I’ve given Howard Jackson Curry’s second EP “Neon Circus” a number of listens, including while driving through his native Florida. I had the chance to sit down with Howard Jackson Curry at a studio in Jacksonville and he described his inner pull to write songs:
“Well, I think anyone who writes songs wants someone to be affected by it in some way – make them at least think something, or feel something. That’s a steep hill to climb. And it’s very risky to write something and play something for someone. But at the end of the day, if you’re compelled to do it, it doesn’t matter if you’re eight or eighty. If you’re compelled to do it: time is tight. Do it! So I would say, quite simply, I’m just trying to write something that someone would want to listen to. More than once.”
2021 interview with Howard Jackson Curry on The Paul Leslie Hour.
“Neon Circus” is a five-song EP
Curry’s specialty is lyrics, something that seemed evident on the first track, “Don’t Wreck Yourself.” That’s not to say that the music doesn’t captivate you. It certainly does. Listeners will take immediate notice of the incredible guitar playing of Billy Bowers. I wanted to find out who it is.
The second song, “Seems to Me,” has just a touch of Southern rock flair, and some subtle pedal steel. Howard’s delivery almost feels like a conversation. You could imagine overhearing these sentiments at the booth behind you in some diner. Well, that’s how it seems to me. And we’ve all done some dirt.
“Yachts and Jet Planes” is a somber tale, where Howard seems to be expressing loneliness without ever explicitly saying so. The rhythm of the world continues even when things slow down inside of you
That’s not to say the EP isn’t without light-heartedness. “Xanax Princess” is humorous and makes me wonder if the titular princess is real.
The EP ends with my favorite track, “Hate to be Alone.” It’s so simple, but that’s what I like about it. I could imagine this one as something Steve Goodman would write. The banjo from William Goin provides the perfect punctuation to this five-song report.
Howard Curry writes and records songs you want to hear again
Something tells me we’ll be getting more reports from this original American singer-songwriter. I’ll say Howard Jackson Curry’s mission has been accomplished. This “Neon Circus” EP is like his “Hero Today, Villain Tomorrow” EP. I want to hear the stories again.
