
A few years ago I came across, through the thousand connections that you now know if you follow me, a band from Kentucky with an original sound that did not leave anyone indifferent: Jericho Woods.
A mix of country, rock and roots music that has evolved over time and that I invite you to go and discover: you will find inspired songs and very talented musicians.
In 2023 the band unfortunately decided to break up and this did not take away the world’s opportunity to continue to savor the talent of the leader and guitarist of that explosive band, Josh Mitcham.
With the band he reached the country and non-country charts, he shared the stage with important artists, but I believe that with this new solo album he has not made us regret the old times, on the contrary.
There is a talent that has never been in question, but also a maturity in the sound and in the lyrics that is truly remarkable.
Josh is also a multifaceted artist, producer, teacher, organizer and host of events in the barn of the family farm.
One who never gets bored and never gets bored.
You won’t hear in this “A Few Cries and a Laugh” something already heard or an attempt to keep alive the sound of his past artistic “life”, but a man who mixes amiably and in a personal way, the country sound of the past with the blues and folk of his state.
The album composed of 13 songs, was recorded at Cub’s Garage Studios in Webster, Kentucky and features many talented musicians, among which stands out the magical violin of Anna Blanton, formerly with Josh in the Jericho Woods.
Middle of Nowhere, which opens the album, is a ballad of Kentucky music to the core: the violin and the voice marry perfectly.
A taste of country and bluegrass, real life and a lot of passion.
The following Instant Grits is instead an explosion of sound: country, folk and blues, with the harmonica and the violin that chase each other and guide the voices.
The melancholic and real text of Buzzards Flying Over Town moves us, as does the voice that sings it to us.
An intense ballad that the violin enriches with the depth and soul of its land.
A swing of sounds and emotions follows one another that flows into the rhythmic acoustic soul of the following I Don’t Think I Love You Today.
Mitcham‘s voice is at ease in this sound that comes from the past.
And from the past comes the country blues of Drive It Like You Stole It and it seems to hear the dust of the boards of a smoky Texan bar, jumping when feet tap on the floor.
Keyboards and violin, rhythm and real-life lyrics: no magic, just talent and passion to spare.
The ballads get under the skin and Anna Blanton‘s violin gives beauty and emotions, as does Mitcham‘s beautiful voice accompanied by his acoustic guitar as in Tennessee or in the final She Don’t Need Me Anymore.
An album that was needed and that, starting from the splendid cover designed by the artist himself, gives beauty, stories, emotions and sounds of times gone by.
Josh Mitcham deserves to be celebrated as a great singer-songwriter and his new album deserves to be on the playlists of those who love quality music that doesn’t wink at this or that trend, but is sincere and real.
Kentucky is a state where talent is in the air and drunk in the water and to the list of artists who are writing its musical history, if you haven’t already done so, add Josh Mitcham.
Enjoy,
Trex