Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus (from the album Harbortowne

Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus (from the album Harbortowne

Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus (from the album Harbortowne on Berkalin Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Husband/wife duo Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus take their sketches of everyday life and transform them into Folksy, homespun homilies that resonate in ways both mindful and memorable. That’s evidenced with Harbortowne, the current album from the Austin-based pair. With Jim Patton on vocals and acoustic guitar while Brokus shares vocals and provides percussion, their efforts are further fostered courtesy of contributions from an all-star ensemble. Ron Flynt (formerly of the Power Pop band 20/20) shares his skills on backing vocals, bass, keys, harmonica and acoustic guitar, solo starlet Betty Soo adds harmonies, Rich Brotherton plays acoustic guitars and mandolin, Warren Hood is featured on fiddle, and John Bush adds additional percussion. Patton himself had a hand in writing all the songs, with occasional co-writes from Jeff Talmadge, Phil Leonard, Scott Evans, and Steve Brooks.
That said, the majority of the songs are relayed from a decidedly personal perspective. The title track more or less sets the tone, a Springsteen-like autobiographical narrative about a rowdy bunch of youngsters out to uncover some adventure and maybe indulge in a bit of trouble all at the same time. “The Juggler” takes a similar tack, detailing the story of a man who’s trying to find his way in the world and yet is greeted with uncertainty despite his every effort. “Never Going Back” relates the aftermath of an early love affair, while “The Lottery” offers a wistful respite, a fanciful rumination about on what might transpire if a big payday actually took place. Indeed, those erstwhile emotions dominate the album overall, from the sadder sentiments that echo through “Missing You” and “Back Out in the Storm”, to the quiet, contemplative “Slap in the Face”  and “Until the Fire”, each of which look back at life both past and present.

That’s not to say the Patton & Brokus avoid the reference to earlier influences. Hints of the Everly Brothers, Richard and Linda Thompson, The Byrds, as well as Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris often permeate the proceedings. Yet given the nuance of their narratives, they’re able to distinguish themselves as astute storytellers in their own right courtesy of concise novelettes revolving around everyday individuals simply striving to find their way in the world. In that regard, Harbortowne provides a place to dock for anyone who’s encouraged to seek their own answers. (by Lee Zimmerman)
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