Jake Xerxes Fussell :: Good and Green Again

Fusell’s latest, Good and Green Again, doesn’t signal a major shift in the singer-guitarist’s approach, but it might be his best effort yet. His elegant and earth fingerpicking has always been a highlight, but here it’s Jake’s vocals that really capture (and keep) your attention. He’s singing a bit sweeter, a bit softer, this time around, taking us deeper into these ancient, elemental tunes, as well as a handful of originals.

Jake Xerxes Fussell :: The Aquarium Drunkard Interview

For his fourth and latest album, Good and Green Again, Fussell worked with James Elkington to bring rich, subtle shadings to these reconstructed songs, achieving a melancholy clarity and modern-day resonance in music first conceived centuries ago. We spoke earlier this year about how he finds personal meaning in old songs, why he respects but doesn’t emulate the note-for-note recreators, and how the way you hear traditional music can change as you change over time.

Jake Xerxes Fussell :: Out of Sight

His first album recorded with a full band (featuring fellow like-minded traveler Nathan Bowles on drums), Out of Sight sees Fussell fixing his gaze on songs from a wide variety of sources and locales, though the treatment they receive is the same—compassionate, revelatory, and seemingly effortless. It’s no small wonder the likes of Bill Callahan and Will Oldham count themselves among Fussell evangelists.