Call It Americana - Brand New Stranger - J. J. Baron From Kathy Coleman One amazing thing about being in the position I've found myself in is that artists will seek me out to ask me to listen to their work. It's hugely flattering and more importantly, it gives me a chance to hear amazing music that I just never would get to hear otherwise, and hear about fresh and exciting artists who for one reason or another don't fit Corporate Radio's idea of play list material. Recently brought to my attention was the amazing work of J. J. Baron. Well, first of all, I'd give this guy my adoration just after reading his bio at his website. Humor, intelligence, and immortality? What's not to love? I'd heard one of his songs already, the hauntingly beautiful "Song for June" on Slaid Cleaves' Unsung. My review of that disc, and my enthusiastic opinion of the song, led to hearing from J. J.'s folks, and I'm really glad they sent this disc to me. It contains J. J.'s own version of the song (with the full title "Wildflower (A Song For June Carter)"), along with eleven other brand-new self-penned songs, opening strong with the driving title track featuring J. J.'s sharp-edged tenor vocals, crisp guitar licks from Scott Murawski, and some classy pedal steel from Chris Brooks (other players with J. J. include Jack Moore on drums, Tom Newman on bass, Stu Kimball and Jim Weider on guitars, Bill Lacaille on the B-3 organ, and Ryan Fitzsimmons on backup vocals, as well as others here and there on various instruments and vocals, including Slaid Cleaves). From there powerful lyrics and strong melodies make for pretty delicious listening. Indeed, a century of wandering could have led to this weary, brilliant life's music. Seriously, though, J. J. is 24 years old, a mere sprout (and I've reached an age myself where I can say that with a straight face), and his music does sound like it belongs to someone much older - it has the power of experience. The songs are deeply rooted in tradition, but it's a folksy country rock sound - like all good Americana artists today, he's got a My Space page, where you can hear a few songs (including two that aren't on the disc) and read some comments from friends and admirers, where he says he sounds like "the devil himself" (to be honest, his delivery reminds me a little of Neil Young - country folk roots, indeed). There's a few samples of the songs at his own site, as well, JJBaron.com - where you can read that bio I mentioned, as well as hear some music and find out where the boy is touring; from here, it looks like mostly the east coast area. Maybe we can coax him to the west, now that he's relocated from New York (he hails from Providence, RI) to Austin. It becomes more and more obvious every day that I need to figure out how to get my own carcass to Austin, if only to get a chance to hear these guys singing live. Waiting for them to come to Phoenix is like waiting for Godot. He's been touring with Slaid Cleaves (who says J. J. reminds him of himself twenty years ago except with "a lot more talent"), and will be doing a few shows for NYC solo for a little while longer, into the new year. Brand New Stranger may not be the first thing J. J. has recorded, but with any luck, it might get him some serious notice, at least in Americana circles. While not every major market has an Americana station yet (like Phoenix), there are some stations out there who still will take a little risk and spin a disc that's not on some Corporate play list. From them Brand New Stranger is getting good press, which is encouraging to someone like me. Every so often I complain I never hear anything good on radio and get told there ARE good stations out there somewhere. They're just not in this particular "western" city - they even took away the Americana station from our Music Choice selections on digital cable! So I have to admit I rely on learning about 'em word of mouth and via publicity releases (which not everyone has access to) - that and the surprising platform that My Space has offered Americana. So if you can't reach the media, reach for My Space. You'll be surprised. And pleased. Brand New Stranger Dead Man's Shoes Set 'Em Up Boys Stranger Here Myself Open Door Still You Look For It I Chose To Lose You Now I Know Just Like You Stereo Confessions Baby Let's Go Wildflower (A Song For June Carter)

Music Matters Review 22! JJ Baron—Brand New Stranger 2006, Rhody Records Well! After listening to just a few of the songs on Brand New Stranger I thought that JJ Baron must a talented Austin musician who has been hanging out refining his craft with members of The Flatlanders for the last 20 years or so. Actually he was born 23 years ago and comes from Providence, RI. His voice reminds me of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and his alt-country tunes are ripe with fresh licks and turns of phrase. He is equally at home backed by pedal steel or rocking out on his acoustic guitar. The fact that he’s got Slaid Cleaves in for a duet on one of the songs should help get JJ noticed. This album is strong all the way to the final track, an elegy for June Carter. There hasn’t been an artist this alive on arrival since Steve Forbert! Essential! —Michael Devlin