Album Review: Gardnerville-native Bryan Jones releases new album 'Loud As Folk Vol. 5: Buffalo Moses'
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Sat, 01/30/2021 - 1:32pm
“Now it’s your old friend, Buffalo Moses, playing songs that I know...”
Early on in a segue between songs in the first track of Loud As Folk Volume 5: Buffalo Moses, the titular Buffalo Moses, introduces himself and sets the stage for a warm and intimate set of songs both brand new (“Whatever Disease” was written the night before recording) and old, including a stunning rendition of “The Worst Things” from Jones’ prior band, Gardnerville-based Buster Blue.
Gardnerville-native Bryan Jones created Buffalo Moses as a dialed in representation of his musical talents after four albums with his Americana band Buster Blue (featured by Billboard and Daytrotter). Wailing on harmonica and finger-picking acoustic guitar he uses his lyrically driven songs to explore the depths of his vocal range.
The production is sparse; it’s just Jones, his guitar, and his voice. Everything was recorded live in the Reno-based Loud As Folk Studios by Spike McGuire and Greg Gilmore and the simplicity allows for Jones’ voice and songwriting to shine through, giving the feeling of seeing a truly stellar set at a favorite small club – something sorely missed in the age of quarantining and social distancing.
“Runnin’ Out of Daylight” is a prime example of how the medium allows Jones to put his vocal chops on full display. With slow, tasteful strumming on his guitar, he gives a vocal performance for the ages with all of the confidence and authenticity of a veteran performer that cannot be faked. The same goes for “Space Camp,” an absolute banger of an alt-folk jam that I listened to several times before continuing the album. It’s amazing that there was anything left of Jones’ vocal cords for the rest of the set after recording that track.
It is hard to believe that “Whatever Disease” was written the night prior to recording as it is a standout track on the album. Jones’ voice soars on the line “Got 40 dollars left for gasoline/spent it all getting fast and mean.” Songwriting of this caliber is singular and unique; however, Jones makes it seem effortless as he sings about “Frankie and Dean-O” and a cold Reno night.
Loud As Folk Volume 5: Buffalo Moses is the most recent release in Loud As Folk’s Record Club series showcasing various singer/songwriters from Northern Nevada. Over the eight tracks on this album, Jones proves that he is a vital voice among the performers of our region and we are lucky to call him one of our own.
You can order vinyl, cassette, or CD versions of this special album through the Loud As Folk Record Club website listed below before February 1st. You don't want to miss out! You will be sad. Oh so sad.
Get your copy at: www.LoudasFolk.com/RecordClub
Consider becoming a member to get new music every month at a serious discount plus streaming/download access to all Record Club releases.
You can also learn more about previous albums and upcoming releases by visiting https://www.buffalomoses.com/
Check out his recording of “Whatever Disease” below:
