CD Review: John Steam Jr. - Simple (2020)

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Cover Photo: Cris Civitillo
Cover Artwork: Killererartworx.de

John Steam Jr. - Simple
Release Date: December 04, 2020
Label: selfrelease
Format: CD / Digital
Length: 30:21
Genre: Acoustic Road Blues
Origin: Nuremberg, Germany

Our world is a hectic, confusing and stressful place these days - not only because of the pandemic. Advertisements, social and professional pressure, and the multimedial impact have their steady influence on our bodies and minds. Where is that easy and simple life we all yearning for?
Well, if I had an answer to that question, I probably might do something else than writing these reviews. But I can tell you that Nuremberg's Anti-Cowboy John Steam Jr. went after the same question. And at least the musician from Folk's Worst Nightmare has some really good thoughts to share on that topic.


"Simple" is the name of John Steam Jr.'s newest album and it a deeply soulful and thoughtful output. Compared to his last release "Anywhere but here", the musician presents himself smoother and even more melodic.
The album was created on the road. It could be any road but it actually was the road between Nashville, Tennessee and Burgthann in Middle Franconia. Recorded in the bard's room, it displays the collected thoughts and feelings John Steam Jr. had when being on that road as a touring musician. These are thoughts about life in our digital world, thoughts about breaking out of gridlock, or thoughts about what really matters in life.


On "Simple", John Steam Jr. gets musical support by Robert Cozma who plays the trombone in 'Everything that matters', drummer Domi Back in 'Autopilot off', and Hannes Stegmeier who beautifies 'Something old, something new' with his upright bass.
The Anti-Folk- / Country- / Acoustic Road Blues-Narrative is a collection of stories about keeping in motion. But it is not about keeping up with the pace of our modern world, but with one's one tempo instead. So, turn your autopilot off, listen to your heart and choose both, direction and speed of your movement. It is the recollection on what we really need to be happy. Spoiler alert: it's neither the new Apple Watch nor a private jet.

John Steam Jr.'s "Simple" is an honest and deeply uplifting album. It is a release full of feel-good melancholy and the romantic joy of taking cae of yourselves and your community. And, as it is the style of John Steam Jr., it makes your feet itchy.
Keep it simple, stay positive, and spread love, not viruses.

John Steam Jr. Online:
Homepage
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Spotify

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