Jono Manson Delivers Genre Blurring Gem On ‘Stars Enough To Guide Me’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

In any other business but the notoriously unfair music biz, singer-songwriter, producer, and sideman Jono Manson would have a higher profile. Perhaps his relocation to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1993 plays into his under-the-radar status but also his genre-blurring approach makes him difficult to pigeonhole. Nonetheless, like so many artists in the roots (or Americana) genres often find popularity across the pond. Manson has a huge following in Italy where he holds cult status and plays with roots-rockers The Mandolin Brothers. Stars Enough to Guide Me is his eleventh solo project and his debut for Blue Rose Records. It follows his excellent 2020 Silver Moon which we covered here.

Like that effort, he brings the usual eclectic mix of styles with a fine selection of mostly introspective and personal songs, and some high-profile guests such as John Popper with whom he has a long association in Blue Traveler, fellow New Mexican resident and singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson, and American Idol finalist Crystal Bowersox. Because Manson will always be associated with his beginnings in New York dive bars and scenes like The Wetlands in the ‘90s, it’s not surprising to see friends like Jason Crosby (keyboards and guitar), Eric Ambel (guitar) and drummer Paul Pearcy backing him. Manson’s music still bears similarities to artists such as Willie Nile and James Maddux, though he is a bit more wide-ranging.

Opener “Lights Go Out” sets the roots rocking pace, with Manson’s ability to just effortlessly rhyme lyrics and deliver catchy hooks. The personal rumination on life comes into clearer focus in the gentle shuffle “On the Downlow”- “What can I find to say?/When they ask me if I’m ok/ I tell ‘em I’m doing swell, But only time will tell.” These ruminations reflect on mortality in “No New Kind of Blue” featuring pal “Popper on harmonica as Manson sings “There ain’t no new kind of blue/ From the day you’re born, you’re simply passing through/ Just a shadow growing long/ Until one day it’s all gone.” The unmistakable Stones-like riffing of Ambel colors “The Further Adventures of Goat Boy and the Clown,” and an autobiographical tale about nicknames given to him and longtime multi-instrumentalist and friend Crosby in Italy where their adventure almost resulted in a car wreck.

The tone shifts dramatically to the gorgeous fiddle-imbued ballad “Timberline” with Crosby handling both violin and piano along with guest guitarist Trevor Bahnson, a friend from Santa Fe who has lived his life with cystic fibrosis.. Eliza Gilkyson makes the first of two appearances, harmonizing on the protest ballad, “The Last Man Shot in the War.” Taking a page from Merle Haggard, “Make it Through to Spring” starts slowly with Crosby’s mournful fiddle, gains tempo with a buoyant chorus and features sharp solos on steel (also mandolin and electric guitar) from New York buddy Jon Graboff. It’s a terrific three-song countrified sequence.

Changing the sonics again, “As Long a Grass Grows” takes the R&B route with a three-piece horn section and impressive work by Crosby on the B3. “Before We Get Stupid” is a light-hearted dance number featuring Bowersox and a burning guitar lead from Ambel. Sandwiched in between is another standout ballad, “Alone,” carrying the album’s theme of appreciating the now before it’s gone. Manson duets on vocal with David Berkeley with strong instrumental support from among others, guests Sally Van Meter (dobro) and Beppe Gambetta (acoustic guitar). Fittingly he closes with yet another infectious ballad with Gilkyson returning for “Late Bloomer,” reflecting on both past and future. buoyed by Crosby’s caressing piano and organ as well as Van Meter’s Weissenborn.

Surely, it’s uneven in terms of tempo and even genres but Manson wouldn’t have any other way. He is a master of his craft and deserving of far more recognition. 

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One Response

  1. SO GREAT TO See this RECOGNITION for our Local Music Man Jono here in New Mexico…

    His Kitchen Sink Studio is a Hot Spot of national talent in an intimate Venue.

    Wayfarer doug
    Bosque Music in Corrales, New Mexico

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