Handcrafted music with strokes of accidental genius—hallmarks of the man who has quietly, yet distinctively, shaped decades of American music
Limited stock is available of Jeff Gillkinson’s sought-after release Hymn to the Road on compact disc, including a booklet with art photography by renowned artist Mike Ricciardi.
A lifetime “in service of the song”
Jeff Gilkinson is overwhelmingly recognized for his distinctive stage presence and performances, songwriting, and recorded works with legendary American Bluegrass supergroup, The Dillards. Trained as a classical cellist, Gilkinson also mastered banjo, harmonica, and lead vocal talents, propelling him to “first call” status for the elite studios of Los Angeles (and later Nashville), major record labels, and concert stages around the world for what would become later known as some of the most significant moments in American music history.
In addition to penning several songs for—and recording five albums with—The Dillards, Jeff Gilkinson’s multi-instrumental chops and broad body of noteworthy work in both live and recorded music arenas include the top names at the forefront of the last 3 generations of American music: Jennifer Warnes, Don Henley, John Hartford, Doug Dillard, Waylon Jennings, Rick Cunha, Doug Haywood, Rachel Faro, Rodney Crowell, Delbert McClinton, Michael Johnson, Paul Butterfield, Jon Vezner, Kathy Mattea, Michael Martin Murphy, Tom T. Hall, Sam Bush, Mason Williams, John Hyatt, Mary Gauthier, Charles Esten, Travis Meadows, Chris Wallin, Marty Stuart, Sammy Figueroa, Bernie Leadon, and scores of other music talents.
Today, Jeff Gilkinson remains in demand on the songwriter-centric music festival scene and at private house concerts from coast-to-coast, performing at events that celebrate the creative magic and individual connection found in the spirit of the song. A veteran of Nashville’s music industry corps d’elite, he is currently appearing with songwriting duo Langham & Gill, while developing a new act called Chandler Cove.
“…he knows how to put across a song in a way that John Hartford or Leonard Cohen would recognize.”
-Larry Groce, Mountian Stage music show - National Public Radio (NPR)
Limited Stock of Hymn to the Road Now Available
Experience Jeff Gilkinson’s distinctive musical palette: his cello, harmonica, banjo, and voice on his most accomplished album yet, Hymn to the Road. Produced by legendary GRAMMY-winning songwriter and performing artist Jon Vezner, the album is the culmination of a musical journey 40 years in the making, becoming a benchmark for sound engineering in the recording industry, while capturing the signature organic sound and handcrafted songs from the man who helped shaped the Los Angeles music scene for decades.
Hymn to the Road is comprised of 14 tracks threaded like vignettes of an essay for a seamless arc—one, complete music journey from beginning to end.
GENRE TAGS: Americana, Folk, Roots
RIYL: Happy Playlist, Acoustic Instrument Chops, Coffee House
MOOD FIT: Sunrise / Sunset Drives, Boardwalk Strolls, Thoughtful Solitude
FOR FANS OF: The Dillards, John Hartford, Steep Canyon Rangers, Bonny Light Horseman, John Prine, Willie Nelson
The CD is NEW and Autographed (of course, Jeff removes the shrink wrap to sign), and comes with thought-provoking imagery by Mike Ricciardi on photographic paper—a true work of art.
Select Discography
A curated intro to Jeff Gilkinson’s work in the tapestry of American music—don’t have enough space here for more, so check back often to see what’s new.
The Dillards Versus the Incredible L.A. Time Machine
Known as the “Lost Album” by The Dillards, the effort features tracks written by Jeff Gilkinson, including the standout, Annabel Lee.
FUN FACT: The album enclosure has a “music industry”-themed board game.
Let Jeff know if you find a MINT-condition vinyl.
The Dillards - Decade Waltz
Widely considered a seminal return to the group’s beginnings, Decade Waltz is described as a late-1970s country-rock and newgrass album, often praised for its monster chops and sterling vocal harmonies. In addition to his duties on bass, banjo, cello, harmonica, and vocals, Jeff Gilkinson wrote 3 of the album’s tracks: Mason Dixon, Hymn to the Road, and Grueling Banjos.
Dillard-Hartford-Dillard - Glitter Grass from the Nashwood Hollyville Strings
One of country music's most eclectic bands, the combination of Rodney Dillard, John Hartford, and Doug Dillard as a so-called “supergroup” was the forerunner to today’s “jam bands”—especially with Jeff Gilkinson’s cello and harmonica chops in the mix. While bluegrass served as their primary foundation, the group filtered in rock, reggae, and country influences, featuring a who’s who of musicians: Sam Bush, Buddy Emmons, “Pig” Robbins, and more.