Singer-songwriter J.M. Hart is an introspective mood on his new album As We Know It. His podcasting habit got him touch with a wealth of like-minded musicians, who were happy to contribute to this fine example of homegrown Americana.
He is counting his blessings - of which there are plenty - and his main concern seems to be that there are not enough hours in the day to immerse himself in his music collection, being a family man, conduct interviews, log in hours for day job in IT, and write and record his own material.
While some of these might be brushed off as classic cases of first world problems, the bravado and sexual innuendo that could be found on his previous album So Below are no longer part of the equation. They have been replaced by serious concerns about the environment and political turmoil. When humanity finally finds a way to fuck things big time and make Earth unsuitable for living, the planet itself will keep spinning. That is not much of a consolation, but it will do nicely as a reality check.
J. M. Hart: vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, guitalele, dulcimer
Mike Gorman: mandolin & backing vocals on "No More Time"
Dave Heumann: lead & additional rhythm guitar on "Catch Me At The Fall Line", synth on "Sunken Road"
Ryan Jewell: drums & percussion on "No More Time", "Catch Me At The Fall Line", and "Sunken Road"
As We Know It is a self-released album. Buy it (CD, digital) from his website. Release date: September 17.
Tracks:- No More Time
- Catch Me At The Fall Line
- Lonely Too
- Woodsmoke On Trench Hill
- Sunken Road
- You Are Forsaken
- Meant For Me
» rowjimmy.net
» J.M. Hart on Bandcamp
HCTF review of So Below.