Jack Rush’s debut album, ‘Late Bloomer‘ is a heartfelt and eclectic musical journey that introduces a fresh voice in the music scene. At 68 years old, Rush is the epitome of his album’s title, finally bringing his decades-long passion for music to fruition with a mature and polished sound.
Rush doesn’t shy away from embracing a multitude of styles. With influences ranging from Neil Young and David Bowie to Blur and Mac DeMarco, the album weaves melodic rock, singer-songwriter tenderness, and rhythmic pop into a tapestry that is uniquely Jack Rush. His approach is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, reflecting a fearless commitment to breaking conventional boundaries. As Rush puts it, “I prefer not to be confined to any nonexistent rules that say an artist has to be ‘consistent.’ Rules be damned.”
The title track, “Late Bloomer”, is a poignant centerpiece of the album. It melds introspection and romance with lines like: “It took awhile for me to heal inside, I was broke in pieces far and wide. But in the meantime, life’s been waiting for me, to learn what true love’s about.”
The reflective lyrics are delivered with Rush’s earnest vocals, supported by acoustic and electric guitars that echo the sincerity of artists like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.
Other highlights include “Big Feels” featuring Shondel Bervini, which brings a soulful, rhythmic flair, and “Tic Toc World”, a socially conscious track that juxtaposes Rush’s melodic guitar with sharp commentary.
The album shines with the help of a talented production team, including Rush’s son, Tatum Rush, as well as Marcelo Bertozzo, Robin Girod, and Neihardt (Davide Joerg). Their production work enhances Rush’s compositions without overshadowing his authentic voice and vision.