11.27.23

An album about self-acceptance and self-discovery set to gentle jazz-guitar based arrangements.