American folk has been dumbed down lately by twee fashion bands like Mumford & Sons, but there are still people making simple and interesting folk music without the frills. The first guy who comes to mind is that Brooklyn subway musician who plays the banjo and has a kick pedal attached to his suitcase. The second guy is Jake Klar.Klar's new album, Crescent St. Blues, is the product of a four-year journey through the United States. It's a thoughtful folk album that blends a bunch of different American traditions into one. The variety ends up representing the bizarre but loveable melting pot our country is, while still holding true to folk. Put your suspenders on, pack a nice lip of tobacco, and go sit with paw-paw on the porch while you listen.Preorder the album via Seagreen Records.