Remembering Jeff Austin: ‘The Simple Truth’

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved family member, mandolinist, singer, songwriter and founder of The Jeff Austin Band, and Yonder Mountain String Band, Jeff Austin. Austin passed away June 24, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. He was son of Eileen Austin, husband to Devlyn, and father to Lily Rose (12), Penelope (5), and Jude Patrick (2). He was a dear friend whose music touched the lives of so many, and will be sorely missed. If you would like to make a contribution to help his family, please visit https://sweetrelief.org/jeff-austin-fund/.

Jeff Austin’s lone solo album was 2015’s The Simple Truth. The above statement confirming his death on this date one year ago is a series of simple truths:

Jeff was a beloved family member, singer-songwriter and co-founder of Yonder Mountain String Band who also built a successful solo career.

Austin was a dear friend to many, including the musicians that participated in the What The Night Brings all-star concert in Colorado last November that supported the Jeff Austin Family Fund.

Jeff’s music undoubtedly touched the lives, and continues to impact the lives, of so many of his fans and collaborators alike.

There is also no doubt that Jeff is sorely missed.

The aforementioned “What The Night Brings” concert was named after the opening song on The Simple Truth. That album saw Austin joined in the studio was a supporting band composed of banjoist Danny Barnes, guitarist Ross Martin, bassist Eric Thorin and drummer Cody Dickinson. Guest appearances were made by Umphrey’s McGee guitarist and Austin’s 30db band mate Brendan Bayliss, Trey Anastasio Band’s Jennifer Hartswick and others such as John Keane, Todd Snider and Sarah Siskind.

Issued by the Hillsborough, North Carolina-based Yep Rock Records, the solo debut LP contained 10 of Austin’s originals. In 2014, Austin recorded The Simple Truth songs during a solo performance at the Eno Gallery across the street from the Yep Rock offices. Recorded for the now-defunct Sawyer Sessions series, Austin’s atypical set was a rare performance on acoustic guitar.

In place of his usual mandolin, Austin instead picked guitar on The Simple Truth tracks “Run Down,” “Scrapbook Pages,” “Over And Over” and “What The Night Brings.” Jeff’s musicianship, performance ability and songwriting skills can be seen across the session. Watch it below:

Run Down

What The Night Brings

Scrapbook Pages

Over And Over