SONS OF FOLK GENIUS

Bob Dylan’s biological son Jakob released his second solo album, “Women and Country,” during the same month that Kristian Matsson, Dylan’s spiritual son, released “The Wild Hunt.”

It must be hard to escape the weight of a father like Dylan. Jakob Dylan has been coping through music for twenty years, but never encountered the unbelievable stardom that his father did. After several previous attempts, he persists with “Women and Country.” It’s not bad, but the genetic links make me expect a lot and I was disappointed. Then again, I’m not being fair, I’m perpetuating the cycle. It isn’t possible that there would be anything as shattering as Bob Dylan twice in the same century. Especially not from someone related. That’s the argument against blood monarchies.

The pleasant surprise for this article is Dylan’s Swedish spiritual son, Kristian Matsson. His music recalls that of Dylan’s without grossly copying it. Those who write him off as a phony imitation are wrong: when I took the time to listen to his album in full, I realized how talented and original he is. He’s just an acoustic guitar, sweeping lyrics and a solid attitude, but he’s authentic and convincing and I like him.

It’s impossible to not compare him to Dylan, but everyone has a greatest influence—at least his is the best!

EE – AM