Jacob Latham

Multi-talented singer-songwriter Jacob Latham is plowing a row for himself as an independent artist in a field where having a unique and distinctive sound is becoming increasingly uncommon. A talented mandolin player, Latham also plays guitar, harmonica, and piano. His vocals blend naturally with the rich instrumentation and the songs are imbued with a classic feel reminiscent of new folk favorites Blitzen Trapper, Iron and Wine, or even some of the folksier songs from The Shins. Lyrics inspired by ordinary experiences, nature, and an adventurous spirit round out Latham’s first EP Midnight Train, released March 1, 2013, recorded and produced by Paul Mahern at White Arc Studios. Midnight Train by Jacob Latham was released 2013.

On “Midnight Train” his latest and greatest release, Latham delivers what I can only describe as good mood music. It has flavorings of instrumental folk, pop, and a jazzy Americana blues feel, but, perhaps surprisingly the primary focus is striped down Acoustic based Pop-Rock. Early track “Pay Attention to the Rain” has an elegant journeyman’s feel, becoming almost hypnotic in places. The rock-folk-blues textures of Latham and his band are especially evocative. “Midnight Train” has a short but sweet structure, lending it more of straight folk-blues-rock feel, but it could hardly be called pop when it’s built around Latham and his guitar at the sonic center. Latham reminds me of and Tom Waits, Corey Crowder and Cry Cry Cry. While my favorite piece “Pay Attention to the Rain” and the title track are as smooth as cognac. Some tracks have a particularly steady-thrumming bass line that adds firmness and tension “John Brown.” All songs are a glory-full return to folk-rock-singer sadcore-songwriter with a stuttering rhythm section underpinning some terrific work from all involved. Jacob Latham is one Indiana native who has played numerous shows around the region. This is his latest outing and a great pickup if you’re either in a mellow mood or looking to instill a more mellower one. While this is music you could work or play to, it’s most suited to simple contemplation. Its might just be the perfect EP to brighten up your day on those rainy days up there. Isn’t that something we could all use a little more of in our lives. Latham sets it – all to well.

The Bottom Line: “Midnight Train from Jacob Latham is well-suited for audiences that enjoy all the typical conventions of Folk-Pop-Americana and more. Even slight elements of Singer/Songwriter mood music and earthy Jazzy pop. Expect great things from Latham as his cult fanbase gets established in the Midwest. I feel there’s a disgruntled audience out there just waiting for him to arrive with open arms. - All Whats Rock Blog

An accomplished musician and competitive rock climber, Bloomington, Indiana native Jacob Latham released his first solo EP, Midnight Train, last year and hit the ground running. He has been touring and playing publicly with his family's band since he was 12, so at just 18 he's already a seasoned performer. On Midnight Train, his keen mandolin playing and richly developed lyrics lead to a well-thought-out, well-produced EP.

"Pay Attention to the Rain" is a tale spun about Augustine and Anna, who commit robbery and murder, ending up on the run and ultimately losing their lives. It could be a true story from the news or something completely made up, but it captures the mind's interest. The more upbeat "Where Do We Go From Here" has a good beat and both the mandolin and harmonica stand out. Lyrically, the song is more poetic pop in the style of They Might Be Giants, with the vocal lines delivered rapidly at the chorus. The third and title track, "Midnight Train," is the highlight thanks to its melancholy lyrics and mellow backing music, with nice harmonica added in to complete the feel. "Don't Let Them In" has a more country feel--another tune steeped in deep lyrics and strong accompaniment, it leaves you wanting more. The final song, "John Brown," adds a little pop on the musical side, juxtaposed with more serious lyrics that hearken back to a time when violent revolution was the way of change. On the closer and across the EP, the level of meaning imparted to the lyrics incentivizes repeat listens. Indeed, Latham brings a maturity to his songwriting in particular that defies his young age. Hear his Midnight Train EP below, via Bandcamp - Sound Parlor

