Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus - Harbortowne (2024)

Somewhat of an old traditional folky style permeates this collection. More Tom Paxton than John Prine, more Rooftop Singers than Fairport Convention & the arrangement approach straddles the border of late 50s folk & early 60s Greenwich Village coffee shop. Jim Patton writes good stories that are relatively simple & sung in a tonality similar to Tom Paxton, Ian Tyson & Richard Farina.

The instrumentation is good throughout, but one must appreciate the simple-joyous folky mentality without the radical vinegar. Even Woody Guthrie didn’t always sing with a political swipe. Patton does address hard subjects, but he tells it like a grandfather, not an angry extremist. Patton seems to take a stance firmly planted in a more logical, reasonable & respective musical soil.

There are no vocal acrobatics, but the songs have nourished countrified lyrical ponderings as displayed wonderfully in “A Woman Like You.” There are catchy songs on this 12-track Harbortowne produced by Ron Flynt (of the acclaimed power pop band 20/20) in Austin, TX.

This is Jim Patton’s (vocals/acoustic guitar) & Sherry Brokus’ (vocals/percussion) 7th LP that embraces the classical folk sound that led to the genre that is today — Americana. Pieces about everyday life, finding a place where one can fit in, a first love, what it means to win a lottery, reflecting on a friend who passed away, staying afloat economically & job-wise today & believing the best is yet to come.

While the subjects & slant aren’t as intense as Kristofferson or clever & at times humorous as John Prine the Patton songs do have sustenance & individuality not often heard in this era unless it’s for the sake of nostalgia.

With the tune “Just Doesn’t Work Anymore,” Patton comes closer to John Prine & Arlo Guthrie as far as humor, but the structure of the music is closer to the country novelty singer Johnny Bond (“Hot Rod Lincoln,” “X-15”) in how he narrates it.

On a more serious level, Jim performs “Back In the Storm,” a good showcase co-written with singer-songwriter Jeff Talmadge. Sherry is a little more prominent & their dual vocals sound quite good. “Until the Fire Is Gone,” is a good tune but would benefit from a stronger vocalist with more range. The final outing features Sherry on the poignant “Start Again” which is lovely.

None of the songs wear out their welcome. They’re short numbers that make their impression & it’s in their simplicity that lingers warmly on the mind.