tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=2
Latest News
2024-03-24T16:49:27+00:00
John Jenkins
false
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7371695
2024-03-24T16:49:27+00:00
2024-03-24T16:50:41+00:00
Waterloo United Free Church 22nd March 2024
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/33131ad2cf68ffdd10b1125808b27cc172e10d59/original/waterloo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" height="1200" /><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>We had a great show and time in Waterloo on Friday 22nd March 2024. </strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Thanks to everyone who came along and welcomed us.</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Here is the set list we played:</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Bitter Harvest<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Daniel White<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Moon and June<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>I’m Looking Through You (Beatles Cover)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Murphy’s Bar<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>I Was Looking for You.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>Easy’s Getting’ Harder Every Day (Iris DeMent Cover)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Passing Time<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Christopher Roberts<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>43 and Counting<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Last Thing on my Mind (Tom Paxton Cover)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Same Thing Every Night<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>The Reason<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>He’ll Have to Go (Jim Reeves Cover)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Her Soldier Boy<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>I’ve Just Seen a Face (Beatles Cover)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>The Last Train from Baltimore<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Idaho<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Ride On (Christy Moore Cover)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Is That What They Say?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Can You Hear Me?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Good Company</strong><o:p></o:p></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7370269
2024-03-21T13:20:22+00:00
2024-03-21T13:20:23+00:00
Songs goes viral on Soundcloud
<p>I was only saying a couple of days ago that my album ‘TUEBROOK’ had reached Belgium and how nice it was to see my music landing in other countries. I have just been looking at my Soundcloud plays and seems my songs are being played worldwide with 662 plays in teh last week alone. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/d7564fbdd6f936b3e03af735e97c41838c34faeb/original/soundcloud.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="633" width="1390" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/22f17c13a3590b8707fd3ec1fb860a39f6bbc6db/original/2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" height="754" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7369175
2024-03-19T09:50:32+00:00
2024-03-19T09:52:37+00:00
Belgium Magazine 'Rootstime.be' reviews TUEBROOK ALBUM
<p>It's very nice to know your music is reaching out to different parts of the world. Belgium Roots magazine have done a feature on the ‘TUEBROOK’ album and here is the link</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.rootstime.be/index.html?https://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2024/MA1/CD36.html" target="_blank">https://www.rootstime.be/index.html?https://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2024/MA1/CD36.html</a></p><p>Its written in Dutch but the translation reads as so … </p><p><span style="color:#fa004b;"><span lang="EN">John Jenkins is a British folk singer and songwriter from Tuebrook, an area of West Derby in the north-east of Liverpool. “Tuebrook” is also the title of his recently released album with eleven self-composed songs that he arranged, recorded and produced together with multi-instrumentalist Jon Lawton at the 'Crosstown Studios' in Liverpool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#fa004b;"><span lang="EN">We also include the first two songs on this album in the videos: first you get the opening track "Shadows" and then follows the story about a certain "Christopher Roberts", a long-lost childhood friend from primary school days. The song “William” is also about a boy next door from his youth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#fa004b;"><span lang="EN">John Jenkins usually writes songs about fictional characters or places, such as in the song “Idaho”, but on this record he also nostalgically returns to his memories of life in Tuebrook, which has a population of barely 15,000, in several autobiographical songs. The album-closing song “Mr. Ford's Hardware Store” is a real memory from his childhood of a tiny store that was always stacked with all kinds of household items.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#fa004b;"><span lang="EN">In the song “A Child's Sense Of Wonder” John Jenkins reminisces about his grandmother with whom he was always very close until her death in 1987. She took care of him and his two sisters until they could go to school . “43 And Counting” is a true story about a woman who was left by her husband for a younger woman. She always wanted to have children, but her husband did not and when he abandoned her she was too old for that. The song “Passing Time” is also about growing older and doubts about whether the most valuable things have been extracted from life so far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#fa004b;"><span lang="EN">John Jenkins is a storyteller 'pur sang' in folk songs that remind us of the work of someone like the American troubadour James Taylor. The album “Tuebrook” is the successor to the album “If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love”, which was released in August 2021. That album was also created after an intensive collaboration with Jon Lawton and Pippa Murdie, who played and sang along on “Tuebrook” on guitar and mandolin, also played on mandolin. Finally, for the sake of completeness, we would also like to mention that Chris Howard played on keyboards on 'Tuebrook</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7360940
2024-03-03T13:01:38+00:00
2024-03-12T13:55:25+00:00
John Jenkins - Live at Start-Yard Birkenhead - March 20th 2024
<p>As part of the Wordsmithery Events held by Alison Schultz John will be performing 2 sets of his songs which will include a very special guest TBC </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7357417
2024-02-26T16:11:21+00:00
2024-03-12T13:55:25+00:00
John Jenkins and Pippa Murdie - Live at Waterloo United Free Church Arts Centre - 22nd March 2024
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://waterloounitedfreechurch.webnode.page/whats-on/">https://waterloounitedfreechurch.webnode.page/whats-on/</a></p><p>News of a new gig next month </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7357010
2024-02-25T16:29:05+00:00
2024-02-25T16:29:05+00:00
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10 - 1st Review in for 'THE REASON'.
