Title - 'It Ain't The Same'
Artist - Jack Klatt
For those not in the know, musical missionary, tireless troubadour and producer Jack Klatt (based in Minneapolis, MN) isn’t one to be easily categorized or relegated to a narrow niche.
Indeed, he comes across as a young man with a wizened and worldly perspective, an artist who possesses a timeless sensibility of both place and purpose.
Yet, his artistic integrity extends to more than simply his songs. It embodies both execution and intent. Much like the way he has mastered his deft finger-picking technique and used that sturdy approach to bring his material an authenticity reminiscent of the most revered musicians and storytellers.
His brand new album, the rather stunning It Ain’t The Same (out September 27th, 2019 on Yep Roc Records) reflects that reverential attitude, but adds a depth and devotion that ensures its contemporary credence.
1. 'I'll Never Let You Down'
2. 'Looking For Love'
3. 'World Shaker'
4. 'Ramblin' Kind'
5. 'It Ain't The Same'
6. 'Caught In The Middle'
7. 'Highway Lines'
8. 'Prove My Love'
9. 'Tinted In Blue'
10. 'Tomorrow'
11. 'Love Me Lonely'
From the quite brilliant opening track 'I'll Never Let You Down' and the combination of Klatt's strong vocals and perfected guitar playing within impassioned lyrics such as "Wild flowers are hard to find, in a world that's lost it's mind" and "Be careful with playing shy, you never know what'll pass you by", this 11 track album has quickly become one of my Top 10 for 2019.
The quieter pacing of the dulcet 'Looking For Love' ("If you stray, it will find you. Give it away, it will unwind you") is up next and that's backed by the more upbeat Americana of 'World Shaker' and the lo-fi country of 'Ramblin' Kind.'
That slow country roll continues onward on the slow poke reminiscing beauty of the title track 'It Ain't The Same,' which Klatt backs up seamlessly with both the stoic guitar work of 'Caught In The Middle' and the yearning within 'Highway Lines.'
Pulling from a wide range of American music, Klatt's love for genres such as Rhythm and Blues and early Rock N’ Roll, to country and folk music, is lovingly apparent within each track.
Bringing his own voice to all of his songs, next up is the most upbeat track, the Rock N' Roll hipsway of 'Prove My Love,' which he backs with the early '70s pop sensibilities of 'Tinted In Blue.'
Inclusive of the talents of a skilled set of session players - John James Tourville (The Deslondes) on electric guitar and pedal steel, Casey McDonough (NRBQ) on bass skills, and Alex Hall (JD McPherson, The Cactus Blossoms, Robbie Fulks) on drums, percussion, keys and engineering - this wondrous new album then rounds out with the showcasing of Klatt's signature guitar work on 'Tomorrow,' with the delicate love song 'Love Me Lonely' bringing the album to a heartfelt close.
'Prove My Love' Music Video
www.JackKlatt.com
www.YepRoc.com