JBM

Add Date: March 23

Artist: JBM

Album: Not Even in July

Label: Partisan

Genre: Rock/Folk (but more rock than folk)

Comments: This guy is a breath of fresh air. He sings like a modern Paul Simon in sound and language. From promoter: "Jesse Merchant, who records under his initials JBM, was born and raised in his family's homes in the Adirondacks and Montreal. Classically trained on guitar from the age of 7, he had always written instrumental songs as a means of expression, but it wasn't until recent years that he began writing lyrics, singing and recording." As you can gather, the music is ultra-tight and thoughtfully arranged. Again, this album boasts accessibility and could be enjoyed by almost anyone who has appreciation for thought provoking songs in lyric and melody.

JBM plays acoustic guitar throughout the album, drums are sparse, but appropriately so, and strings, violins and harmonicas fill the gaps in between. As mentioned, Merchan'ts voice is soothing in a trustworthy type of way. If you're a fan of Damien Rice, Conner Oberst, or Yim Yames then I think this album would be right up your ally. Start with 3, 2 and 7 (but when you get the chance, listen to it all!)