From Indiana comes Alternative Singer/Songwriter Jacob Latham who just released his latest EP (Midnight Train) in 2013. Many of you are already aware how fickle this industry is. Right from the start it might be easy to just categorize Latham as some straight ahead young and clueless folk rocker, and write him off as the newest trending thing around Indiana. It wouldn’t be wise, though. Sure, if you listen to some of his more catchier tunes within this 5 song line-up (Where Do We Go From Here) that’s the impression one might get. However there is a method to his madness. There are some really good songs on “Midnight Train” that not only have substance but step outside the traditional “flash in the pan” modern-day pop musical boundaries. Listen to the title track and (Pay Attention to the rain) for example to you will see exactly what I’m talking about. First: Latham can play (Piano, Harmonica, Mandolin, Guitar) and sing like nobody’s business. His voice has an amazing warm and likeability factor. Second he recruited some really good musicians and production folk for this project as well. Thirdly Latham has other albums to his credit. All of the above sure go against the grain of modern “flash in the pan” pop and as a result really open up this classic album. This is not Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson of Maroon 5 either, it goes much deeper than that. It’s more like classic, Ash Grunwald, Xavier Rudd, Bob Iver, Fleet Foxes, Horse Feathers, The Decemnberists and Andrew Bird. The EP goes full circle covering a wide range of emotional subject matter as well. This enhances the listening experience rather than limit it for me. Latham is obviously experienced at performing and writing powerful music, but it’s the combination of all of the above that makes him so deadly. I mean, there is nothing here that really seems all that original or fresh, or that’s already been done before. Perhaps that is why Latham is in our players in the first place. Forgive me if I’m talking in circles – but some bands and artists can deliver music that’s pretty straight forward, conservative and painfully simple yet brilliant in scope. Bottom line: they make it look so easy.
Furthermore in lieu of the amazing string of songs Latham has delivered on “Midnight Train” it almost feels as if he’s on to something, well special. This latest release from Latham is a one of a kind EP from a one of a kind artist that’s closely tied to classic pop, blues-rock-soul, but has a more modern light rock sound to it. Bravo to Latham for being himself, going against the pop grain and releasing powerful music.
Jacob Latham will please a wide range of musical personalities in the process. When this album/EP runs its course over one walks away felling Jacob Latham is truly something special. After doing my research I highly recommend seeing this guy play live as well. - Vents Magazine

It’s funny how music can change. It’s so malleable; you could hear it in one setting and hate it, vowing to never again let such filth invade your eardrums again. I’m referring to mainly pop by the way. Then, you could hear it at a different time, in a different situation, a different artist and see something in it that you never considered. It’s not just to down to peer pressure, either. You could be listening to a song on repeat in the morning that by night time you can’t stand. Basically, music isn’t just a meal in itself, to really enjoy it you need to be in the right frame of mind, as well as a situation where you can enjoy it. When I turned on the latest EP by Indiana based Jacob Latham entitled “Midnight Train” I actually did not expect what I heard. I probably wasn’t giving him the best chance for success as I must be honest. Some artists are a bit over the top about their songwriting lately-especially within this genre. It’s just feels as if they are selling something under a false pretense lacking a real and genuine sense of musical inspiration. I mean give me something I can feel! Today it feels like many artists out there are going through the motions via cookie cutter songwriting – well how appropriate none of it provides a real source of inspiration. Where am I going with his? None of the above really applies to Latham. Why? Because the music and singing is 100% for real are oh so good! I might add as I drifted in and out of uncomfortable sleep, hazy static and sporadic hooky bursts of music punctuated my dreams I realized this man probably believes and feels every stroke, every note, every song he sang. I played this EP probably 4 times and despite the brutal sludgy of the Brooklyn traffic there was something on many of this full loaded 5 track EP collection that soothed my inner skepticism. On the second listen, slightly more conscious this time, I began to pick out the sounds somewhere between Sufjan Stevens, Langhorne Slim, The Avett Brothers, Blitzen Trapper and even Great Lake Swimmers. Bending elements of catchy Country Rock, sad also elements of Contemporary Pop one can’t help but fall madly in love with songs like (Pay Attention to the Rain), (Where Do We Go From Here) and the title track. This EP will not go in my “reviewed pile” rather it will go on my I-POD for waking up or working out to. My favorite song is a toss up between (Pay Attention to the rain) and (John Brown).

