Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum

Subject: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Mar 05 - 12:50 PM

I am, admittedly, not completely unbiased here. Jed has become one of my closest musical friends, and Producer Paul Mills is just as close. But I would encourage you strongly to give a listen to this CD. For those that already have Jed's other CD's, you may think you know what to expect. Jed will exceed those expectations. This is, hands down, his best yet. And it may be one of the best out there. No matter how you cut this one, be it lyrics, tunes, instrumental quality, arrangement, production, it is clearly one of the best CD's you will hear.

For the most part, these songs are all originals by Jed. I have come to know that there will always be at least one song on his CD's that will show his heart and his wisdom. On this CD that song is "The Locket". Jed's Mom had Alzheimer's and lived with Jed and Louisa in Dallas for a while. The story recounts the time they spent together. To me the essence lies in the line, "does she know my name today? And does that really matter anyway?". So often, and understandably so, children of aged Alzheimer's patients are distraught that there beloved parents don't recognize them. But this gentle man delivers the message that life can be cruel, but after a lifetime of love and caring, it is only important that you have the time. It is important that you remember the love. I listened to this song with tears running down my face.

"Con Este Beso" and "Mama's Lilly" demonstrate, once again, the empathic abilities of Jed Marum. He has always had a way of reading an account of an event or a life story, and sinking into it. He "feels" what this must have been like. And then he makes it come to life for us. Such is the case with these two songs.

"White Cockade" is another favorite of mine. I thought I had a secret treasure trove in an out of print book entitled "1000 Years of Irish Poetry". Our Mudcat friend, Philipa, turned me on to this one a number of years ago. Jed discovered it, and this is a song he wrote to one of the poems.

There are 15 tracks on this CD, and I haven't even begun to cover my favorites. I believe this will be his most successful effort yet. Congratulations to my fellow Beef Brothers, Jed and Paul, for an amazing effort. This project is sure to be a success.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 01:37 AM

Our big move is over.----- It's chaos here and we're living out of boxes in a too small apartment while ours is being renovated.---To relax, of course, I had to look in and see what's going on with Mudcat---and I just found this thread. --- I must join Mick in saying that I'm sure this is going to be talked about as one of the best folk recordings of the year. The entire project was a labor of love for Jed and for all the talented musicians involved. And it all comes through in the end result. It's just a fine listening experience. Jed's songs can transport the listener back and forth through time like the best of the older folksongs---but the musical tales he's giving us are real poetry from now that links us beautifully to then. Combined with Jed's fine voice and lovely tunes are, on this CD especially, an extra stellar group of backup musicians and singers. Producer Paul Mills' (Curly Boy Stubbs') stellar guitar and mandolin work is here, and I'll search out any recording that Paul is on because I know how tasteful and plain great his inventive picking always is. Mick Lane's singing, Tom Leighton's various keyboards, Brian McNeil's superb fiddle---everything just works so damn well---. This is simply what folk music in this new century ought to be about. It's one you can buy blind and be happy you got it all the way through---every track. Mick, I'm glad you started this thread.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 12:21 PM

To get your copy:

www.cdbaby.com/cd/jedmarum4

link repaired by Mudelf

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 12:23 PM

Mine is on order so no comment yet. Mick failed to mention that he is on this one.

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Fortunato
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 01:35 PM

Thanks, Mick and Sinsull for putting this up, I just ordered a copy.
I'm glad to hear the glowing reports and I wish I'd be able to accept Jed's invitation to hit a few licks but I couldn't made the session.

I'm sure it will be grand.

all the best,
chance

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Little Robyn
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 01:44 PM

We have our copy and played the 'White Cockade' last week on our radio show (Folk on Sunday, Kidnapper's Community Radio, Hastings, New Zealand), and the 'Ballad of Thomas Higgins' yesterday.
Thanks Jed.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Mar 05 - 10:48 AM

Yes, Robyn, I see why you featured those two songs. I love what he did with The White Cockade.

