Jake Kellen-Take Me Home

Jake Kellen

“Take Me Home”

by TxLogCabin

For a west Texas boy who quit high school during his senior year, Jake Kellen is making quite a musical future for himself. With all the extra time that should have been occupied with his senior year, he says he taught himself to play the guitar, and went from there. After finishing up his high school requirements, Kellen went on to college to play baseball. Well, he and music couldn’t leave each other alone, and soon class and baseball were both suffering for his musical passion. So Kellen made a choice and gave music his full attention. Jake Kellen’s Take Me Home is solid Texas country (even the slow ballads), with a gentle touch of rock (just enough to keep it popping), and the voice is true and smooth. The voice and style remind me lot of Owen Temple which I consider a big compliment. Eight of ten selections on this debut CD are authored by Kellen. The music is simple and unpretentious and the lyrics are a bit circular, but eventually get the point across. Overall, Take Me Home is a direct double bull's eye hit with today’s Texas music audience and hints at what we might have in store down the road as this artist matures.
"Red Roses" is one of those quick, popping selections that reflect the young Texas music style of today. Love went wrong, but the bottle has the cure.

“Roses are red, and I’m feeling blue.

I’ve never seen this side of you.

I take you down with a shot of Jack.”

"College Days" is a good rollicking drinking saga we all can relate to whether our memories are linked to college or not.

“Sunday morning comes around.

I’m in bed by dawn.

I sleep in even though I know it’s wrong.

But the beer is still lingering in my head

And I can’t seem to get myself out of bed.”

"Bullet Proof" is a fun-loving, live-to-get-drunk on Saturday night, hour by hour progress report of the evening’s activities.

“You’ll be amazed by all I know.

You can ask me anything.

If you wait till ten,

And I’ll be Einstein by then.

…

That pretty girl hasn’t shown up yet

But I don’t mind the wait

Because at twelve AM

I turn into George Strait.

…

Yea if Superman thinks he’s tough

He ain’t been round here enough.

‘Cause it’s two AM

And I’m bullet proof again.

…

Well, if John Wayne thinks he’s bad

I’m the nightmare he never had.

‘Cause it’s Saturday night

And I’m bullet proof again.”

The title track, "Take Me Home", describes the indecision of life, love, and career.

“I’ve never had luck with relationships

‘Cause no woman wants a man

Livin’ off tips.

Just playing his guitar

And smokin’ cigarettes

Singin’ songs about a life of regrets.”

"Cap Gun Cowboys", is a nostalgic ballad about little boys’ play. Recalls good memories.

“We were outlaws

And we were lawmen

We were heroes

Ridin’ free as the wind

Savin’ the day

Or breakin’ jail

Cap gun cowboys

On the trail.”

"You and Me", another good ballad about the odd coincidences that end up shaping our lives.

“So I got your number

But I wouldn’t call

I didn’t take the time.

And when I did

It never worked out

I couldn’t make you mine

So I decided just to let you go

Then my phone rang

When you heard me on the radio.”

Kellen has also been selected by the Texas Forestry Service as one of their spokespersons. In that capacity he wrote and performs, Don’t Burn Texas Down, a great Texas musical rendition that promotes wildfire awareness. It’s a free download from http://www.jakekellen.com/website.html (just follow the links). Check out more info about Kellen from the same site. He’s a solid entertainer for today, with lots to offer for tomorrow.

Written by Cheryl Arthur, February, 2006

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