Little Bitty Town
- johnaalex
- Sep 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Little Bitty Town-Jake Neuman And The Jaybirds
Released: 14th June on digital platforms and 14th July 2024, on Peacedale Records. https://www.peacedalerecords.com/merch/p/album-nfscf
Producer, Studio producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer- Greg D. Griffin.
Music Publisher- Peacedale Publishing.
Reviewed by Terry Mead -13/09/2024
Little Bitty Town is a debut EP from Jake Neuman and the Jaybirds a modern-day Americana band based in Nashville, Tennessee. Four of the tracks are written by 25-year-old singer-songwriter Jake Neuman, the fifth being a cover by John Prine.
Musicians playing on this EP:
Jake Neuman on vocals, guitar.
Jeff Hill on bass (Steve Earl, Shooter Jennings, and Rufus Wainwright),
Tony Leone on drums (Little Feat and the Chris Robinson Brotherhood)
Jimmy Wallace on keys (Jack Ingram, Dierks Bentley, and Parker McCollum).
Greg Griffin on guitar and steel pedal
Track by track Review
Saved – This lovely mellow ballad starts us off on our journey with Jake and its no ordinary journey with some powerful words that take us from a rock to a hard place accompanied by some distinctive drumbeats.
Say What You Mean – More of an upbeat number with the sound of the electric guitar setting the pace with its riffs, the intro defines the song its unique in everyway and the lyrics are about a web of deceit.
Two Days Ago – A laid back piece emphasis again on the guitar work and the songs about how life can change with the blink of an eye.
Little Bitty Town – Percussion intro before the guitar floats in and drifts along with Jake telling us the story of life in a ‘Little Bitty Town’
Clocks & Spoons- Written by John Prine with those stand out lyrics ‘Shoot the moon right between the eyes’ from the Dylan style original Jake has produced a fine take on this with a deep sounding rendition that has a sax accompaniment.
To summarise, this one’s for those deep-rooted country fans and easy listeners alike, the lyrics are very informative, and the music is sound, modern with a classic twist and it’s certainly a base for a forthcoming album.
Links to Social Media:
Track List:
1.Saved
2.Say What You Mean
3.Two Days Ago
4.Little Bitty Town
5.Clocks & Spoons
Band Bio ( In their own words):
In the world of Americana and roots music, Jake Neuman & The Jaybirds are crafting a niche with their debut EP, Little Bitty Town, set to enchant listeners on June 14th. Neuman, a 25-year-old singer-songwriter with a knack for passionate vocals and compelling storytelling in the spirit of Tyler Childers, Whiskeytown, and Ian Noe, has already made waves from Bakersfield to Nashville, garnering attention for his raw, honest songwriting and powerful live performances. Neuman's backstory is a compelling narrative of resilience and determination. Following a life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2020, he turned to music as a lifeline, channelling his recovery and challenges into his songwriting. This period of adversity fuelled some of his most potent work, infusing the EP with a sense of triumph over adversity. His collaboration with New York City-based producer Gregory Dwane Griffith at Americana Fest 2022 marked a turning point, leading to the creation of Little Bitty Town at Griffith’s Peacedale Records and Studio in Connecticut. For the recording, Griffith brought in a talented group of local musicians, including Jeff Hill on bass (Steve Earl, Shooter Jennings, and Rufus Wainwright), Tony Leone on drums (Little Feat and the Chris Robinson Brotherhood), and Jimmy Wallace on keys (Jack Ingram, Dierks Bentley, and Parker McCollum). The resulting sound is a unique blend of raw, modern, rootsy, and gothic, drawing comparisons to artists like Zack Bryan, Arlo McKinley, and Lucero. The EP is a window into Neuman's world, reflecting his experiences and internal struggles. Songs like "Saved" articulate the shared trauma of 2020, capturing the universal feeling of loss and displacement. "Say What You Mean" echoes the frustration of deceit, while "Two Days Ago" narrates the sudden upheaval of a breakup. The title track, "Little Bitty Town," delves into the complexities of Neuman's relationship with his hometown, offering a candid look at his roots and the toxic ties that bind. The recording process, spanning just four days, was a whirlwind of creativity and excitement. Neuman's collaboration with Griffith transformed the studio into a crucible of artistic expression, where the EP's sonic identity emerged organically. The unique use of a concrete bomb shelter as a reverb chamber adds a distinctive sonic texture to the record, showcasing the innovative recording techniques that set this project apart. Little Bitty Town is more than just an EP; it's a statement of identity and a testament to the power of music in facing life's trials. As Jake Neuman & The Jaybirds prepare to release this EP, they stand at the intersection of past and future, ready to share their journey with the world. With the support of Peacedale Records and the artistic vision of Gregory Dwane Griffith, Neuman's debut is poised to resonate with fans and critics alike, offering a glimpse into the heart of an artist who has truly found his voice.
Don’t forget to check out our new website with reviews, links to vendors and much more at https://www.slapthatbass.online/album-reviews
Comments