Cincinnati singer-songwriter Jim Duff has released ‘More Than Love,’ a new project built around the emotional terrain of parenthood, spiritual connection and perseverance. Across more than 3 decades and over 300 original songs, Duff has drawn from folk, Americana, country, blues, jazz and rock to create a sound shaped by the influence of Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, John Prine, Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. ‘More Than Love’ is among his most personal work yet.
The title track was born from the reality of being physically separated from his newborn and oldest son. Performed entirely by Duff on piano, bass and guitar, it strips production back to let the emotion lead. “Walk With Me,” another standout, grew from an afternoon walk through Washington Park with his youngest son, evolving into one of the most spiritually resonant songs he’s written. Duff wrote, produced, performed, mixed and mastered it entirely on his own.
‘More Than Love’ also arrives in the context of something larger. Duff has continued writing, recording and performing throughout ongoing treatment for stage four cancer, a fact that gives the project’s themes of love, presence and resilience a weight that goes well beyond craft. He’s performed at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, the Cactus Cafe in Austin and the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, among many others. This record carries that same commitment to honest, direct storytelling.