To Live In Two Worlds: Volume 1
Mountain Home, 2020
8/10
Listen to To Live In Two Worlds: Volume 1
The esteemed songwriter Thomm Jutz takes an interesting route here by combining a solo record with a bluegrass record, and he’s got an all star ensemble to help him flesh out the varied and thoughtful song craft.
“Mill Town Blues” starts the album with blues acrobatics in the harmonic and quick paced affair, and “I Long To Hear Them Testify” follows with a calmer setting of soulful, bluesy influenced sounds.
Towards the middle, “Moving Up, Moving On” brings a melodic country spirit with expressive singing from Jutz, while “Blind Alfred Reed” enters ballad territory with vivid storytelling amid timeless beauty. “Jimmie Rodgers Rode A Train”, the album’s standout tune, then recruits folk-like qualities in the slow burning effort.
Closer to the end, “Wilmer Mclean” benefits greatly from the dynamic, organic instrumentation and multiple voices, and “Yesterday And Tomorrow” finds a playful place to reside with freewheelin’ fun alongside harmony vocals. “What’ll They Think Of Last” exits the listen sparse and genuine, where Jutz’s agile vocals are complemented by soft guitar.
Jutz has made quite an impression lately playing with Eric Brace and Peter Cooper, and here he again proves he can also pen a solo album that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Travels well with: Fireside Collective- Elements; Sideline- Breaks To The Edge