Albums by this artist

Trad Arr Jones (1999)

The Name Above The Title (Recommended) (1991)

John Wesley Harding

Trad Arr Jones

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» BRADLEY SMITH | STAFF WRITER

John Wesley Harding Trad Arr Jones Zero Hour, 1999 RiYL: Nic Jones, Bob Dylan, Traditional Folk

Since his U.S. debut, Here Comes The Groom (1990), the highly underated songwriter John Wesley Harding has consistently released albums that are insightful, funny, beautiful and often brilliant. Though, his albums haven't produced any smash singles, Harding has built up a rather substantial following by word of mouth and touring.

For his latest release, Harding has put away his own notebook to pay tribute to one of his folk influences, Nic Jones. The musician enjoyed considerable success during the seventies in England, but his albums are virtually impossible to get now. Trad Arr Jones is a collection of traditional folk tunes written and/or arranged by Jones. Harding has rearranged the tunes for his voice and acoustic guitar, as well as an assortment of other instruments (mandolin, accordion, etc.) played by Robert Lloyd.

The album opens with "The Singer's Request," a lyric that answers the question a collection such as this begs: "How do a bunch of traditional folk tunes relate to us today?" Though these songs were written in another time, the troubling spirit expressed within them has not. The protagonist is entreating those around him to take solace in music:

Now the sun it does decline / Pour the beer and pour the wine / Let us lead your thoughts astray / From the world and from the day / We bring songs from history / Love and war and mystery / We can lead you from despair / or can cheer the darkening air.

Each song tells a story. "William and Nancy's Parting" and "Annachie Gordon" are songs of lost love, while others tell tales of feuds, escaped slaves, and sailors on the sea. Harding gives the songs fairly traditional readings, letting the lyric carry the song.

This is not to say there aren't wonderful performances on this album. Robert Lloyd does a fantastic job of highlighting the melodies and giving the songs little interesting touches. And Harding, for his part, does much of the same. His vocals are center stage and he gives a great performance.

The songs on this album remain true to the time period that created and influenced them. They are traditional folk, which may turn many contemporary listeners off. But any listeners who take the time to give them a thorough listen will be justly rewarded.

BRADLEY SMITH |