JM Stevens – Nowhere to Land
JM Stevens is a musician, songwriter and producer who has produced for dozens and dozens of bands at his East Austin Recording Studio. But now he has turned his recording sensibilities to his own second new album Nowhere to Land, which is a peaceful conscientious affair that’ll still prompt you to dance and shake it off. The album is a collection of songs rootsy rock carrying along reflective insightful perspectives on life. Stevens’ style is an amalgam of the blues he was steeped in as a kid growing up in a musical family in Mississippi – with his older brother later stepping into the role of guitarist for Blind Melon. And then JM Stevens’ own later move to Austin to absorb the musical vibes there completed the mix.
The album starts with “Dry Creek,” which stands on a basis of thoughtful acoustic guitar with snappy beat on top, but it’s all melancholy and metaphor. “That dry creek was once water under the bridge… uncertainty every has got a hold on everyone.”
“Cherry Sunburst” is good solid rootsy rock n roll, driving with the windows down music. ”You didn’t need no validation to feel cool.” “Someday I Will See You” is an ode to the idea that that elusive ex might be around any corner with their new beau – at a rock n roll show standing in the crowd where I once held you close…someday I will see you with someone else.” And you’ll wince a little at the lyrics here.
“Why Won’t You Call” is an easy heartache song, a mid tempo poignant delight. You’re “probably hanging late night at the bar….while I’m looking at your number… and wondering why won’t you call?” The title track sets up a more heartland rock vibe as JM Stevens speaks to any of us, “flying like a bird with nowhere to land.”
The musical choices are all Americana, leaning on the electric side, but with an acoustic guitar base. The songs are deep and reflective on living alone and processing that through various experiences – many of this with possible relationships, or another relationship on the brink. Musicians on the album are JM Stevens on vocals and guitars; George Duron on drums; Doug Strahan on guitars and harmony vocals; Jonny “Keys” Grossman on keyboards and accordion; and Dave Wesselowski on bass. Additional musicians are BettySoo on harmony vocals on all tracks except “Cobwebs”; Beth Chrisman on harmony vocals and fiddle on “Cobwebs”; and Marty Muse on dobro and pedal steel.
The album was produced, recorded and mixed by James Stevens at EAR Studio in Austin, Texas. It was mastered by Jim Wilson Mastering with design by Hal Jon Vorpahl and cover photo by Mark Abernathy.