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2024/02/25/john-jenkins-the-reason-single-review/"><span>https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2024/02/25/john-jenkins-the-reason-single-review/</span></a><br><br><span>1st Review in for 'THE REASON'.</span><br><span>Lovely words as ever from Mr Hall x</span><br><br><span>Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10</span><br><br><span>The Reason is a song of absolute love, it is unreserved and unrestricted in its hopes and fierce loyalty, a deserved place in the ever-undaunted collection of John Jenkins songs.</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7353758
2024-02-19T18:31:52+00:00
2024-02-19T18:31:55+00:00
HMV HANLEY - This Week 924th Feb 2024)
<p><span>Next date in the HMV Tour this weekend coming </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/e9d395de4b2351aff635f2062b7005dab477ea24/original/hmv-hanley.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7346801
2024-02-06T16:15:57+00:00
2024-02-06T16:19:04+00:00
John Jenkins - The Reason - Out 8th March 2024
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:hsl(90, 75%, 60%);"><span lang="EN-US">'The Reason’ is the first release and new single by John Jenkins following his critically acclaimed album Tuebrook that was released in July 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:hsl(90, 75%, 60%);"><span lang="EN-US">It is the first track of six that will be released monthly that, thematically, wouldn’t</span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t fit on the Tuebrook album.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:hsl(90, 75%, 60%);"><span lang="EN-US">You would be forgiven if you</span> listen<span lang="EN-US">ed to </span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">‘</span><span lang="EN-US">The Reason</span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">’ </span><span lang="EN-US">and thought it’s a song about love between two couples in a relationship, but it digs deeper than that and you will find it captures the unconditional bond and love of a son towards his mother within the emotional lyrics and music.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:hsl(90, 75%, 60%);"><span lang="EN-US">To be released on March 8<sup>th</sup>, 2024, which coincidentally would have been John</span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s mother’s birthday and is a few days before </span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">‘</span><span lang="EN-US">Mother</span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s Day</span><span lang="AR-SA" dir="RTL">’</span><span lang="EN-US">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:hsl(90, 75%, 60%);"><i><span lang="EN-US"><strong>‘The Reason’ </strong></span></i><span lang="EN-US">is co-produced by <strong>John Jenkins</strong> and Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Ian Prowse, Only Child) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith). This will be available from the usual digital retailers</span></span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz7mfyOT8FM" target="_blank"><span style="color:hsl(0,75%,60%);"><span lang="EN-US">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz7mfyOT8FM</span></span></a><span style="color:black;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/2399d59d8c575d0f51643d58ea1f01a280055860/original/john-jenkins-the-reason-image.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7334929
2024-01-16T20:41:45+00:00
2024-01-16T20:41:45+00:00
Irish Magazine 'Lonesome Highway' Reviews 'Tuebrook' Album January 2024
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/b1bef917b2a3739fa5d726cb1244abeae25cf180/original/screenshot-2024-01-16-203940.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lonesomehighway.com/music-reviews/2024/1/15/1qzwg98comkqqpr9lvxqva86i3s1ow?fbclid=IwAR1blmhvg5Y0EW5jLU5-885c3HthobAD4xgNkcxVpAQUaLMvmnnZ2Dtevqo">https://www.lonesomehighway.com/music-reviews/2024/1/15/1qzwg98comkqqpr9lvxqva86i3s1ow?fbclid=IwAR1blmhvg5Y0EW5jLU5-885c3HthobAD4xgNkcxVpAQUaLMvmnnZ2Dtevqo</a></p><p><span style="color:#263333;">Liverpool songwriter John Jenkins has been creating consistently fine music. There is no doubting the talent on display and his musical sensibilities are finely honed over years of immersing himself in the traditions of song craft and creativity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><h2>
<strong>John Jenkins</strong> <i><strong>Tuebroook </strong></i> Self Release</h2><p>This is the eight album from Liverpool songwriter John Jenkins who has been creating consistently fine music since his debut record appeared back in 2013. He also co-hosts a local radio show that plays Americana, Country and Folk music at The Garden Party. There is no doubting the talent on display and his musical sensibilities are finely honed over years of immersing himself in the traditions of song craft and creativity.</p><p>There is a real intimacy at play here and his warm vocal tone is perfectly aligned with the sense of times past, regrets registered and hope for the future in these songs that capture the vagaries of daily living. Tuebrook is in the North-East of Liverpool and the district has seen much change over the generations. This is a love letter to the past and the memories of youth are perfectly captured on <i>Christopher Roberts</i> a song to an old school friend that fell out of contact over the years. The story song <i>43 and Counting</i> is both poignant and sad in capturing feelings of being left alone by a lover who has moved on to a new life. ‘And I feel so old, Silence has spread through this house and my soul.’