Article Contributed by IVPR
Published on 2026-04-03
“I wanted to start recording every song with the smallest musical unit appropriate to the song,” says singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist, and composer Thomm Jutz of the process behind recording his new album, Ring-A-Bellin’. “And only add what felt necessary and relevant.” That’s what Jutz’s carefully crafted songs deserve, and through a series of thoughtful recording sessions, that’s exactly what they received. “Some songs started and ended with just me singing and playing, others with me and bass player extraordinaire, Mark Fain, or as a trio with Tim O’Brien and Michael Rinne.” All of Ring-A-Bellin’s main ingredients were played live, in the room, especially Jutz’s at once soothing and haunting vocals. “It was extremely liberating to record like this, in the moment, with almost no premeditation, no direction to the players, not even much, or any, direction to myself. It felt immensely freeing to my guitar playing and reconnected me with an energy I wasn’t sure I still had.”
With Ring-A-Bellin’, the German-born, Nashville-based Jutz shows off his alchemy-like songwriting talents for which he has been tapped by the likes of John Prine, Nanci Griffith, Todd Snider, and Billy Strings, to name a few. These tunes are modern creations, steeped in history, but crafted by a man with his finger on a much deeper pulse, influenced by the analytical psychology of Carl Jung as much as he was by the Stanley Brothers or John Hartford. The result of Jutz’s involved and thoughtful process is an album that feels old but not nostalgic, and whatever the opposite of gimmicky might be. Ring-A-Bellin’ is a shining example of what it looks like to respectfully carry the torch of traditional music into the modern era.
Fans can stream or purchase Ring-A-Bellin’ in its entirety today at this link. For those wanting to dive even deeper into the process behind this new release, a beautiful, hardback Ring-A-Bellin’ companion book includes the stories and inspiration behind each song in what amounts to one of the greatest album inserts you’ll find. For more information, please visit thommjutz.com.
Jutz will be performing a special Ring-A-Bellin’ album release show at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe on April 19th. Tickets go on sale April 13th and can be purchased right here.
Thomm Jutz In The News:
Jutz will perform new songs from Ring-A-Bellin’ on WMOT’s Finally Friday today, April 3rd.
The Bluegrass Situation included “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Blues” in their weekly You Gotta Hear This premieres, writing, “Jutz reflects on the undying temptation of such vices and how the low points they often bring can be a vehicle to better things.”
Jutz appeared on NPR’s The Great American Folk Show, speaking to host Tom Brosseau about how Ring-A-Bellin’ came to be and the narrative thread that runs throughout the album.
AEA Ribbon Microphones partnered with Jutz for a solo performance of “Too Many Walls.”
Ring-A-Bellin’ Tracklist:
Too Many Walls
Mourning Moon
Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Blues
Sharpen Your Knife
Knocking ‘Round Knoxville
Stirring Up The Ghosts
Rag And Bone
Holy Mother Mountain
Damascus Road
Bitter Change
The Alchemist’s Way
There’s A Rock In The Middle
Way Past Whiskey Time
Everything Is Everything
Out Jump The Devil
You Can Walk
The Hammer And The Anvil
Settle Me Down
More About Thomm Jutz: Thomm Jutz is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist, and media composer celebrated for his profound contributions to American roots, bluegrass, and folk music.
Classically trained in Germany, Jutz’s lifelong dedication to country and bluegrass began at age eleven after hearing Outlaw legend Bobby Bare perform “Tequila Sheila” on television. Following his move to the United States, he established himself in Nashville more than two decades ago, touring with artists including Nanci Griffith, Mary Gauthier, David Olney, and Kim Richey.
A cornerstone of Nashville’s creative community, Jutz has produced albums for Bill Anderson, Mac Wiseman, Todd Snider, and Nanci Griffith, among others. His songs - recorded by artists including John Prine, The SteelDrivers, Del McCoury, and Billy Strings - have topped Bluegrass charts and appeared in more than 250 film and television placements worldwide. He is a four-time nominee and 2021 winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Songwriter of the Year award.
Featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibit (2022–2023), Jutz continues to shape the next generation of songwriters as an instructor of songwriting at Belmont University.
