Simple Motion
Red Beet, 2024
9/10
The esteemed guitarists and singers Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz come together for this debut album that showcases rich songwriting in the company of Mark Fain, Lynn Williams, Tammy Rogers, Mike Compton, Richard Bailey, Justin Moses and Jeff Taylor.
The warm and fluid “Frost On The South Side” opens the listen with Tammy Rogers’ agile fiddle and Richard Bailey’s flowing banjo adding much to the harmonic climate, and “Burn” follows with poetic singing alongside cozy acoustic guitar for the timeless folk appeal.
Elsewhere, the intimate and articulate “Just A Moment” benefits much from Lynn Williams’ skilled drums and Mike Compton’s stirring mandolin, while “When London Was The World” welcomes Justin Moses on dobro via the playful and upbeat album highlight.
Deeper into the back half, Jeff Taylor’s spirited tin whistle gives “Adam & Eve” a hint of a Celtic influence, and “Sea Fever” exits with calming melodies populating the old time folk tune.
Brace and Thomm both recorded music with Peter Cooper, who passed away in 2022. They honor his spirit here with duo settings and fuller selections that radiate their authentic and eloquent version of Americana that covers beauty, sadness, love and other universally relatable topics.
Travels well with: Rod Picott- Starlight Tour; Malcolm MacWatt- Dark Harvest