</p><p>The gentle sway of <i>A Child’s Sense Of Wonder</i> is similar in tone to the Stranglers song, <i>Golden Brown</i> as it plays out a tale of innocence and holding back the impending weight of adulthood and lost dreams. <i>William</i> is a song that honours a childhood friend and his sad demise from addiction as an adult. It is a beautifully written and sensitively delivered snapshot of a past that cannot be cocooned from the colder reality of growing up and facing our differing challenges and demons.</p><p>The musicians include John Jenkins (vocals, piano), Jon Lawton (programming, bass, guitars, lap steel, percussion, keyboards), Pippa Murdie (backing vocals, guitar), Chris Howard (keyboards) and an assortment of original tape recordings from childhood that include family members and friends. The final song <i>Mr Ford’s Hardware Store</i> includes a recording of the infants choir at “Our Lady, Star of the Sea” School in Seaforth, Merseyside and it recalls the local corner store that had everything stacked perilously high in its inventory.</p><p>As a project, this is certainly up there alongside anything else that Jenkins has produced, even if the temptation to create a full concept album was passed over as some of the songs are not rooted in his local neighbourhood memories. Both <i>Idaho</i> and <i>Passing Time</i> are further examples of story songs that echo a similar writing style that finds a place on previous albums. <i>She Feels Nothing </i>examines that sense of having to go into self-protection mode in a relationship that could not deliver on dreams of wanting more.</p><p><i>Maybe I Just Came Along For the Ride</i> has a sad realisation that commitment to anything comes at a price that not everyone is able to pay ‘ I was always by your side, even when you weren’t there, Maybe I just came along for the ride, Expecting you to care.’ The opening song <i>Shadows</i> reflects on change with the lines ‘how can I be part of something that ends in despair.’ However, much of the album is anything but downbeat, more a nostalgic visit to a past that strengthens the resolve to keep moving forward in search of new experiences and building upon the durability forged in the past.</p><p><i><strong>Review by Paul McGee</strong></i></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7324399
2023-12-26T14:23:23+00:00
2023-12-26T14:23:24+00:00
Help Musicians - Thank You
<p>I would just like to say a big thank you to ‘Help Musicians’ for their continued support through their funding opportunities. I was succesful in my application towards some of the costs of a songwriting retreat to be held in September 2024 in Knoydart in Scotland. In 2023 i was succesful for costs towards Album and Tours. Without their generosity i can honestly say i'd be unable to do any of the musical things i really want to be able to do - Thank you John x<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/1a81ebe913f13334941aade8a006ae8e36889c32/original/images-help-musicians.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7317740
2023-12-11T19:58:39+00:00
2023-12-11T19:58:40+00:00
The Musical Box - Tuebrook - Liverpool Sat 9th Dec 2023
<p>Saturday 9th Dec 2023 was something special - We did a 16 <span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">song set In celebration of the grand opening of the 'Musical Box' museum upstairs x lovely day and lovely people x</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">We even have a brief appearence in the 'Granada Reports' TV News Item that went out on Saturday Mainstream ITV - Link Below</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://fb.watch/oT8IZ8cjeD/"><span class="text-big">https://fb.watch/oT8IZ8cjeD/</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="text-big"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/df2afec1c8809fa445d24fafd39542fdeaec23b0/original/20231209-142527.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7308355
2023-11-23T14:49:16+00:00
2023-11-23T14:51:24+00:00
Narrowboat Session - The Last Train From Baltimore - Now Available to see
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/ysS02WpiLmk?si=RAMj0RkOC10I6Qib">https://youtu.be/ysS02WpiLmk?si=RAMj0RkOC10I6Qib</a></p><p style="text-align:center;">Very pleased to say my/our performance of "The Last Train From Baltimore' recorded in Summer is now available on YouTube to watch. Pippa plays the guitar and i sing just to save confusion. </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Description from Mark</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:rgb(15,15,15);"><i>'Many years ago the very talented John Jenkins performed a solo sessions for us. Since then he's been carving a niche for himself in the Musical History of Liverpool so we were delighted when he asked to come back again especially as he brought with him the equally talented and classically trained Pippa Murdie. They've been playing together now for around three years and have just taken John's beautiful music from strength to strength. Here they are performing John's second classic composition, 'The Last Train from Baltimore'. This is a song about how the fatalities on the Railway Lines often make the news but rarely the effect that they have on the poor drivers'</i></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7301617
2023-11-10T11:08:49+00:00
2023-11-10T11:11:16+00:00
Tuebrook Review - R'N'R Nov/Dec issue - 4 STARS
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/1c127155c956e779e92db325a76ff72e89214f5b/original/review-rnr.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7292060
2023-10-23T16:10:52+01:00
2023-10-23T16:10:52+01:00
Review of Round the Corner Gig via Facebook (LEMAN - Liverpool Entertainment, Music and Artiist Network) 22nd Oct 2023
