Devin Jake’s inspired debut album, Jesus & Mama, received a “Best Country Album” nomination at the 2013 Independent Music Awards, with the song “Anywhere Bound” landing the “Americana Song of the Year” award. Immaculately produced by Stephen Doster at EAR Studio in Austin, the album features support performances from The Carper Family, Brennen Leigh, Silas Lowe, Rebecca Patek and Sean Tracy. Jesus & Mama’s mix of Jake originals and personally curated covers fit comfortably in any mix of classic Americana, country and bluegrass. Devin’s own songs more than hold their own against such well-loved genre classics as Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried,” Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” and the classic Appalachian murder ballad “Knoxville Girl” popularized by The Louvin Brothers, among others.
As a complete album, Jesus & Mama possesses the timeless, vintage quality of the best recordings that cause them to feel like they have always been around. Although the record is only three years old at this writing, it feels like it has been around since The Carter Family was in their early prime. Acoustically grounded, impeccably performed and recorded with crystal clarity, Jesus & Mama is an instant classic. Anchored by Devin Jake’s singularly authentic voice, stellar songwriting chops and impeccable taste in the classics, these are songs that are equally at home on the front porch with friends and acoustic home made instruments, or on the boards of The Ryman stage. This album is a winner from beginning to end and if you are a fan of country, bluegrass or Americana music, then you need Jesus & Mama in your collection and Devin Jake on your radar.