Even if you’re protesting today, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the time off, kick back, and relax with some mighty fine sounds of Americana at its finest.
Steve Eddy and Jake Hussey encompass everything we love about roots, country, and bluegrass. It’s that time-honored tradition of folk that stretches back about as long as America’s had presidents. This duo feels it in their blood. Hailing from Washington, West Virginia, you must assume that there’s something in the water that makes their tunes feel authentic and somewhat ancient in the best way possible.
That and the influence they draw from the songs below. Steve and Jake were kind enough to build us a playlist of some of their faves, but for a taste of their own sound, be sure to check out their new album, The Miller Girl.
“I’ve Got a Name,” Jim Croce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHVBzLGAIbU
“Words cannot express how much I love this man’s music. My father listened to his records on vinyl in my childhood home. So many of his songs [make] my hair standing on end every time I listen. ‘I’ve got a song…If it gets me nowhere, I’ll go there proud’ — music, for me, in 13 words.” – Steve
“Funky President,” James Brown
“I’ve always had a thing for this song and all of [James Brown’s] songs, really. This is the epitome of rhythm-section chemistry and groove. I live for this stuff.” – Jake
“500 Miles,” The Kingston Trio
“Again, in my childhood basement listening to this on vinyl with my father in the other room. These guys were the real deal. Listen to how huge this song sounds. Three guys with guitars and a banjo. The delivery and the dynamics are perfect. Played live around what sure sounds like a Neumann U47. (I am gear nut and a microphone junkie.)” – Steve
“I’m So Tired of Being Alone,” Al Green
“Dynamic, groovy, Al Green — what’s not to love? I admire Motown so much for its chord structures. Ever listen to modern R&B/rap? This is the nuts and bolts.” – Jake
“Duncan,” Paul Simon
“The man is a songwriting genius. His knowing wit and wordplay are on full display in this song. The South American flutes absolutely kill me. They sound so otherworldly on this song. This was the end of his folk era before he went all jazz chords on everyone. His first foray into incorporating ethnic sounds that he became more famous for on Graceland.” – Steve
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Gil Scott-Heron
“This piece is one of my all-time favorites. Injustice evokes emotion, which in turn results in timeless art.” – Jake
“No Myth,” Michael Penn
“The song that launched ’90s pop rock from his highly underrated debut album March. I mean, he’s about eight years ahead of his time here. A teenage Jacob Dylan was eating this song up for sure. I just love this acoustic-based pop-rock sound. It’s timeless. Extra points for the Neumann u67 he’s singing into. I told you I have a problem. Is that Jeff Buckley on keys? Speaking of Jeff Buckley…” – Steve
“Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” Jeff Buckley
“Six minutes and 40 seconds in heaven. A true modern masterpiece. I discovered Jeff right after he died tragically. Thank God he left us this album. I spent countless hours trying to figure out the guitar parts on this song. How about the Freddie Mercury-esque choir of Jeffs at 4:00? Just stunning. The aspirational gem, because of course as a baritone with a crappy-sounding falsetto, I will never sing like this.” – Steve
“Home Sweet Home,” Earl Scruggs
“Great Tune by the greatest banjo player of all time. Great timing, great tone, and super tasteful.” – Jake
“Spain,” Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin
“One of the most amazing performances of all time. I love minimalism in music, and Chick and Bobby are both sheer geniuses.” – Jake
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