Jim Blair - Mystic River

​Jim Blair

Mystic River
self-released; 2024

​3.8 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Jim Blair has been a fixture in the Connecticut music scene since the early '80s, cutting his teeth with various bands. His songwriting draws from a blue-collar world, capturing the grit, the grind, and those in-between moments of everyday life. Blair’s songs don’t aim to glamorize; they’re more like vignettes of lived experience, grounded in the realities of working-class America.

"Mystic River," the first track I spun, opens with the crackle of vinyl-like warmth, anchored by a solid rhythm section that feels more barroom than studio-polished. A warm, understated organ slides into the mix, creating a rich backdrop. There’s an unmistakable classic rock undertone here, and Blair’s vocals occasionally veer into a Jagger-esque swagger, though the delivery feels distinctly American in its drawl and tone.

"Woman" leans into sentimentality without overindulging. It's a straightforward love song, but its simplicity is its strength. The hook sinks in effortlessly, crafting a melody that sticks around long after the track ends. "Stolen Kisses" follows suit, but with a more melancholic edge. The slide guitar here feels particularly poignant, echoing the reflective mood that lingers throughout the song.

​Blair doesn’t reinvent the wheel with his songwriting, but that’s not the point. He embraces a traditional approach, executing it with a craftsmanship that feels genuine. There’s something in the way he pulls from familiar influences that makes his work feel like a conversation between past and present.

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