"...don't confuse the simplicity of Tuohy's lyrics for triteness. The
straightforward similes, metaphors and images lend his songs a refreshing
lucidity and make them extremely accessible. We all can relate to what
Tuohy sings about, whether we want to admit it or not. The artist has a
knack for succinctly describing emotional situations."
-Cape Cod Times
"'Daring, Multifaceted Rock Album' ...Tuohy’s ease among various genres
may be Cocoon’s most newsworthy hook. But for me, as a listener, it was
wonderful that the songs did cohere into a functional big picture. Similar
multi-genre albums often turn into song salad, fraught with filler and
sonic inconsistencies. But Bernini’s production keeps the boat on an even
keel. It sounds bright, but not gag-inducing or radio-glossy; it’s warm
enough to be human without stooping to the lo-fi feel that’s currently in
vogue."
-Hartford Advocate
" 'Cocoon' showcases and confirms the artist in the musician/actor. I
mention this because as I write this column, I've got 'Cocoon' playing. I
have to stop writing more often than I'd like because his songs stop me in
my tracks. One song, 'Monogamy,' surprises me with a hint of Reggae in its
intro and then seamlessly moves into a smooth rock, accented with delicate
strains of back-up singers.
This CD features horns, guitars, and keyboards and tickles the
imagination. Whether he breathes romance into 'Light My Heart' or gets
down and dirty in 'Bourbon Street' with its distinct New Orleans' sound
and his transition from smooth to sudden gruff voice, one can't ignore the
breadth of talent infused in this one musician."
-Republican Amercian
"John Mayer may be the most famous Connecticut homeboy currently burning
up the charts, but given a chance, Jeff Tuohy could easily heat up the
competition.
Tuohy knows all about sharp melodies and well-constructed songs. His new
disc, "Cocoon," was recorded at Spirit House Studios in Northampton, Mass.
and his songwriting skills are aided by some of the finest musicians from
that musically fertile area. Mitch Chakour adds some sturdy organ to the
pop rock tune "Crucify" while Mark Mulcahy, late of the legendary
Connecticut band Miracle Legion, lends backing vocals to the ballad "Slow
Down, Isabella."
"Cocoon" is a multi-dimensional work, featuring everything from the
horn-laden R&B grooves of "I Am a Fool" to the funky Dixieland vibe of
"Bourbon Street."
But what Tuohy does best is craft infectious pop tunes like "Train" and
"Real Love" that have melodic stay-in-your-brain choruses. Add to that a
convincing vocal style and an honest approach to songwriting and Jeff
Tuohy is a young artist worth keeping your eye on."
-Hartford Courant
"...Someone to keep your eye on. Tuohy is a dynamic front man who plays a
brand of pop influenced rock music that could easily land on mainstream
radio.
The good news is his music goes beyond the blandness most of us associate
with Top 40 fare...
Think the Black Crowes meets Steely Dan meets Dave Matthews Band and you
get a sense of what Jeff Tuohy is all about...
He has the songwriting chops, musicianship, and the overall looks and
charisma to make it."
-Greenfield Recorder
"If Breaking Down The Silence rockets up the charts, and it absolutely has the strength to do so, Jeff Tuohy could certainly make a play for Kate Hudson or Jessica Simpson. Akin to John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Daniel Powter, this handsome, singer-songwriter-guitarist wears his heart all over his sleeve and then some, yet he puts forth a high level of musicianship and pop songwriting expertise that makes this listen most pleasurable to a wide audience (i.e. teens, Gen X-ers and their moms). Melding classic rock, adult contemporary, and folk, Tuohy emerges as man of all seasons. The romantic troubadour surfaces in 'Serenade', a lush waltz abetted with strings and forlorn melodies. Waxing anthemic 'Fields of Grey' bursts forth with power chords, blues riffs, and jazzy sax lines worthy of Argent and Soft Machine in their kaleidoscopic 70s glory. Based on Robert Duncan's 1960 poem 'The Opening of the Field', the final track 'Often I Am Permitted to Return to a Meadow' affords Tuohy, accompanied by minimal acoustic guitar, a chance to show off his formidable vocal prowess. Major labels should lap this one up. "
- Amplifier Magazine
"Fusing Dave Matthews and John Mayer, NYC-based Jeff Tuohy delivers rock songs with passion and precision. His first album, Breaking Down the Silence, showcases strong melodies and enthralling vocals ..."
- Performing Songwriter