Peace Mountain
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The Kentucky resident Nicholas Jamerson returns with his 6th studio album, where the singer-songwriter is joined by Charles Wesley Godwin, among others, for the 15 country tunes that sit right at the heart of Appalachia sounds.
After the 7 minute spoken word introduction opens the listen, “Bad Imagination” follows with much breezy beauty, where Jamerson’s distinct voice is complemented by glowing pedal steel, agile drumming and melodic guitar.
Further along, the meticulous acoustic guitar of “Hang On” is met with banjo acrobatics and soulful harmony vocals, while “I Love Blue” is full of vivid storytelling in the bare but powerful climate that takes hints at gospel sounds thanks to Magnolia Boulevard’s sublime voice.
Closer to the end, the stirring “Mr. Buzzard” is full of timeless folk qualities that welcomes cozy harmonica and dreamy guitar, and “Peace Mountain” exits with Godwin’s presence for the musically minimal and vocally strong campfire-esque ballad that uses the sounds of insects chirping at night strategically.
A striking album that’s richly delivered and full of deeply intimate wordplay, whether this is your first time with Jamerson or you’ve been listening all along, you’re going to find yourself immersed in his song craft from beginning to end.
Travel well with: Time Sawyer- Dig A Little Deeper; JP Ruggieri- Gradually Descended Into Chaos