Jeff Witzeman (pronounced wites-man) came to Los Angeles via Cleveland and Phoenix. In college, he entertained thoughts of being a minister, but opted for an acting career instead. He starred in such shows as Frasier and Jake & the Fatman, but soon [+]Jeff Witzeman (pronounced wites-man) came to Los Angeles via Cleveland and Phoenix. In college, he entertained thoughts of being a minister, but opted for an acting career instead. He starred in such shows as Frasier and Jake & the Fatman, but soon got tired of the scene. Witzeman started singing in coffee houses, formed a band and played under the name PAPER BRIDEGROOM for 4 years. They recorded three EP's receiving strong reviews including the highest rated CD in Music Connection's demo critiques section (March '98). The band secured a development deal, but found the "band sound" was stepping on the vocals and diluting the message. Witzeman broke off from the band to focus on a new stripped down approach.
The results couldn't have been more dramatic. Witzeman's first album "In the Middle of the Riddle," became the most "added" (to radio playlists) unsigned work of 2001 in America. Produced by studio genius Evan Frankfort (Wallflowers, Jayhawks touring player and Musician Magazine's best unsigned artist) the album became an eclectic mix of Roots/Americana/Alternative Rock getting played on 190 stations around the world. During the summer of 2001, WINQ, Massachusetts had Witzeman as the most requested artist for two weeks running and GAVIN charted the Jealous Housewives as the 11th most added band in the country (just behind Blink 182 and in front of Destiny's Child and Staind!) MTV licensed songs off the album two years in a row for their ABC hit show MAKING THE BAND.
Recording on the second studio album is slated to begin early 2002. Joining Frankfort and Witzeman will be Coolio's bass player, Daniel Pearson and monster guitarist Goffrey Moore.
A.M. of the NoHo News calls Witzeman, "a fine and deep poet," and says , "I can't stop hitting the replay button."
Doug Simpson of CAMPUS CIRCLE calls him a "star," and praises the music for the "warm, direct, vocals."
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