Charleston folk artist Avi Jacob started out 2014 with a 7 song album titled So Hard to Reach You. The record is a beautifully dark collection of confessional songs, mostly dealing with Jacob’s relationships and with the passing of his father. He spoke of this with Charleston City Paper in July, specifically the song “Simple Man” which he wrote the night of his father’s funeral as the words poured out over a strummed banjo. On his new track “Pickup Truck” Avi Jacob’s wrestles with the passing of his father once again, in a captivatingly honest song, one that I imagine would be incredibly difficult to write, let alone play night after night.
In the overpopulated acoustic music realm of today it can be hard to rise above the noise. This song soars, looking down on the noise below. Some of Jacob’s earlier songs have come close, but “Pickup Truck” reaches in and touches deep down – a letter written to his father as he struggles outwardly with his relationship and his own decisions. In addition to the genuinely well crafted lyrics, Jacob’s also produces his best recording here, surrounded by Charleston musicians who help perfect the song. Lindsay Holler’s soulful voice wraps around Jacob’s like a warm blanket as Joel Hamilton’s accordion breathes a haunting breath throughout the track. Jacob’s is also joined by Elliott Smith on piano and Luke Fedorka on percussion, all combining to brilliantly capture this song.