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/42313ed8c72482947614ecc4d12b13d92b4d2848/original/image.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Review of Round the Corner Gig via Facebook (LEMAN - Liverpool Entertainment, Music and Artiist Network)<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/3c9e34ed8098a1877ccf06cf61d4065626654574/original/round-the-corner-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_inline border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/e3cd12e94bb2711d4dc7969d3e811b369e80f9a4/original/round-the-corner.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_s justify_right border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7273958
2023-09-15T18:43:46+01:00
2023-10-16T15:45:28+01:00
Wirral EarthFest 2023 - John and Pippa to play - Sat 17th Sept 2023
<p>Been asked to play this wonderful event this year - We shall be performing a short set at 11.55am </p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7273957
2023-09-15T18:41:40+01:00
2023-09-15T18:41:40+01:00
Ruthin Folk Club Wednesday 14th Sept 2023
<p>Made my first venture to this historic folk club on Wednesday 14th Sept 2023 with Pippa Murdie and had a wonderful time … played 3 songs </p><p>1- Passing Time</p><p>2- The Last Train from Baltimore</p><p>3 - 43 and Counting </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7268124
2023-09-03T12:57:51+01:00
2023-09-03T12:58:13+01:00
Tommy Prine at The Swinging Arm in Birkenhead Wednesday 30th Aug 2023
<p>One of my favourite Singer-Songwriters is “John Prine”. On 3 occasions i tried to see John play but sadly each was cancelled due to John's ill health and subsequent death. His son who is a very good Singer-songwriter in his own right played locally and i felt i had to be part of the audience and even got to chat with him and get signed posters and cd's . <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/c52b167fed3cd4650792727cbcd2c4f9a28f52c5/original/20230830-221818.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7268123
2023-09-03T12:53:24+01:00
2023-09-03T12:53:24+01:00
Billy Butler Liverpool Live Sept 2nd 2023
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/f99875dc715ef135fd5c596f03148d3dc686f9a0/original/billy.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p>Me and Pippa were kindly asked to appear on the "Billy Butler" show on Saturday morning. We spoke about my album ‘TUEBROOK’ which is an area that Billy use to live in as well.</p><p>We played “Passing Time” live and Nilly played “Shadows” from the album itself while we were there. </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7259542
2023-08-19T11:00:23+01:00
2023-08-19T11:00:24+01:00
Americana Music Association UK Mentions "Tuebrook" Album
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/6f0b4a76ea46e578f9236bb3743c922be55d7a5b/original/amauk-mention.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7258443
2023-08-17T18:05:16+01:00
2023-08-17T18:05:16+01:00
AUK Essential Americana VOL 6 No. 8 (August 2023) features "Christopher Roberts" from 'TUEBROOK' Album
<p><span style="color:#656565;">Just got this email:</span></p><p><span style="color:#656565;">Welcome to this month's AUK supporters email where you'll find a link to our usual collection of the best Americana we've set our ears on over the last month along with our usual giveaway for one lucky reader.</span></p><p><span style="color:#656565;">In our exclusive collection for subscribers this month, we have new music from Athens Georgia's<span><strong> Pink Stones </strong></span>(pictured above) whose new album we described as <i><span>"Reinvigorated country rock with hints of soul, gospel, psych and dub"</span></i>, from Joana Serrat’s new band project <span><strong>Riders of the Canyon</strong></span> which blends classic Americana influences in a self-titled collection, and tracks from the star-studded new albums by both <span><strong>M Ward</strong></span> and <span><strong>Rufus Wainright</strong></span> - we've chosen tracks from each featuring First Aid Kit and Brandi Carlile respectively, both of whom we are happy to shoehorn into our compilations whenever we can. There's new music from UK Americana band <span><strong>William the Conqueror</strong></span> with an interesting story behind it - Following the imposition of lockdown restrictions, Ruarri Joseph found himself cocooned at home in Cornwall, ruminating on an uncertain creative future, watching on as his wife Mandy, a mental health social worker, engaged head-on with the dilemmas of the pandemic. Her example motivated Joseph to become a temporary care worker, an experience which would provide renewed focus and influence the songwriting on the new WTC album <i><span>‘Excuse Me While I Vanish'.</span></i> Idahoan <span><strong>Eilen Jewell</strong></span> returns with an album which <i><span>"crafts optimistic melodicism from the hardest of times"</span></i>, Madelyn Read's debut album continues the great tradition of Canadian singer-songwriters, using the sounds of country and folk to tell vivid stories of urban life, and we have a song from the superb new album from <span><strong>Ags Connolly</strong></span> of authentic-sounding Texas border-style music recorded deep in the wilds of Oxfordshire.</span></p><p><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2esjuKzyRwZHcpuJ2PtsuB?si=34c69e2f6684433b&nd=1">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2esjuKzyRwZHcpuJ2PtsuB?si=34c69e2f6684433b&nd=1</a><br> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7256815
2023-08-14T18:00:10+01:00
2023-08-14T18:01:33+01:00
"Louder than War Review" of 'Tuebrook' - “Tuebrook is an outstanding collection of inspiring and emotive songs which demands repeated listens”
