Colorado Americana singer/songwriter Jackson Emmer follows-up 2017’s Golden Burro EP with the new full-length, Jukebox. Emmer got his start early on with Boston based musician Sam Moss (who is known best for American primitive guitar work) in the Appalachian old-time duo The Howling Kettles, and he’s studied everything from the early days of country on up. Emmer’s sound references a broad range of country elements, calling upon everyone from Jimmie Rodgers to Bob Wills and Townes Van Zandt to Dave Van Ronk and John Prine. Jukebox is filled with playful lyricism, warm country folk melodies and knack for engaging storytelling that feels relevant even today. To quote Emmer, “In mainstream country today, you stretch a sad feeling out for a whole song in a Disneyland kind of way. Classic country had these stories that pivot on small moments and little details. It comes out of nowhere. You think something’s going to go down smooth, but then there’s a sudden right hook.” Album highlights include: the rambling opening track “Don’t Leave Me Blue”; the hard luck song “Dreamers & Fools”; the laidback strut of the title-track “Jukebox”; the drinking song “At the Bottle Again”; and the faded love song “Flowers.” Every song on the album is a standout in its own way, making for a true modern day gem. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Charley Crockett, Pokey Lafarge, Mapache, Sam Moss