The Ballad of Thomas Higgins is another one of those where Jed read the story of a man, read his words, sunk into the individual and came up with a beauty of a song.

Higgins was born in slavery on a Georgia plantation. He escaped slavery using the Underground Railroad. The skipper of the bark Charles Morgan took him aboard and he spent his life whaling. His story is a fascinating one. And like the very best songwriters, Jed gives you just enough to want to know more. It is a wonderful work.

As a performing artist, I find Jed to be one of those frustrating songwriters. So much of what he writes is so damn good that I have to be careful that I don't turn into a Jed Marum tribute band. I have to force myself not to do his stuff all night. ****grin***

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Mar 05 - 01:47 PM

BTW, Jed's newest sound clips at CDBaby are LONG. If anyone needs a preview before buying-- no excuses, have a listen!

I really appreciate when artists do this-- hang up long clips. I use that kind of clip-generosity well, often learning whole songs from the clips while anxiously awaiting the arrival of the hard copy (for the car) and the liner notes with all the lovely detail.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 07 Mar 05 - 06:00 PM

I too have just finished listening to Jed's new CD - several times - in the car over the weekend.
What a powerful collection of songs!
the very first one out of the chute, Mary McGuill is a beauty about immigration into Texas from Ireland in the 19th century.
I've always liked Jed singing Look Ahead Tommy - another family story about immigration handed down thro' several generations. Evocative box-playing by Tom Leighton.
My personal favorite: The Locket. I played this for a few friends and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. I didn't sing it, I played it on my CD player!
There's one passing chord in the chorus that helps bind the whole thing together. I loved that touch, Jed.
Anyone with an older, ailing parent - especially with Alzheimer's - will identify immediately with this song. I know I did.
Th Ballad of Thomas Higgins is set to the Patriot Game, I believe. Great story about a runaway slave who signs on a whaler out of New Bedford and becomes an invaluable crew member.
Every track is a beaut!
Thanks, Jed.
I'll be purchasing a few copies as gifts for friends, for sure.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: JedMarum
Date: 07 Mar 05 - 10:46 PM

Thanks folks - for the kind comments. I am most appreciative, more then I can say.

I am off to New Orleans in the morning, for the rest of this week - to see if I can sell a few at O'Flaherty's! It has been selling well, and is beginning to get some airplay ... I am hopeful!

Yes, Thomas Higgins is set to the Patriot Game - I found the melody somehow appropriate, and I've always loved it.

We had a bit of a reunion last weekend with some of the players on the album; Paul Mills and Tom Leighton played the North Texas Irish Festival with me and we did a number of the songs. We did a few from the last one too, and a couple of new ones. What a treat! We also had my friends Keith and Betty Waddoups on whistle/flute and bodhran.

Thanks Mick, Art, Sinsull, Chance, Robyn, Susan, and Seamus!

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Songsmith
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 01:25 AM

Jed,

Congrats on the new release. I've checked out the sound clips and I can't wait to hear this one!

Rich Warren's Midnight Special out of Chicago has you in his "Hit Picks" of the week list. Check the link bellow.

I've sent you several messages re Stanfest. Time is running out so please get in touch.

Later!
Jim

http://www.shout.net/special/

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Marion
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 08:00 PM

Mine is on order so no comment yet. Don't let that stop you, SINSULL! Actually, mine hasn't arrived yet either, but since I've already heard all but 2 of the songs in other contexts, I'll comment now...

Big Mick and others have already described well why Jed's songs are so compelling. Another thing that I find striking about his songwriting talent is how consistent it is.

There are a few dozen folkie songwriters that I consider my favourites, but with the vast majority of them, my admiration is based on a small portion of their work. I would consider somebody to be very talented if one song in ten is excellent and the rest are forgettable.

But Jed seems to write hit after hit. I think he may be a genius (and no, I don't call everybody I like that).

