Les Carlsen - Jeff's Song

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2024 Girder Records (GR0001S)

BLOODGOOD founding members, Les Carlsen and David Zaffiro reunite to create a unique song inspired by Les’s son, Jeff.  Les’s first release since 2022, “Jeff’s Song”, will be released on all streaming platforms on June 14.

In 1971, Les recorded his 6-year-old son singing and banging on cardboard boxes. Jeff has since passed, but his melody comes alive 53 years later as Les Carlsen and David Zaffiro, founding members of the Christian Music Hall of Fame metal band, BLOODGOOD, create a musical arrangement weaving together emotionally charged lyrics, searing guitars and Jeff’s voice.

Most everyone has experienced the loss of a loved one. It is especially difficult when it is a child. This song captures the depth of a father’s love. It reflects the pain of loss while offering the hope of healing. It was written to inspire and move you towards the One who can make a difference.

1. Jeff's Song
2. Jeff's Song (Instrumental Version)

Witten by Les Carlsen and David Zaffiro
Produced by Les and Joyce Carlsen
Mixed and Mastered by David Zaffiro
Arranged Engineered by Joyce Carlsen
Guitar and Bass David Zaffiro
Drums - Dan Needham

ABOUT JEFF’S SONG - THE BACK STORY

Father’s Day is coming and I’m excited to share a personal treasure of mine with you.

Many of you know that my son Jeff went home to Jesus unexpectedly in December of 2013. He had a blood clot that stopped his heart.

Yes, we played football, baseball, and basketball together but on this day when he was just six, we had a very special father/son day together.  He wanted to record some music just like dad so I set up a microphone and recorded him singing and playing ‘drums’ on a cardboard box. We even did a couple of phrases in harmony! It was cool, but then it got stuffed away somewhere in storage.

After he passed, there was a search for any and everything of his to just reminisce and feel close to him. This recording surfaced and I shared it with David Zaffiro, BLOODGOOD’s original guitar player. We began writing. David put together some music based on a refrain that came from a phrase Jeffie sang. We pieced together sections of Jeff’s performance, but then the project sat, unfinished for several years.

At the 10-year Anniversary of Jeff’s passing, Joyce and I were motivated to work on the song again. David jumped right back in and the creative process continued.

I came up with lyrics and melody, and Joyce positioned Jeff’s parts so that everything worked together as one very emotional piece of music. “Jeff’s Song” is the result.

I hope you enjoy this and thank you for being a part of my life, even though we may never have met personally. You, listening to my music creates a natural bond between us. Girder Music has been so gracious as to offer this bit of personal history to you directly and I’m honored to have you listen and connect with me through social media about how this inspired you to count every moment precious with the ones you love.

MESSAGE TO FATHERS:

One of my greatest joys in life was to hold my beautiful baby boy on my chest while he fell asleep. I could smell his sweet hair and feel him breathing. He would lift his tiny head and look at me, then kinda lay it back down and sort of hug me with a little squeeze. He was so secure in his daddy’s arms.  

Fathers, remember holding your children. The first time you hold them there is an unbreakable connection. No matter the circumstances or timing of their birth you are part of the equation that God used to create this new life.

Fathers are so strategically important to their sons and daughters. Ultimately, every human must make their own way and choices, but we can give them a strong foundation. Raise them up in the ways of the Lord so after they act out their crazy, they can find their way to the Truth. Weigh every word spoken to them because the impact of your words will shape them.

We make mistakes as parents, but every regret we have concerning our relationships with our children should be shared in love with them so that healing will take place.

This song is an offering to encourage fathers to savor every moment and cherish every breath.