Over the past four years, Jim Putnam has been writing, composing and recording this album alone, in various locations in California. In addition to his calm, harmonious lead vocals, recognizable among thousands, Jim plays all instruments (with the exception of the track Return to Jeurgen, where his talented daughter-in-law Phoebe sings). You'll hear soothing guitars, gently groovy drums and bass, airy analog keyboards, as well as brass and woodwinds to which he gives pride of place and play a very important role in this record. The arrangements are indeed one of the most attractive aspects of the album. Jim studied mariachi trumpet at the conservatory for several years. Consequently, each foray of trumpet, saxophone, flugelhorn and bass clarinet takes his floating rock towards new territories, as if the Pink Floyd of the seventies crossed the Tindersticks. There is also a certain groove in Jim Putnam's music which does take it's time, but without ever lingering. Like a smoky jam session where Curtis Mayfield and Pavement would meet and cover Beta Band's Dry the Rain together.Politically, we have recently had to confront again an America that repulses us. It does exist, of course, but an artistic reunion via Jim Putnam with this other America, this alternative version full of nuances and intelligence, does a lot of good.
