James lee Baker — “Young Man in America”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of James Lee Baker’s version of the song “Young Man in America” (written by Anais Mitchell). The song is part of James Lee Baker’s forthcoming album Impressions, due to be available in May. Impressions was produced by James Lee Baker and Roscoe Beck; mastered by Lurssen Mastering in Los Angeles. The CD cover and artwork are by Zulfikri Mokoagow.
This song is Michael Ramos on keyboards; Roscoe Beck on upright bass; Dave Scher on guitar; Katie Marie on percussion; James Lee Baker on acoustic guitar and vocals with Laurie MacAllister on backing vocals.
With a foreboding reminiscent of a Western windstorm thundercloud, James Lee Baker’s arrangement of this song is chilling and wonderful. His songs combine old-timey folk vocal tones with the darker musical pulse of Americana. And the harmonies are bone chilling.
Written by award-winning songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and released in 2012, “Young Man in America” speaks of the way that familial trauma shapes the modern, affluent man in the land of the free. When I first heard it, I was in tears, off on the side of the road replaying it. Its message hit so close to home and Anaïs’ ability to understand the feeling that so many men feel in this country and convey that into a song truly showcases her exceptional gift in songwriting. — James Lee Baker
Find his music and more, here: https://www.jamesleebaker.com