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>“Tuebrook is an outstanding collection of inspiring and emotive songs which demands repeated listens”</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><strong>https://louderthanwar.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/</strong></span></a></p><p> </p><div class="td-pb-row" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-left:-24px;margin-right:-24px;orphans:2;position:relative;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="td-pb-span12" style="box-sizing:border-box;display:block;float:left;min-height:1px;padding-left:24px;padding-right:24px;position:relative;width:1447.98px;"><div class="td-post-header" style="box-sizing:border-box;"><header><h2>John Jenkins: Tuebrook – Album review</h2>
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<div class="td-author-by" style="box-sizing:border-box;display:inline;margin-right:2px;">By</div>
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/author/ian-corbridge/"><strong>Ian Corbridge</strong></a></p>
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<p><span style="color:rgb(118,118,118);"><time datetime="2023-08-11T13:25:46+01:00">August 11, 2023</time></span></p>
<div class="td-post-comments" style="box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;float:none;position:relative;top:2px;vertical-align:top;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://louderthanwar.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/#respond">0</a></div>
</div></header></div></div></div><div class="td-pb-row" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana, BlinkMacSystemFont, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-left:-24px;margin-right:-24px;orphans:2;position:relative;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="td-pb-span8 td-main-content" style="box-sizing:border-box;display:block;float:left;min-height:1px;padding-left:24px;padding-right:24px;position:relative;width:965.312px;" role="main"><div class="td-ss-main-content" style="background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;padding:10px;"><div class="td-post-content tagdiv-type" style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:15px;line-height:1.74;margin-top:0px;padding-bottom:16px;">
<p><strong>John Jenkins: Tuebrook - (Self released) - CD | DL | Stream - </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Out Now</a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Acclaimed Liverpool based singer/ songwriter John Jenkins releases his new album Tuebrook which is inspired by his childhood suburban home and upbringing. Making a conscious decision to adopt a far more stripped back approach to the music on this album, it proves to be an outstanding collection of songs, blending both memoir and fiction, which have the ability to inspire you to reflect back on your own life and transport you to places and times which may well be long gone or at best a very distant memory.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">I have always considered music to be one of the most powerful and potent forces in the world as we know it. Nothing else can bring people together from such diverse and disparate backgrounds into one huge melting pot of love and emotion and, at its finest, it can strike right to the very core and fabric of your soul. Music has so many qualities from calming, nurturing, healing and reassuring through to inspiring, challenging and even hurting at its most powerful. As Oscar Wilde put it, “music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memories.”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Music was principally born out of the art of storytelling alongside its spiritual connotations. It can be a means of release for pent up feelings and emotions but also a way of capturing memories and documenting or reflecting back on moments in time. You only have to reference back to the immense catalogue of songs written by Bob Dylan in the 60’s to realise how well he documented these pivotal times that were ever changing. Of course, music comes in so many different forms, but however loud and complex you may want it to be, music is often at its most powerful when it is stripped down to its most basic and barest form. And there is no doubt in my mind that the wonderful new album by John Jenkins, Tuebrook, is a classic example of this.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">John Jenkins is a Liverpool based artist who is carving out a path for himself as a renowned singer/songwriter on the UK folk, country, and Americana scene. Tuebrook follows on from the critically acclaimed album If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love from 2021 and is a very deliberate moved towards a more stripped back sound than previous releases. Indeed, this album is very much about the man, his guitar, his piano and his reminiscences, although John is joined in an engaging and understated way by multi-instrumentalist and producer John Lawton, contributing bass, guitars, lap steel, percussion and keyboards, some keyboard from Chris Howard, and also live show partner Pippa Murdie on mandolin, guitar and vocals.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The warm feeling of nostalgia is perfectly illustrated in Christopher Roberts, which reflects back on a friend in junior school who moved onto a different senior school and was never seen again by John and his group of other friends. It is made all the more real and engaging with the inclusion of real spoken recordings from John’s own childhood and a video which takes John back into the classrooms he populated some 50 years ago. Another song, William, also reflects back in an emotional and heartbreaking way on both the good and bad times shared with a childhood friend who lived next door for over 20 years but after getting married and moving away, succumbed to alcoholism and died far too early from pneumonia. Its melancholy feel is enhanced further by the inclusion of old recordings of John and William singing along to Beatles songs and maybe even an early hint at John’s subsequent interest in songwriting.