Marion

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 09:10 PM

I wrote about the CD in another couple of threads, but...
I wanted to play a song for a guy who works at a local business and whose mom has Alzheimer's. He made me play the whole demo recording and said he wanted the CD when it came out.

As to Jed's style - and I agree with Marion that he's very consistent - I have a prediction. I think that it won't be long before Jed is asked by someone if he's ever heard a particular traditional song, and upon hearing the song, discovers it's one he wrote.

Jed, my friend, may your CD get loads of airplay and sell many copies, may your songs surface in remarkable places, and may you be blessed with well-paying, fun gigs.

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Paul Mills
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 09:57 PM

Hi Y'all!

Just got back from Texas where me and Tom Leighton played the North Texas Irish Festival with Jed. He was a headline performer there and very well received indeed! This event marked the official release of "Miles From Home" and he sold a bunch. What a great time we had!

I'm very proud of the work Jed and I did on this CD but it's Jed's songs that are at the heart of it. This guy is becoming one of my very favorite songwriters. He just keeps churning them out and just about every one is a gem.

Glad to see that a bunch of you have already been enjoying this CD and that some more of you have ordered it.

By the way, this morning was spent shooting the cover for my own solo CD. More on that later!

Cheers,

Paul

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 06:13 AM

Here's a teaser on Paul's solo CD. He covers a song done by a well known friend. I think Paul's version might become the standard. He interprets it in a way that, to my mind, is the best version I have heard.

You'll have to guess it when it comes out.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Songsmith
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 07:56 AM

Hey Folks,

I had a sample when I was working with Paul. He can write too!!! We had him fly down Nova Scotia way to do background vocals. "Crying by the side of the Road" and "The Flea Market" song were the talk of the party. Check out the fourm Paul. Sharon and Kev are still talking about your tunes!

Are you using the Pic hanging on your wall for the cover???

Where's my CD Big Mick????

Later
Jim

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 11:59 PM

Jim, it's on the way. You may not know it, but I had a major relocation and I am still buried. But I am good for it, though after hearing your excellent work, I am a bit apprehensive. :^)

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Songsmith
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 02:52 AM

Hey Big Mick!

Sorry, didn't know you were on the move but I still want the cd ..LOL!

I'm looking forward to it. I'll let you know when it is in hand!Hope to meet you in the future during a visit to Curly Boy's.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 08:57 AM

This thread will now return to its regularly scheduled programming. We now resume coverage of Jed's fantastic CD, already in progress.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Songsmith
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 11:12 AM

Agreed!
Jim

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: GUEST,Claire Z
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 02:28 PM

I have to chime in also. Jed, I thought your cd was really really special. I listened to it after getting home from NTIF, and was very taken by it. You clearly put so much thought into all elements of this project and it really shows. Your songs are very dear - thank you for them. Congrats to Paul too, and it was really great to meet you and to see Jed in Texas.

Jed, send me your AZ dates and I will do my best to promote your shows out here. It will be great to see you.

Take care,

Claire

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Marion
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 03:29 PM

As to Jed's style - and I agree with Marion that he's very consistent...

Well, that's not exactly what I meant. Although Jed does have a recognizable style running through many of his songs, he does sometimes depart from it successfully (Wind's Will, New York City Blues, Wish I Was Your Own...). What I meant to point out is how consistent his level of quality is. Jed seems to have been granted some special exemption from Sturgeon's Law.

(Or, it's possible that he also writes some mediocre songs but has the judgement to recognize them and the self-control to keep them to himself. But if that's the case, that's also a rare talent.)

Jed, what Seamus said about the Locket chords reminds me: what ever happened to your old habit of posting chord progressions on your website as well as the lyrics? I miss them. Make it easy for us, dude!

