At 84, retired British filmmaker Richard William Jenkins releases Album One. Melding his self-made acoustic guitar with affecting vocals, the poignant folk collection explores personal freedom, grief, and resilience.
“I’m Not Lonely” commences the album with heartfelt gorgeousness. Serene acoustic guitar complements a calming vocal presence, insistent on its “I’m not lonely / I don’t miss her” declaration. The treasuring of personal freedom, with “choices and plans to make,” provides a reassuring outlook following personal tumult. “Things are for the best, I’m not distressed, I’m at ease,” a lovely multi-layered vocal push ensues, brightening from the more solemn acoustic stylings. “Don’t Send Flowers” arrives next with similar thematic aims, addressing morose life events — in this case, the death of a friend — amidst continued expressions of personal independence but also the strong value of loyal, loving friends. Dreamy, wordless backing vocal harmonies add a beautiful, atmospheric touch to the folk arrangement.
Another standout piece of songwriting, “Time to Go” emits a soulful sophisti-pop allure, melding moody guitar, brassy intrigue, and chilled-out piano. “Watching the sun, sink in the west,” Jenkins’ vocals open with introspective appeal, traversing into bluesy guitar tones and lyrical perspectives of being unbound. It’s a fantastic showcase of Jenkins’ ability beyond more laid-back folk songwriting. Another highlight is “On a Monday,” whose expressively twangy guitar work and day-of-the-week ruminations thoroughly compel. Album One is a compelling success of a release from Richard William Jenkins.
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“Time to Go” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
