A word and a song with Max Jury at Rough Trade West
Solo act Max Jury, flying in all the way from Iowa in the United States, graced us with the sincere pleasure of his hybrid of country and soul music last night at Rough Trade West. The show invoked emotions and conveyed feelings that put the audience in a dead-focused silence.
Citing influences ranging from various country acts, such as Ryan Adams, to old soul cats like Ray Charles and Al Green, Jury did not fail to impress, living up to his idols that were perhaps looking over him from above. Jury has a simple yet soulful voice; he sang love songs played on a keyboard sounding like a blend of blues, jazz, soul and country. It even had audience members with their heads down, trying to hide tears and thoughts of their loved ones.
The beauty of the gig was the small record store set, which made the atmosphere feel personal. People could come in and be engulfed by the voluptuous soul and emotion of Jury’s voice and keyboard. While he was the only one performing, it made us question what the potential of his songs may be if a full band were behind him. When talking to Jury, he stated that after touring he plans to get in the studio and release an album in the future. While not saying definitively when that will be, it gives us hope that he will give us something of true delight.
Jury is not a rock star by any imagination, nor does he have the demeanour of one who will arrogantly brush you off. He is a young, softly spoken and humble artist that has a true and bright future ahead of him. Anyone should have the pleasure of attending his gigs and, later, buying his records, but if you plan on it, be sure to take a packet of tissues.
The Upcoming caught up with Max Jury after the show:
You have such a soulful and simple voice, it felt very emotional and obviously resonated with the audience. Who are your influences in writing?
MJ: Well thank you, I really appreciate that. I have a wide range of influences. Seeing as I’m originally from Iowa, I love country music and artists like Gram Parsons, and songwriters like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.
Those guys owned prowess in their songwriting abilities. Do you have plans for the future to write a full-length album?
MJ: Yeah for sure! I already have planned out after this mini tour to hit the studio and record the rest of my songs. I have ideas and layouts of the different types of sounds and instruments I want to accompany my music. I also want it sound more modern than how it sounded tonight at the show.
Prior to going solo, did you do anything else as an artist before going out and promoting and playing your music?
MJ: I worked as a session musician briefly for a year until I decided that I wanted to go my own way and perform my own music for people. I’ve been doing that for the past year or so and so far it has been great!
Joe Hoffman
For further information and future events visit Max Jury’s website here.
Watch the video for Christian Eyes here:
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