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Maybe I Just Came Along For The Ride is wrapped up in a sense of regretful longing and yearning, with the lap steel guitar in the background really tugging at the heart strings. She Feels Nothing is another beautifully contemplative song seemingly about a lady who is finding it difficult to navigate her way through life. I’m not sure whether it’s the lovely melody running through the song or my own desire to unravel exactly what is proving so challenging about her life, but this is one of the songs I have kept going back to over and over again as its simplicity is just so engaging.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">John’s theme of nostalgic reflection is brought to the fore in Time Passing which challenges how well he has used his own time and the decisions he has made over the years, whether it be in relationships or just life in general as he “took each day as it came, maybe I should have listened more.” 43 And Counting reflects this theme of time passing over onto a woman who has lost her partner to a younger woman and is now reaching an age where it may be difficult to fulfil her long held desire for children, ultimately leading to her feeling a sense of loneliness and despair at her plight.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Shadows also addresses the passage of time but in this case reflects on the way that towns and communities are adversely impacted by change, with hometowns being subjected to urban and social decay through lack of support and investment. The almost haunting backing vocal adds a further sense of melancholy to the narrative as John declares “How can I be part of something my friend that ends in despair.” Idaho meanwhile draws on a traditional melody as John expounds on his fascination with American place names.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Sense Of Wonder opens with the birds singing alongside the milkman doing his morning round as John reflects back on early, yet obviously vivid memories of time spent with his Grandma, being lulled to sleep and waking up as the day is dawning and life recommences once again. The narrative paints such a clear picture of what is in John’s mind that it can so easily prompt you to recall times of your own almost long forgotten, yet which still helped to shape your life and learning. Lost In The Storm (A Sadness Far Too Heavy) allows John’s imagination to run wild as he imagines the sort of characters that may have lived and passed through Tuebrook, with a self-confessed plagiarisation of the Beatles Eleanor Rigby in having a priest as one of the characters. Closing song, Mr Ford’s Hardware Store, is an unusual but fitting finale as it presents a short medley of songs by a local infants school focused on a busy hardware store which clearly filled John with a sense of awe and excitement as a small child.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Tuebrook is an outstanding collection of inspiring and emotive songs which demands repeated listens to dig deeper into each of the characters and memories it depicts. John Jenkins has captured such a richness and warmth in the way he conveys the stories which were inspired by the Liverpool suburb into which he was born and raised. Each song has an honesty and sincerity which makes it feel so real and invoke such a timeless quality to the music, not to mention a little humour which is the very least you would expect from a Scouser.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Above all else, the songs on Tuebrook explore so many areas of human vulnerability and, as a consequence, allow you to relate so many of the stories to your own life and experiences. It will have you reflecting back on times gone by, both happy and sad. Tuebrook is an album which will most definitely stand the test of time and may well prove to be a defining moment in the life of John Jenkins as well as his musical career.</p>
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John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7253556
2023-08-07T18:05:46+01:00
2023-08-07T18:07:01+01:00
Desperately Lost City Review - Another Positive Review
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#000000;">"Evocative of Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott’s folk-pop, but without the heavy production... Add in a wistful voice full of reflection,and they become as inviting as those of Suzanne Vega." </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://desperatelylostcity.com/2023/08/05/john-jenkins-tuebrook/"><span style="color:#000000;">https://desperatelylostcity.com/2023/08/05/john-jenkins-tuebrook/</span></a></p><header><h3 style="text-align:center;"><strong>John Jenkins – Tuebrook</strong></h3>
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<span>Posted on</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://desperatelylostcity.com/2023/08/05/john-jenkins-tuebrook/" rel="bookmark"><span><time datetime="2023-08-05T22:52:55+01:00">August 5, 2023</time></span></a><span>by </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://desperatelylostcity.com/author/lostinbluejazz1/"><span>Gareth Williams</span></a>
