Delightful country-folk musicianship, conceptual purity and depth of voice present a uniquely evocative collection of songs, as the UK’s own John Jenkins releases a brand new full-length solo album.
Shadows opens up the project Tuebrook with a delicate pairing of piano and acoustic guitar, John’s quietly soothing vocals guiding us through images and reflections in a quickly calming manner.
This set-up proves fairly consistent, reliable for the long-form music fan, but within Tuebrook it’s undoubtedly the stories that connect all the more strongly.
Consider the shift for Christopher Roberts, piano and acoustic guitar again laying bare the live sound and organic authenticity of the work, but a spoken fragment instantly setting the mood somewhere new and of purposeful reality.
Maybe I Just Came Along For the Ride is an early highlight, simple yet compelling for its masterful lyrical appeal in balancing the personal and the accessible. The lessons here feel genuine, and as such inspire listeners for their truthful resonance and rising brightness. The lift for the hook is also quite stunning, contrasting the verses beautifully.
A welcomed switch in rhythm and vibe hits for the brilliantly bass-led and unmistakable Idaho, another outright favourite, before the stripped-back folk finger-style of Passing Time proceeds to connect for its subtle harmonies and again easily relatable theme. The crisp guitar sound is sublime, showcased particularly well during the instrumental breaks here.
Reflecting on the inevitable consequences of growing older, 43 and Counting accesses those ideas that get to all of us at some point. The chorus here is powerful, subtle production traits really elevating the poignancy of John’s exploration of this topic.
Another quickly satisfying story and scene is A Child’s Sense of Wander, jazz hi-hats and soulful electric guitar meet with hypnotic bass and vocals as we delve into one of the project’s most melodically engaging and thought-provoking songs.
“When you grow older, the man in the moon disappears…”
Other highlights towards the end include the simple strum and personalized story of John’s childhood neighbor William, and the nostalgic realness and cinematic escapism of a child choir, seemingly captured some time ago, for the closing track Mr. Ford’s Hardware Store.
Fearlessly encapsulating the many highs and lows of living in a way that feels broadly observational yet also intimate and well-rooted in the present moment, Tuebrook makes for a timeless and consistently heartfelt listen, and effectively extends further still the ever-genuine repertoire of John Jenkins.
To coincide with the album’s release, John Jenkins will be setting off on tour, visiting a number of UK venues and no doubt providing an unmissable evening of thoughtful, skillful and engaging performances. Faultless musicianship, humility of writing and absolute heart – well worth heading out for if you get the chance.
Album out July 7th. Read our interview with John Jenkins, follow him on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit his Website.
