Josh Harty 'Nowhere' Magnolia

The first thing that hits you is Harty's world weary voice on Whiskey & Morphine as song that talks of self-destruction and sets the tone for what is to come. This 7 track mini-album follows in the same vein with Harty voice and songs featuring simple and subtle backings under his voice and guitar delivery. Harty draws you into his songs and you are a part of his world. Yesterday's mandolin and accordion add to the sense of melancholy that pervades these songs. There is sparse honesty that Harty brings to these songs which includes a compelling live version of Richard Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightning that shows his voice and guitar skills are equally convincing on his choice of covers as they are on his own material. Though it is a short album it has the effect of making you want to hear more of Harty.