The world of music has seen a plethora of exceptional talent, but few names resonate as powerfully in the annals of thrash metal and world-fusion as Jeff Young. Young’s extraordinary journey in the world of music showcases an enduring commitment to his craft and an insatiable thirst for expanding his musical horizons.
He graduated from the prestigious Musicians Institute in 1985, armed with the knowledge and skills that would help him shape his career. Not long after graduation, he made his way to the stage with the famed thrash metal band Megadeth. Young’s pivotal role in the band manifested itself in the acclaimed 1988 album “So Far, So Good… So What!” released by Capitol Records. His contribution to the album helped solidify Megadeth’s reputation as a pillar of the thrash metal scene.
Jeff Young’s artistic prowess goes beyond his time with Megadeth. In 1998, he co-wrote, produced, and played on the world-fusion album “Chameleon” by Badi Assad. The album, which weaves together sounds from different music genres into a coherent, intoxicating blend, is a testament to Young’s ability to straddle different musical worlds.
Young soon became a household name among guitar enthusiasts, thanks to his cult-classic Fingerprints column in Guitar for the Practicing Musician magazine. It was during this period that he embarked on an intensive study of the blues with the legendary guitarist, Steve Hunter, whose resume boasts collaborations with Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, and Jason Becker.
Yet, life threw a wrench in the gears during the 1990s when Young had to contend with the untimely deaths of both his parents. He temporarily stepped back from his burgeoning career and immersed himself in the further study of classical, flamenco, gypsy jazz, and other world music varieties. This period of reflection and study acted as a crucible for his creativity, molding him into a more versatile and innovative artist.
In 1998, Young resurfaced on the music scene with his new Brazilian musical partner, Badi Assad. Their collaborative album, “Chameleon,” co-written, arranged, and produced by Young, made waves in the world music scene, climbing to the top of the world music charts in Germany & Holland and topping JAZZIZ magazine’s Readers Poll for “Best Brazilian Albums of the Year.” The album also opened opportunities for Young to perform at renowned events such as 1999’s Lilith Fair and Farm Aid 2000.
The Assad family’s influence extended beyond the “Chameleon” album, sparking songwriting collaborations with guitar luminary Sérgio Assad. Two pieces from these collaborations ended up on Badi’s “Verde” album.
In 2003, Jeff Young’s work on the track “Waves” from the “Chameleon” album was recognized when it was featured in the Michael and Kirk Douglas film “It Runs in the Family,” as well as on the movie’s soundtrack.
Fast-forward to late October 2009, Young released his debut solo album, “Equilibrium.” The album, which he started working on in 2000, showcases his talent on flamenco, classic, 6 & 12 steel-string guitar styles, and the electric guitar. “Equilibrium” features guest performances by Debby Holiday, Twinkle, Gilli Moon, Lenine, Matt Chamberlain, Hilary Jones, Tony Franklin, and Viviana Guzman, adding to the album’s richness and diversity.
In recent years, Young has been the host of the Internet radio show “Music Without Boundaries” on the Spreaker broadcast network. His passion for exploring music’s expansive landscape is evident in this endeavor as he delves into various music genres.
Currently, Young is writing, producing, and releasing solo, instrumental music on the High-Tone Eleven Records label. His first all-instrumental album, “Revolutions,” is being released track by track. The singles “Monsoon,” “In the Flesh,” and “Slow Burn” are now available on his official website and most digital distribution sources. “Revolutions” features performances from some of the world’s top players, further solidifying Young’s reputation as a musical force to be reckoned with.
This summer, fans will have the chance to experience both his talent and charisma in person at the MusicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza, taking place from June 30 to July 2, 2023, at the Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxborough, MA. This event promises an exciting amalgamation of music, pop culture collectibles, and vintage cars, providing the perfect backdrop for Young’s unique style and energy.
The MusicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza will feature diverse attractions, from vintage cars to panels, presentations, and live music concerts. The Monkees custom Pontiac GTO, the Monkeemobile, will be on hand for photo ops! Other celebrity guests include Butch Patrick, who played “Eddie Munster” on “The Munsters,” and Richie Ramone, a former member of the punk band the Ramones.
With daily and weekend passes available, attendees can enjoy various activities, including browsing vendors selling records, musical instruments, memorabilia, autographs, posters, books, and pop culture collectibles, as well as attending concert after-parties on Friday and Saturday nights. For those eager to maximize their experience, special early buyer access will be available at 9:00 am on Saturday and Sunday.
The event begins on Friday, June 30th, with a VIP preview at 3:00 pm, followed by vendor hours from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Saturday, doors open at 10:00 am, and the festivities continue until 6:00 pm. Finally, on Sunday, the event resumes at 10:00 am and concludes at 5:00 pm. Detailed schedules for celebrity guest appearances, concerts, photo ops, autograph sessions, panels, and presentations will be posted online!