Jack Klatt

It Ain’t The Same

Yep Roc, 2019

9/10

Listen to It Ain’t The Same

I’m willing to bet that the next future legend from Minneapolis is the troubadour Jack Klatt, who, despite only being in his 30’s, brings a wise and mature spirit that runs parallel to names like Guthrie and Dylan on It Ain’t The Same.

Klatt starts the listen with the key friendly and elegant “I’ll Never Let You Down”, where he sounds older than his years as harmonicas complement the setting, and “Looking For Love” follows with a gentle folk spirit and timeless melody that embodies plenty of atmosphere.

In the middle, “It Ain’t The Same” has Klatt channeling a retro feeling amid a sparse delivery, while “Caught In The Middle” recruits a darker spirit complete with a gothic blues approach.

Deeper cuts bring us the upbeat and festive “Prove My Love”, which is coated with honky tonk shuffling, and “Tinted In Blue” continues the pace with a breezy, Americana gem that’s full of pop sensibilities. “Love Me Lonely” ends the listen with balladry, as Klatt again illustrates his strong songwriting prowess.

Klatt’s first ‘studio’ record in the sense that he took his time here, didn’t record live to tape, and really took advantage of what the studio could offer his songs, unfolds with a career highlight that proves that Jack Klatt is a name we’re all going to be hearing a lot more of.

Travels well with: Haley- Pleasureland; Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis- Wild! Wild! Wild!