You might ask why we’re reviewing an album from 2005. That would be a good question, and here’s our answer: We hope to introduce you to Tim Grimm, who will perform at a house concert in Blacksburg on Nov. 30.

Fans of guys such as John Prine, Greg Brown, and Joe Ely will most likely be interested in the restless songs of a journeyman singer/songwriter such as Grimm. Some tunes feature banjo or mandolin and offer more of a bluegrass sound, others stick to a folk or roots music sound. At any rate, Grimm, in the great folk and bluegrass traditions, is a storyteller.

An Indiana native, Grimm weaves his messages from the heartland throughout The Back Fields. After living for a while in Los Angeles, Grimm decided to move back to a farm not far from his family home. His music often reflects his journey to get back to the land or celebrates those who have always been close to the land. In embracing the heartland, Grimm reaps a harvest of music sure to delight lovers of folk music.

The title track is a slow and thoughtful song that illustrates Grimm’s reflections on getting back to the land.

“Girl From North Carolina” is slow and flows with some gentle guitar picking and mournful harmonic play. “Everybody’s Gone Crazy” brings in electric guitar and has a bit more of a blues sound than most of the other songs on the CD. Fans of Floyd blues picker Scott Perry will enjoy this tune.

“Sam’s Song” comes nearest to a bluegrass tune, starting out with a nice fiddle intro that moves into some solid banjo picking. Grimm also combines some great harmonies on this song, expanding on that rich bluegrass appeal.

If you’re looking for some roots music that dabbles in great American genres such as folk, bluegrass, and blues, then Grimm’s The Back Fields might be just the CD you’re looking for to give you a break from all the holidays tunes rattling around in your head.

To see Grimm peform songs from The Back Fields live, as well as many other tunes, check him out Nov. 30 at the Peace Thru the Arts house concert in Blacksburg. For more information or to make reservations, contact www.peacethruthearts.org. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.

Tim W. Jackson enjoys a good folk song. He’s the Editor of the New River Voice.