I’ve never really known what the term Americana really means; then again, I am yet to find two people who can agree on the essence of such a wide-ranging yet generic term. But if it means music which captures the essence of the country from which it takes its name, if it embodies the spirit of adventure and opportunity of America, with its vast landscapes and endless roads, then Where Do I Begin is the epitome of Americana.
The album is forged from the weaves and echoes of many musical styles, from early blues to electric rock and roll, with a touch of alt-country cool, beautiful grooves, heavenly harmonies, and poignant lyrics that leave a lasting impression. But if the building blocks may be familiar, the music is totally fresh…not to mention refreshing.
The sound of the album evokes everything from isolated truck stops and grassroots country bars to late-night blues clubs and trendy urban venues. It reinvents the past for a contemporary audience, making it both timeless and forward-thinking. If this is what America sounds like when described in the most concise and poetic musical shorthand, then the only question is this. Why the hell am I sitting here writing this from an ocean away?
