JUSTIN CURTIS
w/The Swifty’s
Fri, Sept 19
Seedy’s

Justin Curtis calls from L.A., just before he embarks on a three-week tour with stops in the U.S and Canada. He speaks of family, friends, and relationships. As he does so, it becomes apparent that the songs on his latest album, Living Room Confessions, aren’t a part of some trad-country formula; there’s no shtick, he really is a traditional western songwriter in both style and sentiment. Justin Curtis is a genuine throwback. With a lyrical feel reminiscent of early Merle Haggard (that’s no small praise) and relatively simple instrumentation, he comes across like a true country & western song man. Curtis says he made a conscious decision to keep the sound sparse on this latest recording, and perhaps in this age of commercial pop-country, that’s the best way to call attention back to the tradition of country music in its truest form.

Curtis is Canadian by birth; he spent time in Winnipeg and Calgary before relocating south of the border. The importance of family is a topic that figures strongly with him, as his kin are spread out across Canada and the U.S. Although it takes real effort to remain close, he says, "It is an effort I definitely put in." It’s a sentiment that shines through in the music too; there are songs written for his deceased grandfather, and songs he played for his sister at her wedding. Living Room Confessions is chock full of little personal gems, and, as has been proven time and time again, it is often the personal stories that have the most universal appeal.

In laying out the particulars of his upcoming tour, Curtis is also reminded of friends that he will have the opportunity to see again. He mentions that a potential highlight of his time in Alberta will be the chance to play again with his old band mate Russ Broom (who currently plays in Jan Arden’s band.) Curtis draws inspiration from other artists as well. He mentions a new friendship with Buck Page, an L.A. musician who began his career in 1937 and has just recently recorded another album. "He’s 82-years-old and still recording and playing. That’s a big inspiration for me." Curtis seems to know already that he will follow a similar path–he wants to keep writing and playing for as long as he can. When I mention the dedication that it must take, he just chuckles: "I don’t know about dedication... I think it’s just a habit; I can’t quit." Justin Curtis’ habit will bring him to Edmonton on September 19. He will be playing at Seedy’s along with the Swiftys.

For information on Justin Curtis’ music visit: www.cdbaby.com/justincurtis