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<p style="text-align:center;">Head east out of <i>Liverpool City Centre</i> and you will come to a suburb called ‘Tuebrook’. The title of <i>John Jenkins</i>’ new album is partly inspired by this place, its artwork a two-up, two-down, red-brick home on one of its streets, familiar to anyone with a connection to this part of the <i>North West</i>. It is where the singer-songwriter grew up, making this a semi-autobiographical record. Containing snapshots of the people and places that he remembers, he also combines fictitious elements nevertheless inspired by this location. All told in a very stripped back style, his songs become intimate stories that are keenly felt. You don’t have to have been to Tuebrook to experience it for yourself.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">It is the incidental details in the lyrics that make ‘Tuebrook’ such an interesting listen. Whether the <i>“Road to Nowhere”</i> highway that had such a devastating impact on local places, or the <i>“dirty faces, sore knees…, scrubbing our hands in margarine” </i>of childhood shenanigans, both ‘Shadows’ and ‘Christopher Roberts’ evoke situations and circumstances that are specific, but speak to something more universal. The former really does convey something of its first word, <i>“discontented”</i>, pushing it to the verge of despair. The only thing that stops it, and the album, from falling into an abyss is the soft, wispy vocal of <i>Jenkins</i> himself. There is a ray of hope always in his delivery; understated but present at all times. It contributes to a lovely reworking of ‘<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn1MXtOukXU">Wayfaring Stranger</a>’, the lines changed absolutely while the tune remains to create ‘Idaho’. It is the most Country-sounding track on the album but doesn’t feel out of place despite its geographical difference.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The rest of the album is mostly steeped in Americana, though evocative of <i>Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott</i>’s folk-pop, but without the heavy production. Most of the time it is just Jenkins and his guitar, who will perhaps pick up the tempo now and again (‘Passing Time’) but mainly sails across calm waters. The subject matter may cause a ripple, like the piercing final verse on ‘43 & Counting’ – <i>“And I feel so old / Silence has spread through this house and my soul / Separated like a leaf from its tree”</i>. It doesn’t last though, as the light jazz on ‘Child’s Sense of Wonder’ for example, brings a playfulness that, on this occasion, is also ground in recognition. <i>Jenkins</i>’ songs always feel close to home, achieved most readily through a refusal to unfold his tunes into heavy pop production. Add in a wistful voice full of reflection, and they become as inviting as those of <i>Suzanne Vega</i>. None more so than ‘Lost in the Storm…’.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The final track, ‘Mr Ford’s Hardware Store’, truly grounds the listener in a reminiscence of a bygone age. Sung by children to give it that extra taste of memory, it fits perfectly with the loose concept of this album, bringing to life an area still fondly held by <i>John Jenkins</i>. <i>Tuebrook</i> may not be well-known beyond its <i>Liverpool</i> locality but it is honoured rather beautifully here by one of its most musically-talented proteges.</p>
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John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7252403
2023-08-05T13:18:29+01:00
2023-08-05T13:19:23+01:00
FortyFive Vinyl York - 8th July 2023 - LIVE VIDEO RECORDING
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/MlSX_kqpNso">https://youtu.be/MlSX_kqpNso</a></p><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">Her's a "warts and all" 3 song video from my Tuebrook tour - 2nd night in at York </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">Songs featured are: </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">43 and Counting </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">Passing Time </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">The Last Train to Baltimore </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(13,13,13);">Thanks to Dom White, Nathan Luke Films and FortyFive Vinyl Cafe York</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7252400
2023-08-05T12:44:30+01:00
2023-08-05T13:19:23+01:00
Maximum Volume Review 4th Aug 2023 - "This is the work of one of the UK’s best and most original singer-songwriters - Rating: 9.5/10”
<p>Latest review floored me to be honest - i mean “This is the work of one of the UK’s best and most original singer-songwriters - Rating: 9.5/10” is one of the best quotes you could ever hope for as a singer songwriter.</p><p>Here's the full review and link:</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://maximumvolumemusic.com/review-john-jenkins-tuebrook-2023/">https://maximumvolumemusic.com/review-john-jenkins-tuebrook-2023/</a><span style="color:white;">y</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://maximumvolumemusic.com/author/andyscfc1863/"><span style="color:white;"><strong>Andy Thorley</strong></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p> </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/155ad3e334cd0bd6132973c2ad343404c02d4792/original/maximum-volume-review-thumbnail.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span>I wasn’t intending to start this review in such a flippant fashion (“Tuebrook” is a record that matters), but on his own notes for the album, John Jenkins hits on something that I always think about.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>There’s a song on here called “Idaho,” and Jenkins reasons that “I occasionally let my imagination run with what the place must be like. Idaho, Baltimore, Tennessee have all featured in songs of mine. I can’t get as enthusiastic writing about Grimsby, Cleethorpes, or Clacton as I do over American place names.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>I’m from Solihull, a place just outside Birmingham. If I were a singer, could I play Wembley and say “We’re from Solihull, West Midlands” with the same gusto that an American group can tell you they’re from Los Angeles, California? No, I could not.