Americana One Americana One

You may know Thomm Jutz from his work with David Olney, Mary Gauthier or Nanci Griffith. Or maybe his collaborations with Eric Brace and Peter Cooper.















You may also have come across his 1861 Project, which chronicled the Civil War in three striking volumes. Or you may know his other work as a producer, with more than 70 albums to his credit.







His new album “Live in Two Worlds Vol. 1” showcases his musicianship and songwriting, telling compelling stories along the way. We spoke with him recently about his new project and what to expect from Vol. 2.

We remain big fans of Adam and Shannon Wright, who collectively perform as the Wrights. Adam now spends most of his time writing songs in Nashville and you’ll find his work on releases by Lee Ann Womack, Alan Jackson and Aubrie Sellers. He’s also proven to be one of the hotter songwriters in bluegrass.







His collaboration with Brandy Clark – “A Bigger Boat” – is one of our favorite songs of the year.







On this – the 50th edition of the Americana One podcast – Adam Wright talks about his success and approach to songwriting.

By Ken Paulson







I try never to walk into a record store without buying something, but I was stumped one day in the mid-’90s. I felt like I had already bought everything I wanted in the pop, rock, country and R&B bins.







Dar Williams on the Cayamo Cruise 2020







So I walked over to the often-neglected folk section and came across an album called Mortal City by a young artist named Dar Williams. It was one of those “I think I’ve heard good things about her” moments and I took it to the register.







Good decision. Mortal City was an incredible album, book-ended by the exuberant opener “As Cool As I Am” and the captivating title cut about a new relationship forming during the worst of storms. Stunning.







That album came early in Dar’s career, but its ambition, honesty and compelling melodies can be found throughout her body of work.







We were pleased to visit with her earlier this year. Here’s our wide-ranging conversation with Dar Williams:

Just out is the Reverend Shawn Amos’ new album “Blue Sky” with his band the Brotherhood. We had the pleasure of talking with Shawn about this new release a while back at the 30A Music Festival. He was excited – and we now know why.







Shawn is a dynamic artist and so is the album. Learn how Blue Sky came together and what he has in common with the Who on this edition of the Americana One Podcast.

The Mastersons were remarkably prescient in recording and releasing their new album No Time For Love Songs. 

We spoke with Chris Masterson and Eleanor Whitmore on board the Cayamo music cruise, just about three weeks before a cruise ship was the last place in the world where you would want  to spend time.















The timely album is about our polarized world and the willingness of so many to turn their backs on values in the interest of partisanship. And now the COVID-19 pandemic puts an explanation point on their message.







Here’s our conversation with Chris and Eleanor:

We’ve had the chance to see Paul Thorn perform twice in the past few months, first at John Prine’s All the Best Festival in the Dominican Republic and then at the 30A Songwriters Festival in January. The latter seemed a particularly apt location to talk with Paul about his approach (and tips on) songwriting. Insights abound on this edition of the Americana One podcast.







Paul Thorn