Nicholas Jamerson Reflects On His Journey Thus Far In Latest Record, ‘The Narrow Way’

If you haven’t listened to Nicholas Jamerson’s latest record, then you’re already behind the 8 ball.

There are really three states, in my opinion, that produce the best country music artists. In no particular order, those states are Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, and despite all of the spectacular artists making music from the latter right now, many consider Nicholas Jamerson – the pride of Prestonburg – to be the scene’s king. And for good reason.

From his run alongside Kristofer Lee Bentley in the trailblazing group Sundy Best, to his incredible solo work that seems to get even better with age, Jamerson’s influence runs deep in every young artist coming out of the Bluegrass State these days, and plenty of others from elsewhere that take a similar approach to the craft of songwriting.

Titled The Narrow Way, Jamerson’s sixth studio record hit streaming platforms a week ago, and the response thus far has been astounding. Steeped in the Appalachian songwriting tradition for which he has been one of the foremost torchbearers, Jamerson approaches the craft with reverence, and it shows. With a stripped-back sound that puts his lyricism on full display, he weaved seamlessly through songs that contemplate love, faith, self-discovery, and Appalachian life in a reflective manner that is indicative of his journey thus far as a musician, and more importantly, a human trying to better himself in a world that doesn’t always make it easy.

And while he wrote, or at least co-wrote, each and every track on this record, Jamerson employed the talents of several other amazing artists to bring these songs to life. With songs that feature his own sister Emily Jamerson, Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, Shelby means of Molly Tuttle’s former band, and several others, there is no shortage of underrated star power on The Narrow Way.

But no matter who Nicholas Jamerson involves in the record, it is distinctly his own, and some of his best work at that. With that said, give The Narrow Way a listen for yourself, and you’ll see for yourself why he has emerged as one of the kings of Kentucky music.

Here’s a few early favorites:

“Days Like These”

“Girl From Bristol”

“Prater Creek” ft. Ketch Secor

When it comes to songwriters, they just don’t get much better than Nicholas Jamerson.

There are a handful of opportunities left to see Nicholas Jamerson and hear these songs live this year, and if he’s coming to a city near you, I highly suggest you buy a ticket. That is if they haven’t already sold out, of course. I’m catching the show in Charlotte tonight with the great Justin Clyde Williams, and it’s going to be killer.

Nicholas Jamerson Tour Dates:

9/26 – The Evening Muse – Charlotte, NC^

9/27 – Flow Fest – Bluffton, SC*

10/8 – 04 Center – Austin, TX^

10/9 – 7 Oaks Event Garden – Beaumont, TX^

10/10 – Dan Electro’s – Houston, TX^

10/11 – The Post – Fort Worth, TX^

10/24 – Madison Morgan Cultural Center – Madison, GA

10/15 – Cadence Fair @ Reformation Brewery – Woodstock, GA*

11/21 – Duke’s Indy – Indianapolis, IN+

11/22 – Astra Theater – Jasper, IN+

12/12 – HollerDay Git Down @ The Burl – Lexington, KY

12/13 – HollerDay Git Down @ The Burl – Lexington, KY

*festival date

^w/ Justin Clyde Williams

+w/ Jonathan & Abigail Peyton

And if you made it this far, lets go ahead and queue up “Hindman,” because I can’t help myself whenever we get on the subject of Nicholas Jamerson. The new stuff is amazing, but this one is up there with some of the greatest country songs ever written if you ask me.

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