Jay Sims “HALF SOULS AND HEALS” ©2008 Willing Records Review by Lucky Boyd Jay Sims offers an artistic collection of country and blues influenced tunes, all with a red dirt feel. Sims’ writing is insightful and includes a familiarity that soothes the listener. The flow of the album is comfortable and embracing as Sims delivers smoothly on each track. The disc is full of names you would know as Sims assembles an all-star list of pickers for a well-produced project that will introduce you to a couple of your new favorite tunes. Even if you know nothing of ‘mudbuggin’ you’ll be a fan of the tune of the same name after one listen as Sims give a new twist to the 60’s thought line of “getting’ a line and getting’ a pole.” Well-placed instrumentation makes this offering a pleasure to hear and each song stands on its own as an excellent work. Sims’ diversity remains within genre giving you a treasured listen from the first track to the artsy end. Don’t forget to let track 12 run so you can hear the hidden song. Stats: 12 tracks, hidden track on backside of track 12, 8 tracks penned by Jay Sims, 1 co-write with S. Jefferson, other songwriters include R. Fulks, D. Rodriguez, N. Hamilton. Credits include Gurf Morlix, Michael Husted, Paul Pearcy, T-Roy Miller, Chris Whitten, Alex Rueb, Noel McKay, Hollin McKay, Sally Allen, Pat McCann. Replicated; full color disc, 4-panel full color insert, jewel case. Running time 50:24 Also available: Jay Sims offers the earlier release, “SO HELP ME.” (11 tracks)