You could say that Colin Cutler is as all-American as they come, shaped by an upbringing on military bases and in Pentecostal and Baptist churches around the U.S. But stints with the Virginia Army National Guard in Qatar and Romania—as well as some time teaching in the latter and studying in the UK—also afforded him a lens through which to uniquely observe our specific way of life and report on his findings, thorns and all. Couple that with his reverence for the songwriting traditions of North Carolina’s Piedmont and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, plus the boundless skies of the Midwest (which he also photographs), and you get an achingly honest repertoire that demands your full attention.
Take, for instance, the track, “American Man”—a thoughtful statement on gun violence:
The tune hearkens back to storytelling traditions and social commentary that used to rule songwriting and dominate radio during times of great change. Perhaps Colin’s work is exactly what we need more of right now, delivered with a rawness and transparency that is exhilarating in the mayhem and artificiality of our modern times.
We sat down with Colin in anticipation of his upcoming appearance on the Bossa stage.
How did you get your start?
“I cut my baby teeth as a songwriter in the Loudoun County open mic scene, which is also the first place I saw someone play clawhammer banjo. I traded in my Marshall guitar amp for my first banjo, that I learned how to play (and grew into a full-on musician) while I was doing a master’s in English in North Carolina.”
What kind of music do you play?
“I play a mix of traditional American folk tunes from the oldtime and blues traditions, and originals that are musically rooted in those styles, with touches of traditional country and gospel.”
Who is in the band?
“This time round, just me on guitar, banjo, and harmonica. I also have an electric band, Hot Pepper Jam, and occasionally tour with an acoustic trio.”
What are you most looking forward to about your performance at Bossa?
“I met Rob [Coltun, Bossa’s co-owner] at the Charlie Poole Festival this summer, and he was kind enough to invite me up. I’m looking forward to playing in DC for the first time in years—the last time was at Gypsy Sally’s (RIP), years ago. And I’ve heard that at Bossa anything is possible—I once had a jam in a Romanian bar with a Ukrainian violist and didgeridoo player, so I’m look forward to seeing what turns up!”
What can audiences expect from the performance?
“It will be a combination of acoustic folk songs, electric original songs, and storytelling about adventures with pigs, pandemics, peppers, Amish buggies, tornadoes, good mamas, bad men, and lots of trains, from Colorado to Texas to Romania to Virginia to North Carolina. It’ll be a ride. Oh, and there will be home-grown, home-canned hot pepper jam!”
Don’t miss Colin Cutler on Friday, August 8, at 7:30 pm, and don’t forget your jam money!