WELCOME TO LPCDREISSUES
Originally privately released on Della Records in 1981, This Is for You is a deeply personal and exceptionally rare album by Cleveland pianist, vocalist and songwriter Dewey Jeffries. Blending modern soul, jazz-funk, boogie and intimate instrumental music, the record captures the warmth and individual character of an accomplished local musician working beyond the major-label system.
Jeffries was a respected figure in the Greater Cleveland jazz community for several decades, known for his expressive piano playing, smooth vocals and engaging live performances. On This Is for You, his jazz background provides the foundation for a relaxed collection of melodic songs, dance-floor grooves and reflective compositions.
“Little David” opens the album with a graceful instrumental arrangement, combining flowing keyboards with an understated soul-jazz rhythm. “I Have Cursed the Moon” and “I Want to Dance with You” move towards warm, romantic modern soul, while “I Know This Is Love” balances an immediate vocal melody with polished jazz-inflected accompaniment.
The brief “Priscilla’s Theme” provides an affectionate and atmospheric conclusion to the first side. Side two begins with the energetic “Let’s Funk It Up,” where rhythmic keyboards and a direct funk groove reveal another side of Jeffries’ musical personality.
“Deep Inside of Me” and “Mother to Me” return to the album’s more intimate and soulful mood, followed by the uninhibited dance number “Shake Your Ass.” The closing “Onetha” completes the record with another melodic instrumental showcase, bringing the album’s mixture of jazz, soul and personal dedication full circle.
Long prized by collectors of private-press soul and jazz-funk, This Is for You has remained one of the lesser-known treasures of Cleveland’s independent music history. This vinyl edition restores the complete ten-track album.
Track listing:
Side A
A1. Little David
A2. I Have Cursed the Moon
A3. I Want to Dance with You
A4. I Know This Is Love
A5. Priscilla’s Theme
Side B
B1. Let’s Funk It Up
B2. Deep Inside of Me
B3. Mother to Me
B4. Shake Your Ass
B5. Onetha
