Eliot Bronson grew up in Baltimore feeling different than his peers. Like many musicians, Bronson was the “weirdo” in school and he found a sort of shelter in music. First came punk rock, then came Bob Dylan, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. Music took hold of young Bronson he soon found himself taking his own folk songs from local coffee houses to venues beyond Baltimore, constantly sharpening his writing and performance. Soon he ended up in Atlanta and honed in on a sound that we described in 2014 as “a gorgeous, magnificent hybrid of (Ryan) Adams, Jason Isbell and Jim James.”
Scheduled to release Aug. 25 on Rock Ridge Music, Bronson’s new album James offers songs that are more like pictures than movies, capturing moments and digging deeply into their meanings. A stomping beat, raw harmonica and searing electric slide drives the opening track, “Breakdown In G Major,” followed by a selection of songs that only confirm Bronson’s restless, escalating excellence. The album finds Bronson teaming up once again with acclaimed producer Dave Cobb, best known for his work with Americana and country favorites like Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, and Jason Isbell.
Today Glide Magazine is presenting an exclusive early listen of Eliot Bronson’s new album James. The cohesive collection of songs finds this young singer-songwriter in top form as he sings from an honest viewpoint and the similarities to Bob Dylan as well as artists like Ryan Adams and even Chris Isaak are undeniable from the very first song. The album also finds Bronson bringing in richer production that feels as close to Americana and country rock as it is to folk. As a whole, his talent is front and center throughout James and each infectious song hammers home the realization that he is one of the most exciting up-and-coming artists around right now. Give a listen to the album and read our conversation with Bronson below…
Talk a little bit about the album as a whole. How is this album different from your previous release, and, in your eyes, what is the overall vibe of James?
I have a song on my last record called “River Runs Dry.” The chorus says, “I don’t give up,” which is true about me — but man, I came close. I was writing these songs during a period of time where the bottom had fallen out. I had no income, wasn’t touring and was going deeper and deeper into debt. My relationships were strained. Seemed like everything was falling apart around me. Luckily music has been something I could always turn to. That’s how James was born I think. Even though the record came out of difficulty, I feel like the songs and my singing are more solid and settled now than ever. There’s a resolve and a strength that I don’t think I’ve ever had before. I’m also learning to say more with less. Trusting simplicity.
What is your favorite song on the album and why is it your favorite?
I don’t know that I have a favorite song. It changes all the time. But I definitely have favorite lyrics:
“Time is a lender / Holding the deed while we pay” … “Now there’s pillows between us / We’re quiet as kin / Where we lay.” From “Good Enough.”
“I’m peeling the gold off of the clouds.” From “The Mountain.”
“Everybody’s got a little secret room they’re locked in / I’m leaning on a wall, but I don’t hear you knocking” From “Stranger.”
“Sleeping beside his wife / King James and a pocket knife” from “Hard Times.”
Where does the title James come from? Who is James and why did that become the album title?
As soon as I thought of “James,” I knew it was the album title. I didn’t have a rational reason for it, it just felt completely right. When it comes to art, I think intuition is far more trustworthy than reasoning. I find myself led to language that has layers of meaning, words that are really loaded. I think of Jesse James, the King James Bible, and Jamestown. It’s also a family name — mine and my father’s middle name. Middle names are interesting to me — this extra name that usually no one calls you. We get so wrapped up in who we think we are. This album is about James, who’s me and not me.
What was the first song you wrote for this album? What was the last song?
The first song was “Breakdown in G Major.” Everything comes apart. Which is how things end, but it’s also how things begin. The rest of the record is picking up the pieces and putting together something new. “Hard Times” was last I think. I guess it’s the same theme, but the camera pulls way back and you see a much longer arc.
How was it working with Dave Cobb on this record?
I love the way Dave’s records sound. I don’t know how he does it, but he has an ear for honesty and emotion like no other. And he obviously loves great songs and songwriting. I’m pretty much a fan of everyone he produces. It’s a huge honor to be among that group of folks.
Your music has a very satisfying sense about it; it feels really good to listen to it. What do you hope listeners take away from having heard this record?
Thank you! I’m trying to make music that lasts. Songs that don’t reveal themselves completely on one listen. There are secrets in them and in between them. I hope people find them and make them their own.
Eliot Bronson releases James on August 25th via Rock Ridge Music. For more info visit eliotbronson.com.
Photo: David Joseph
One Response
Transcendentally beautiful.