James Otto: Sunset Man
It seems like a CD from a new artist comes out of Nashville every other day. Listening to them, you have to wonder whether this one or that one will make the grade, or will they fade out just as quickly as they appear. But every once in a while you hear a new artist and right away you know it—he’s got it. Jams Otto has that talent and his new cd, “Sunset Man” proves it.
The first single, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,”
sets the tone – sexy, deep voice – Otto brings out emotions in his
songwriting and his singing:
“You don’t have to go now honey
Call and tell ‘em you won’t be in today
Baby there ain’t nothin’ at the office
So important it can’t wait
I’m thankful for the weekend
But two days in heaven just ain’t gonna do
This is gonna take forever darlin’
Girl I just got started loving’ you.”
Otto is not new to music. In fact, he comes from music – his grandfather played in a country band and his father played with rock and blues groups. Otto started off leaning towards pop/rock, but moved to Alabama and, thankfully, fell for country music.
After a move to Nashville, Otto’s musical career followed the path of other country artists – he started with a songwriting contract. Otto co-wrote 9 of the 11 songs included on the CD. He has been part of the MuzikMafia for some time and his songwriting buddies include John Rich and Kenny Alpin (Big and Rich) and Jay DeMarco (Rascal Flatts). Rich and DeMarco also helped to co-produce the album.
While he has excellent songwriting skills, Otto also has a great voice, moving from sweet and sexy to gritty and strong. The song selection on the CD is excellent, giving him the chance to show off his range. He can be moving singing traditional country and edgy on others. The title track is a more traditional song about lost love. There’s also a cheating song, “When a Woman’s Not Watching,” but it’s more direct then most country tunes about the subject:
“Cause when a woman’s not watching
A man knows he can get away with murder
Thinkin’ what she don’t know won’t hurt her
But he wouldn’t deserve her
If temptation comes and he just can’t resist
If every time she turns her back he steals a kiss
You’ll see the man he is
When a woman’s not watching.”
There’s also a drinking song, “Drink & Dial” which explains why phones and drinking don’t agree.
The two songs that Otto didn’t write, “For You” and “Man That I Am,” are still a perfect fit for the album and Otto’s voice – there’s really not a bad track on the album.
It’s easy to see why Otto has toured with some amazing country stars – like Shania Twain, Big and Rich, Lynard Skynard and Hank Williams, Jr. You can hear the soul sound of, say, Billy Carrington; the pure country of maybe Conway Twitty and the attitude of a Jason Aldean. But what it comes down to, is you are really hearing a very unique talent that is all, James Otto.