For this preview of tonight’s show, we turn to regular contributor Brian Johannessen. It is hard for a musician to develop his or her own sound as the offspring of a revered musician. Take Sean Lennon for example. Dude has to live in the shadow of his parents. [Ed. note: Sean Lennon's last album, Friendly Fire, is criminally underrated] Or, possibly a better example, Jakob Dylan. It is near impossible to listen to Jakob without thinking of Bob. However, Justin Townes Earle manages to separate himself from his father, Steve, and create a sound of his own. This is not to say that he does not take inspiration from his own man. He sticks to the minimalist folk that makes his father so great, but has developed a distinct voice of his own. Justin has turned himself into a great lyricist, focusing mostly on moving narratives over simple, yet interesting, acoustic guitar parts. His songs that feature his band feature remnants of old-fashioned country music that can charm the pants off of anyone for a sweet spot for Loretta Lynn. His voice is the icing on this country/folk cake, providing a strong but soothing presence that clearly presents his narratives. Justin will be most likely repping his most recent album, Midnight at the Movies, which came out March of last year on Bloodshot Records, and some new tunes. Rising American voice Joe Pug opens the show. All in all, it will be a good old beer sippin’ time at the Mill tonight, what more could you ask for?

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Download: Justin Townes Earle – Mama’s Eyes

What: Justin Townes Earle, Joe Pug
Where: The Mill
When: Tonight, 8pm. Doors open at 6:30.
Cover: $12