I'm not quite sure how I first came across Jonny Kaplan. I may have seen him live, heard him on a compilation or via the internet or the radio.
Whatever I have a copy of his 1999 debut album California Hearts which has been gathering dust on the Americana shelves without having been played in a while.
That was until a week of so ago when I dusted it down and I have been playing it pretty much continuously ever since.
A lovely mix of America, power pop and Gram Parsons influences.
He is still active touring with his band as Jonny Kaplan and the Lazy Stars
Jonny Kaplan - Ballad of a Lovesick Yankee
Jonny Kaplan - Pocket Fulla' Nickels
I didn't know much about Jonny Kaplan before hearing these and 'Pocket Fulla' Nickels' is how I imagined he would sound. 'Ballad of a Lovesick Yankee' exceeded all expectations though and is very good indeed.
ReplyDeleteBallad of a Lovesick Yankee has a Steve earle sound, no bad thing, and that 2nd one could easily be a Gram parsons song. Sounds like this could be a very good record!
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