Love, Marion

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 04:08 PM

Marion, that's pretty much what I meant. I should have written it "and I also agree with Marion...." The consistency is in the quality, and his style when it comes to songwriting, is in the expressive elegance. The songs seem effortlessly simple, but they probably didn't come without effort, and they definitely aren't that simple - only honest and to-the-point. Wergonomically efficient.

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: PoppaGator
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 05:25 PM

I'm weighing in late because I just bought my copy this past weekend, at one of Jed's appearances here in New Orleans. Then, a couple more days went by before I had a chance to sit down and give the album my full attention for a good serious listen.

I won't repeat anything anyone's already said, but two of my faves have yet to be mentioned:

The title cut just knocks me out. Probably just a matter of personal taste; I've always been partial to minor-key ballads with blues-inflected vocals. The guitar part is pretty slick, too; for the most part, it's a nice bit of country-blues fingerpicking in the style of Libba Cotten or John Hurt, but with the addition of some ultra-quick bass runs worthy of a bluegrass flatpicker.

Then there's "Chickahominy River," which Jed told me is the cut getting the most attention and airplay. As a piece of songwriting, it's as excellent as anything else here, but what really sets it apart is the production and arrangement. It starts out relatively spare, but builds and builds with every verse; I'm pretty sure that every musician involved in the project gets into the mix before this song is over. Jed has to share credit with "Curly Boy" Paul on this one.

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: JedMarum
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 09:27 AM

Thanks friends. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments and analysis.

I am hopeful that the album will do well, but even if it doesn't I am very happy with it. It's been getting a good bit of airplay initially, but only time will tell if it continues, rises or falls. In the meatime, I'm moving on ... new songs, new music, new places to play.

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Fortunato
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 11:53 PM

Flew in to DFW (boy are my arms tired). Couldn't get with Mr. Jed, as he's on his way to Missouri for St. Patrick's Day.

S and I listened to his new CD as part of our two days together at home during much travel. Lovely and grand it was.

Congrats to all who had the privelege to record with our friend.

Good work, Jed.

Keep 'em coming. I reckon Rick is looking down and listening in.
cheers,
chance

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 07:54 AM

I just got my copy and played it through once. My initial favorites are "Last Day In May", which is so appropriate for our times given that we have added 1500 more to the count, and "Where The Green Grass Grows" - SIGH - can that man play a banjo!

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 09:04 AM

SINS, the first mention of Michael Troy seems to be in 2001 by CRANKY YANKEE, where Jed appears to not have heard of him or met him yet. Later, in a 2004 thread about Toronto's Winterfolk Festival (which no one at Mudcat apparently went to), Jed tells how he met Michael and talks about the songs. I'm trying to figure out if the connection between the 2001 and 2004 got lost somewhere.

This all gets so mixed up together. CRANKY YANKEE is fighting cancer again and I wonder if he ever got to Florida to see his friend (see the first link I posted), and I wonder if Jed remembers the thread.

Anyway, SINS - you should get some Michael Troy music to go with the Jed Marum music. It's ALL that good.

Subject: RE: Review: Miles From Home - Jed Marum
From: JedMarum
Date: 21 Mar 05 - 12:45 PM

Jeri - you're correct, at the time of the first Mudcat mention of Michael Troy I hadn't heard of him. I met Michael at the Folk Alliance conference in Austin. Michael's agent, Marylin Edge has been most helpful to me, working on some dates up that way for my upcoming tour in Aug. She's been very generous with her time and effective with her assistance.

SINSULL - Michael's song, LAST DAY IN MAY is easily the strongest on the album and moves me deeply. I sing it often and it never fails to move the audience' as well. Michael is a fine and gifted writer.

I'm very sorry to have missed you in Dallas, Chance - but I hope to visit this summer. St Pat's Day/weekend in Missouri was a trip! I worked my ass off (well my voice anyway) with a 9 hour show on Thu - followed by two 4 hour shows on the weekend. Nice place, nice folks, good fun. Sold a bunch o' CDs too - so I am doubly pleased!