Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

A Man Out of Time

Jeffrey Gaines wears his influences on his sleeves. The imprint of legendary songwriters such as Elvis Costello and Ray Davies is readily apparent in his music. Where other artists might attempt to mask their formative influences, Gaines refreshingly, and unapologetically, embraces them. In fact, even his best-known single was written by someone else: a soulful, acoustic version of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” That type of unflinching honesty is a hallmark of Gaines’ work. As such, he is regarded as an elite talent among modern songwriters. This Thursday, he plays the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge with Burlington-based tunesmith Steve Hartmann.