It’s a bit uncomfortable starting a review/commentary on a young artist whose marketing material makes an instant comparison to Bob Dylan and Elliot Smith. Now it may be that he sounds similar, so maybe he is flattering Dylan by imitating.

Or, Jacob Waters, from Haverford, Pennsylvania, may indeed be the new Bob Dylan. I mean to say that music critics and industry types have been looking for such a creature for decades. (Hint – he doesn’t exist). Why not let Jacob Waters just be Jacob Waters?

OK, now that’s out of the way. Waters is folk/acoustic of the indie persuasion. He lists such influences as, surprise, surprise, Dylan, John Lenon, Elliot Smith and some more bands/individuals that I will leave to your imagination. The name Neutral Milk Hotel is intriguing.

Waters sings, plays guitars, harmonica, bass, keyboards, mandolin and additional percussion. He’s a one-man band on a do-it-yourself label. His Web material indicates he has been playing in and around eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey for a few years, and has caught the attention of local listeners. His second collection of tunes is called Blue-Eyed Son.

Songs such as “The Best” and “Prayer” sound nice on first listen. I’m going to need some time, alone, to really hear what this young guy has to say.

Jacob Waters on MySpace

Tags: independent music, indie music, indie, music, jacob waters