JOSH OTTUM: Objects in Mirror

Recorded by Peter Sprague, who also sits in on guitar, the second album released by former local Josh Ottum is a companion to Ottum’s One Note Chord (reviewed in last month’s Troubadour https://sandiegotroubadour.com/josh-ottum-peter-sprague-one-note-chord/). But whereas One Note Chord was credited to both Ottum and Sprague, this one is issued only under Ottum’s name.

It’s an interesting distinction in that the sound on the two albums is quite similar.

However, on One Note Chord every instrument was played by Ottum or Sprague, with Ottum focusing on piano and keyboards. Here, Ottum is surrounded by a full band, with Dory Bavarsky handling the keys and Ottum joining Sprague on guitar. Rounding out the sextet are Tristan Cappel on flute, bassist Jason Powell, and Frank Lenz on drums and percussion.

Ottum wrote all the material again and provides the lead vocals.

As with One Note Chord, the sound is somewhere between folk and jazz—incorporating elements of both in a mellow, listenable vein.

In addition to the fuller sound provided by a larger combo, there are also 16 songs as compared to nine, and the album clocks in at 52 minutes instead of 29. Among the 16 tracks are sprinkled five instrumentals, titled “Meditations.” These are short, introspective pieces, with less of a jazz feel and more of a folk-new age vibe.

Ottum’s ability to write catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics remains undimmed over the spread of the two albums. Highlights include “Off the Mountain,” the catchy “Freeway Bug,” and the title track.

Throughout, Sprague’s guitar provides tasteful fills, spirited musical punctuation, and solid rhythm. The rest of the band is likewise rock-solid, with Lenz and Powell crafting a supple foundation for the rest of the band.