The DEBUT ALBUM FROM TREVOR BELD JIMENEZ

A lot of folks are going to hear Trevorâs power pop, AM radio gold, sunshine-y Californiana record I Like It Here, out today on Curation Records, and draw some immediate parallels, due to his sun-drenched vocals, his lyrical references, and his history.

Iâm going to try to avoid leaning on that too heavily in favor of focusing on Trevorâs songwriting, the really amazing instrumentation instated by an impressive line-up of session players, and the heart of the album that shines through.

We know that Trevor is a hell of a songwriter and musician. Heâs the force that contributed to so many of Petal Motelâs favorite albums. He put words and empathy into GospelbeacHâs Another Summer of Love and Let It Burn, as their drummer and co-writer. As half of the terrific Parting Lines, he collaborated with the amazingly talented Tim Ramsey to make a collection of sweet yet understated catchy pop songs. He played drums on Fruit Batsâ Gold Past Life, sang harmonies on Neal Casalâs Sweeten the Distance, and did both on Kacey Johansingâs latest album (out next week!).

Trevorâs past work has proven that heâs a compassionate, thoughtful writer who really sees others and can instantly and easily insert himself into their stories (e.g. âComeback Kidâ). However, he shines most when taking on more personal subjects. His lyrical subject matter and vibe have acute sensitivity, but the sound is more footloose and fancy-free, especially apparent on tracks like âReady to Flyâ and âFaces in the Crowd.â Heâs equally great at constructing really catchy song structures, so that by the second listen audiences can belt the words out right along with him.

The energetic âTRSâ is a highlight, an ode to True Love, the initials standing for the names of his wife and daughters. âSaying Goodbyeâ is also a somber standout, a farewell to Trevorâs longtime friend Neal Casal, whoâd just signed on to play guitar on the record just days before he passed away. âWhen Your Love Surrounds Meâ is an earnest, sparkling closer (although itâs really worth buying the CD for the fantastic bonus track, âEverything.â)

Some of LAâs finest dropped by producer and engineer Jonny Neimannâs Mono Deluxe studio in Los Feliz to lend their talents. Mapacheâs Clay Finch, Nelson Bragg, Eric D. Johnson, Pearl Charles and Kacey Johansing add big-hearted harmonies; Tim Ramsey of Parting lines provides elegant pedal steel and guitar parts; and GospelbeacHâs past and present guitar virtuosos, Jason Soda and Matthew Hill lay waste to several guitar solos across the album (the playing on âTRSâ â smoking!). Bob Glaub, Brent Rademaker, Ben Reddell, and Andres Renteria round out the rhythm section.

Trevorâs acoustic live streams throughout this pandemic have shown how much these songs can stand on their own. His voice exudes warmth and genuineness, and his lyrics are intensely emotive while remaining relatable and uncomplicated. The weaving between high-energy, fast tracks and more hymnal ballads works well to create balance and depth, a refreshing, earnest rock and roll album. Trevorâs kind, pure soul pours through on every track. I like I Like It Here.

By LARA petalmotel.com

Wilton Place - Digital

Wilton Place Vinyl

TBJ California Wild Blues Yonder Tees

Wild Blues Yonder - Digital

Wild Blues Yonder - Limited Edition 12" Vinyl

Dreamin' All The Time - Digital

I Like It Here - Digital

I Like It Here - Compact Disc

I Like It Here - Classic Black Vinyl LTD

I Like It Here - Limited COLOR Vinyl