Accompanied by his battered ‘59 Martin acoustic, Papa Jack Couch sings gutbucket songs full of pain and redemption. Despite his many years carving out a modest career as a singer-songwriter, he sounds more weathered than weary, and listening to the sparse finger-picking and winding melodies of “Hazel Eyes,” you can hear shades of Johnny Cash in his soft homespun twang. His voice may not be as grim and mountainous, but in some ways it’s equally resolute.
I’ve said before that Immersive don’t cover this side of the scene nearly as well as we should, so I’m always grateful when someone gives me a nudge to bring it into consideration. In this case, the push comes via Fischbowl Productions and the Attic Sounds, which is a live performance series conducted in partnership with Eddie’s Attic. According to the Attic Sounds’ press release, the purpose of the series is to create “…a visual, online music archive for local and touring musicians to gain exposure cross-promotionally across the digital realm using both their own and the venue’s brand.” A quick glance through their YouTube channel sees sessions dating back two years with new episodes appearing a few times a month.
In the case of Papa Jack’s performance, the intimacy inherent in the series suits him well, as does the strikingly gorgeous black and white footage. The whole production coats him and his guitar in silver-hued radiance, lending the song’s heart-rending meditation on death, life, and love even further grandeur and dignity. It sad and beautiful and somehow regal all at the same time, and you’d do well to give it your undivided attention.
More Info
Web: papajackmusic.com
SoundCloud: @user-267794820