The poppy vivid mix works and the somewhat dreamy precision and concentrated themes meshed with Latham’s dreary confident vocal delivery makes for some top quality Country-Pop with a rock edge. I kept waiting for a blemish or disappointing song to emerge – which never really happened through to the end. Jacob Latham is talented and has a great sound and look! Typically it’s these types of artists that represent the soul of America and manage to not only inspire, but to make it all the way to the top of our hearts as well.
Score: 3.5/5 Stars - Rock n Roll Review

Jacob Latham catches a Midnight Train of songs heading to West Texas on 44 (“Where Do We Go From Here”) and Arkansas on a Friday night search for freedom (title track). Jacob Latham is a man of words. His description of the sights and scenes nicely provides a backdrop for characters like Augustine as he heads down to New Orleans in “Pay Attention to the Rain”. Augustine’s journey makes a harmless stop in Bowling Green and takes a wrong run somewhere on the banks of the Pontchartrain. Jacob Latham is a story teller whose voice inhabits the skin of his characters. You feel the rush that fires up every bad decision and every morning mantra that comes out of a death haze to shout “Hallelujah”. Midnight Train is a midnight snack for Jacob Latham’s music. Its E.P. format will leave you hungry for more from the pen that provided the appetizers. - The Alternate Root

Midnight Train is the first EP to be released by folk/rock musician, Jacob Latham. At only 18, Latham already has 6 years of performing under his belt, and is a truly remarkable talent. Latham has been performing on stage since the young age of 12 with his family folk band, and is not only a singer, but also an accomplished mandolin and harmonica player.

Latham's sound is an amalgamation of Bob Dylan and The Avett Brothers, brimming with self-assurance and confidence, rarely heard in someone so young. Particular praise must be given to his mandolin playing, where Latham grabs your attention with every pluck of a string.

Opening track "Pay Attention to the Rain" is lyrically quite dark, and showcases Latham's talent for storytelling perfectly. Kate Long performs backing vocals on this track, and her harmonies perfectly compliment Latham's delivery. The choice of harmony is not necessarily the most obvious, which makes them - and the track - even more interesting and engaging.

"Where Do We Go From Here" signals a turning point in the record, and is a toe-tapping delight. Latham's mandolin playing is particularly memorable here. This is bound to be a live favorite, with an engaged audience singing every word back, loudly and with big smiles on their faces.

Latham slows the pace down with the EP's title track, "Midnight Train," which again showcases his ability to tell a story through song exceptionally well. His delivery is emotive, without being overly so. Every word is performed with clear conviction and Long's harmonies are a beautiful accompaniment, not drawing too much focus, but enhancing the melody and lyrical content just as harmonies should. Truly masterful.

"Don't Let Them In" features Latham's trademark mandolin in fine form, and a lyrically dark, introspective theme. Closing track, "John Brown," in contrast, is another upbeat track which highlight's Latham's abilities as a songwriter and defies you not to sing along. It's nigh impossible to choose a standout track here as every track stands out in its own way. A rare accomplishment, to say the least!

Midnight Train is an EP which has been crafted with true musicianship, integrity and a clear sense of direction. Latham is without doubt, a remarkable lyricist, musician and performer. On repeat listens, it's difficult to believe that this is Latham's first release. He is clearly a seasoned performer, and everything from the delivery to the production is of an outstanding quality. His musicianship and artistry beguiles his years, and it's a pleasure to witness the emergence of such a promising new
- Ross Barber

