Playing rueful Americana for adults, Colorado musician Jay Stott has been influenced by the diverse stands of his musical upbringing. The blue collar rock sensibility of Springsteen and the mournful tones of Hank Williams era classic country combine with dashes of progressive rock, punk rock, folk, modern country and traditional blues to help make his own rootsy Americana stew. The artist releases his latest album, Dirt & Heartache, March 12.

“My family wandered a bunch when I was young,” Stott said. “I graduated from high school in the Midwest, and landed in Colorado in the early 90s, which is where I’ve lived on and off since then. Begging my parents for a guitar at 14, I brought music with me on a lot of adventures in the West. Eventually the stories, some true and some ‘true,’ started appearing in songs exploring the darker side of life, but hopefully without loosing my sense of humor.”

The new album’s songwriting covers the fundamentals of roots music- death, tragedy, failed romance and poor decision making. The music is influenced by Son Volt, Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, Robert Earle Keene and Steve Earle.

Jay Stott’s CD release show takes place at Oskar Blues, March 12 at 8 p.m. Celebrate the release of Dirt & Heartache with an acoustic set and a full band set. There will be CDs, stickers, great food, brew and a really good time.

TRACKS:
1. Remember When
2. The Ballad of Kentucky Slim
3. Gotta Fool the Devil
4. This Road Leads to You
5. The River Don’t
6. Dirt & Heartache
7. John Henry’s Son
8. Snowbound

LOCAL TOUR DATES:
• March 12: CD Release Show at Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, Lyons
• April 29: Jamestown Mercantile

Learn more and pre-order the CD now at jgstott.com. Pre-ordered CDs will ship the week prior to March 12. It will be available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby on March 12.

Originally published in the March 2016 issue of the MMAC Monthly