Jeff Mamet Fortunate Son
Singer-songwriter Jeff Mamett’s new album, Fortunate Son, tells stories about everyday people and the lives they lead. Rooted in Americana, country, folk, and western music, the album conveys a warm, familiar sound while still feeling fresh and distinctly his own.
Produced by Ron Flynt, the album was recorded at Jumping Dog Studio in Austin, Texas. Jerry Tubb mastered the album at Terra Nova Mastering Studio.
The players on Fortunate Son include Mamett (vocals, acoustic guitar), Scrappy Jud Newcomb (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, National slide guitar, baritone guitar, Nylon-string guitar, mandolin), Ron Flynt (electric piano, piano, Harmonium, B3, backing vocals), Mark Epstein (upright bass, electric bass), John Chipman (drums, percussion), Katie Shore (fiddle, backing vocals), and Geoff Queen (pedal steel).
Of the 12 tracks that make up the album, suggested entry points include “Delta 88,” a low-slung, twang-flavored tune highlighted by Mamett’s evocative voice, at once clear and slightly weathered. The melody reveals a voluptuous, catlike motion, slinky yet graceful.
“Rodeo Girls” rolls out on a shimmering steel guitar, riding a tapping, sidestick beat. Vaguely reminiscent of George Strait, there’s a wistful mood flowing through the melody and the lyrics. Effortless and laid-back, Mamett’s vocals imbue the lyrics with warm flavors. It’s a grand, easy voice, at once low, creamy, and expressive.
“Ro-de-o rodeo girls / When they ride, they’re flyin’ / Boots and sass, touch of class / They don’t hold back / Ro-de-o rodeo girls.”
A personal favorite because of its traditional melody and female vocal harmonies, “The Writing’s on the Wall” conjures up suggestions of Hank Williams with its loose, luxurious sensibility.
The Waylon Jennings-like quality of the title track, with its crying steel guitar and measured rhythm, gives the tune a melancholic poignancy. There’s a subdued rumble in Mamett’s voice that gives it a haunting air.
“Yippie -I -Ty O It’s a hard way to go / Life on the range come rain sleet or snow / Out here time stands still, I work till I’m done / I never complain, I’m a fortunate son.”
Another favorite because of its relaxed, gliding motion, “Bless the Hands” features a tender, moving fiddle that complements Mamett’s slightly raspy vocals. The movement of the melody gently ebbs and rises on undulating surfaces.
Making proudly old-school music with an alluring, old-school feel, on Fortunate Son, Jeff Mamett evokes the sound of classic Americana.
Discover more about Jeff Mamett here.