Music Blog Reviews
“Clark Fork River” is a moving acoustic track that captures the quiet beauty of Montana’s natural landscapes. Inspired by his time spent near the Clark Fork River in Missoula, the song reflects on the simple act of fishing and the wisdom it brings. Watching people fly fish along the river, Duff was struck by a deep realization: it’s not about what you catch, but about the way you cast your line. This becomes a metaphor for life—focusing on the journey and not just the end result.
The acoustic guitar in “Clark Fork River” adds warmth and simplicity, fitting well with the song’s reflective mood. Duff’s voice is gentle and sincere, making it easy for listeners to feel like they’re right there by the river. His lyrics paint a calm picture of nature, inviting us to pause and appreciate small moments. This song goes beyond storytelling; it feels like an invitation to look at life through a different lens, to value patience and presence. “Clark Fork River” reminds us of the beauty in slowing down and finding peace in each moment, a message that lingers long after the song ends.
- Ron Murx
Jim envelops pure reggae soul and infuses it with a bit of jazz soul in this track The song and its story are as real as they can get. He stays true to the genre. The sound quality really encapsulates the experience of a live acoustic show, so in every sense, this song is real.
- @music.nerd
The album release from Jim Duff explores a lot as the record comes through with honesty and a warmth that feels good to listen to but also has a way of pulling you in, wrapping itself around you, and keeping you right where it wants to.
Jim Duff crafts an imagery-filled and country inspired EP, "He Went West"
Out on February 4th, 2021, Jim Duff is back and better than ever with a beautiful new EP, titled He Went West. Read along with us as we share our complete thoughts on the record, as well as a refresher on the artist.
-Austin Sher We Write About Music
More Reviews
"You really seem to have a grasp on older forms of indigenous American music."
-Taxi Music
"Really enjoyed wallowing in your authentic sounding music!"
Taxi Music
“Jim Duff' and The Necessities' newest CD, Rise Up. is a rich blend of roots, blues, funk and country rock. Drawing from this panoply of sounds, they have given us a fresh and meaty collection of songs from the title cut, Rise Up, to songs coming out of Duff's day to day experience like Waiting on the Check, their is a real smoothness that might be expected from a far more seasoned musician. Well worth it, Rise up is chocked full of rooted tunes. Familiar, but fresh. ”
- Robert Hicks, New York Times bestselling author of Widow of the South
“The tight, ten songs on his new album surely reflect more Clapton and Black Crows, though. Duff and the Necessities don’t dither endlessly in long jams. “It’s tough to get a complete thought across in three minutes,” Duff said, but all of the cuts on the album deliver the goods quickly.”
- Michael Broihier, The Interior Journal
“Jim Duff and the Necessities are a band whose music includes hints of blues, rock and jazz, along with traditional country. The majority of the band’s members live in Nashville, Tenn. Duff and his son Waylon are the only two Danville residents in the band.”
- Sylvia Obell, Advocate Messenger
“Jim Duff and the Necessities are a four-piece band that hails from Kentucky. Their music is melting pot of blues, soul, classic rock and traditional country.”
- Kristy Zurbrick, Columbus Messenger