Alabama native and singer/songwriter Early James (aka Frederick James Mullis, Jr.) released his debut album, Singing for My Supper, via Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound. The album spans hard-charging blues, wistful folk, and pop crooning, all anchored by strong vocals that oscillate from a gravel-gruff shout to a honey-smooth whisper. James’ rootsy croon recalls ’60s and ’70s singer/songwriters like Mickey Newbury, Fred Neil, and Harry Chapin, while his offbeat arrangements bring to mind the cosmic British folk of John Martyn. Standout tracks include: the song about depression on “Blue Pill Blues”; the lament about the loss of childhood innocence on “High Horse”; the country-tinged “Easter Eggs”; the Latin music influenced “Gone as a Ghost”; the low key rocker “Stockholm Syndrome”; and the jazz/psych-tinged track “Clockwork Town.” Auerbach has once again sniffed out a new, distinctive, mature and focused talent with a bright future in Early James. Singing for My Supper is a great listen and I look forward to hearing more from this talent. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Dan Auerbach, Christopher Denny, The Deslondes, John Martyn, Shannon Shaw