Blue Cut are a father/daughter/son trio from Bloomington, Indiana. Background was limited in their bio but what spoke volumes was the list of influences. Being a fan is not the main ingredient for playing, however. Like all good/great acts, Blue Cut funnel what their ears hear and what their minds feel into a stage of their own making and branding with fingers, toes and words. If songs were a resume, Blue Cut has listened to/liked/loved Bob Dylan, Crooked Still, Gillian Welch, Lead Belly, The Beatles, Doc Watson, Tim & Mollie O’Brien as well as recording their versions of songs by Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Johnson and Frank Sinatra.
But influences do not dictate the sounds being identical to the bands audio passion. Blue Cut acquires land rights to whatever track of song they tackle. ‘We Walk in Temperatures’, the bands recent release, has playing up front and the intimacy gets real personal quick. There is fluidity to Blue Cut’s playing. Add harmonies that interlock like a tradition of folk musicians, something like a Peter, Paul & Mary in the arrangement. When individual voices soar, they own the stage. The marriage of solo and combined voices is well balanced giving the album more depth without moving away from what they do best. ‘One More Cup of Tea’ scampers along with Bethany Latham delivering the story line without any added voices. On this week’s free download, “Tulsa Riots” everything lines up in a runaway freight groove. The three Latham’s, Michael, Jacob and Bethany playing seem almost intuitive. Could be blood but I am guessing that the results are from years of playing for fun and operating in an environment where the gold ring was a well crafted song.
- Alternate Root Magazine

When I first saw the Partridge Family on TV I was fascinated at the thought of starting a band within my family. As it turns out, the wolf pack that raised me were only good at howling at each other and no music can make that sound good. Thankfully, the Latham Family is nothing like mine. The Latham’s, better known as Blue Cut, have released an new album called We Walk in Temperatures that contains a great mix of modern folk songs that have elements of pop and rock and just about everything else mixed in for guaranteed foot stomping, hand clapping, swing your partner good time.

Father Michael, son Jacob, and daughter Bethany, pack the force of an overly friendly tornado that spirals into your yard and simply blows away the pile of junk in the corner of the back yard. They make you feel a bit better about things and maybe even make you dance a bit to some of the jauntier tunes on the album like “Me Too You”. The song features shared vocals by Bethany and Jacob whose voices blend like only brothers and sister voices can. It really makes me want to change my last name to Latham and find my old jug and so I can blow into it and be part of the band.

What’s amazing here is how good each one is with their instruments. Jacob sounds like he was born with a mandolin in his hands, which may explain why the mother is not in the band. I can’t imagine giving birth much less giving birth to a baby holding a mandolin; that has got to be something along the lines of traumatic. Bethany provides enough thump with her standard and upright bass guitar on some songs to raise the Kraken from his deep ocean lair. Michael’s guitar is smoother than a baby’s bottom at times and when added with his voice on songs like “French Broad River” and “Peel the Onion”, the two play together like peace loving Buddhist children.

There are enough bright spots on this album to dull the Aurora Borealis. “Harmless Dove” is a beautiful song that draws you into Bethany’s voice which seems to flicker like a flame on a pure white candle in a light breeze. The lyrics are pure rock genius applied to folk and it’s clear they have earned their ‘Bob Dylan as an Influence patch’ on their music vests. Another standout song from Bethany is “Blue Willow Plates”. It is a beautiful song and Bethany’s voice makes you feel like you are in small town America with laundry hung outside and fields to plow. “Grey and Plain” is an interesting solo piece by Jacob. In it he seems to channel the lost soul of the great Huddie William Ledbetter (better known as Lead Belly). The young man seems to grow older while he is singing it. Thank goodness the song isn’t too long or else he’d likely be a member of AARP by the end.

Blue Cut is a cut above the rest (sorry, I had to do that). For only three people they sound more powerful than The Great and Powerful Oz. Pull back the curtain here though and they remain just as powerful and as an added bonus, you don’t have to follow the yellow brick road to get to them.



Doug Morrissey- MuzikReviews.com Staff

- Muzikreviews.com

Recent finalists in the Midwest Regional Mountain Stage New Song contest, Blue Cut is a family band with an eclectic taste in acoustic music. They just released their debut full-length, We Walk In Temperatures, and there isn't a bad track on the album. It's not often that I have difficulty choosing two tracks from ANY album to present for you, but here's an exception. I spent an extra dime on the bandwidth to give you three killer songs that each feature different lead vocals. The sparse arrangements, and the stellar musicianship of Blue Cut are second to none. Highly recommended. Certified Call it Folk.

- Call It Folk music blog