Jubal Lee Young “Not Another Beautiful Day” (Western Beat 2006)

Another scion of a 70’s singer heaves into view with a gutsy debut album.

Big and hairy, and that’s just the music, Jubal’s dad is Steve Young of “Seven Bridges Road” fame and he has toured over here as part of a family package. This is his first album and he goes for a big sound which veers dangerously close to “big hat” Nashville on occasions but overall avoids this pitfall by reining in the “rawk” and concentrating on the song. The album starts with the title tune, a muscular tune, power chords kick-start this, Young’s vocals are strong and one is reminded at times of a young Steve Earle. Towards the end there’s a moment when the guitars veer into Pete Townshend territory, not in an aggressive manner but the shimmer and sheen type. Second song “A thousand Ways to Say Goodbye” continues in this vein but the next two are quieter and “Jig”, written by Steve Young, features dad’s unmistakable voice on an excellent cut. The other cover on the album is by David Olney, “The way I Am” and is the weakest cut on the album and the one that radio stations in the home of country music would probably play. The best is saved for last, the final song, “I Might be Crazy” eschews the amped up electrics of earlier tracks to produce a great song that has echoes of Steve Stills in his heyday. If the rest of the album sounded this good it would be a must. Mention must go to producer Thomm Jutz (guitar player for Mary Gauthier) who provides guitar, whistle, mandolin, keyboards and bass. If Jubal can head in the direction he hints at in the last song he should be worth keeping an eye on.

Date review added:  Sunday, February 26, 2006
Reviewer:  Paul Kerr
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