Amerikana (EP) - Jared Burton

It would be too easy to simply label Amerikana an anti-war album, or an anti-government album or an anti-anything album. Not only would it be too easy, it would be an incomplete description. It would be like referring to someone who is outspoken against the doings of ill-minded governments as anti-establishment rather than democratic. It would only inform a part of the album and would fall short in describing the artifact as a whole.

What we have here on this independently released EP is an engaging, responsible, politically charged and subversive journey by way of folk, rock and blues - that takes us back to the first half of the Dark ages of recent American history (aka the Bush years). It is a reflective journey, one that demands our attention. For in it is the potential for a new horizon of understanding and a stronger image of what ought to be, rather than what we sometimes apathetically despise. It is influential in that it works on our memory by keeping the conversation going. A conversation that began well before W. and will continue well after.

The last time I saw Jared was in San Francisco 2002 for one of the largest anti-war rallies since the 1960s. I gave up a centre floor seat at Paul McCartney to take an overnight bus to be part of saying no to violence and embracing peace. The general mood that day was not of anger and resentment, but rather hope and perseverance - two of the many qualities that underscore the 6 wonderfully arranged selections of Amerikana.

As a human being Jared is kind, thoughtful, intelligent and forgiving. As a musician he is prolific and brings forth an angst that he immediately remedies with, often indirect, pleas for change through hope and cooperation. As you listen to Amerikana, you will hear for yourself a timeless commentary on the human condition, rather than a rant against political systems or specific government figures. What begins in Uncomfortably Numb and ends in Amerikana is a continuation of a conversation that is as old as the first human who sought to create a world that attends to the least fortunate and not the most fortunate. Though the names and places may have changed, the same decisions are there. Jared has graciously accepted the role of messenger, to remind us of our worth, our hopes, our potential for authenticity and certainly our responsibility.

Unlike most of the music that dominates the pop charts and local radio stations, Amerikana delivers lyrical and melodic snapshots of American life that are not unattached to past, the present or the future nor are they reduced to any specific period. They pull you in and serve as a reminder that passive observation results in an anorexic existence void of any weight or substance. And Jared does this all the while playing and singing wonderful songs that you will want to play again and again.

Jared Burton’s music is nothing if not sincere, talented and thought provoking, but most of all enjoyable. Amerikana gives us an honest introduction to a side of Jared as the musician, although not the complete picture - which is why many of us hope that Amerikana is just the beginning of things to come.

Sample and purchase Amerikana at: http://www.myspace.com/jaredburton

© bflo12, 2009