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Jenkins, though, can say: “I’m from Tuebrook, Merseyside” with no problem at all. The area he grew up in is infused in the DNA of the tracks, whether they are autobiographical or, as he puts it, he is “like any novelist.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>It was fun to listen to this album and work out for yourself where the Jenkins songs end and the “novels” begin because at its heart, the album hinges on these words: “Did you ever imagine you’d live to be 63?”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>In the very first song, they speak to the reflective nature of the collection, and also at the wanderlust that some of us feel, a feeling that we might have done something differently.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>“All the places I cared about the most are no longer there,” he sings on “Shadows,” and that feels like the genesis of the record.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Another reflective (and you imagine Tuebrook-based tunes) “Christopher Jenkins” begins with Jenkins on a call-in show as a child (the irony that he has a radio show these days isn’t lost).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>He has a wonderful warmth about his writing, yet at the same time, his words and his voice betray regrets.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>And that voice is in an unmistakable Liverpool accent, as singer-songwriter stuff should be. It should be real, and on “Idaho,” it certainly is. The wonderful harmonies from Pippa Murdie on that one give it real depth.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>And we shouldn’t forget the superb playing, as “Passing Time” underlines. It takes the Mansun theory that “all relationships are emptying and temporary” and adds to it.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>“43 and Counting” is as dark as this gets, as the character doesn’t get their wish of having a family and feelings of loneliness and betrayal. By contrast, “A Child’s Sense of Wonder” enters a dream, and the music is almost psychedelic, while the way he matter-of-factly writes about pain is all over “She Feels Nothing.”</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>What this album cleverly does a few times is use audio from the past and infuse the present. “William” does that brilliantly.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>A heavy pathos hangs in the air as “Lost In The Storm (A Sadness Far Too Heavy)” enters. Even the Priest is fed up with hearing the confessional here.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>A record that feels like it matters ends with what might be an old advert, “Mr. Ford’s Hardware Shop,” and very much it feels like a window on the past.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Indeed, light-hearted introductions to this review notwithstanding, this is another wonderful piece of work. A Martyn Jenkins-like gift for empathy allied to an instinctive understanding of the way the music should be.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>But “Tuebrook” is way more. Jenkins has a way of delivering these songs like he’s reading an audiobook (and I’m not just saying this because I’m writing this at 1 am), and it all adds up to an album that is even better than the one I reviewed back in May 2020. Both I and the world are in a different place now, but on “Tuebrook,” John Jenkins has seemingly dug deeper inside himself.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>This is the work of one of the UK’s best and most original singer-songwriters.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span>Rating: 9.5/10</span></p><p> </p><p>Thank you Andy Thorley x</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7250976
2023-08-02T18:25:08+01:00
2023-08-02T18:26:35+01:00
At The Barrier Review - Aug 2nd 2023 - "Some of the warmest and most intimate, wistful, confessional reveries that you’re likely to hear this side of Christmas"
<p><span>"Some of the warmest and most intimate, wistful, confessional reveries that you’re likely to hear this side of Christmas"</span><br><br><span>Another ace review for my 'Tuebrook' Album. </span><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/02/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/"><span>https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/02/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/</span></a><br><br><span>Thanks so much to John Barlass with such a thorough review and complete understanding of it. </span><br><br><strong>John Jenkins – Tuebrook: Album Review</strong></p><div class="postmetadata" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;color:rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:"Exo 2", sans-serif;font-size:0.8em;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0.1em;margin:0px 0px 30px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:uppercase;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<span>BY</span> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://atthebarrier.com/author/johnbarlass/" title="View all posts by John Barlass" rel="author"><span>JOHN BARLASS</span></a> <span>ON</span> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/02/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/" title="2:51 pm" rel="bookmark"><time datetime="2023-08-02T14:51:16+01:00">2ND AUGUST 2023</time></a> <span>•</span> <span>( </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://atthebarrier.com/2023/08/02/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/#respond"><span>LEAVE A COMMENT</span></a><span> )</span>
</div><section><p><i><strong>Wistful reveries and other stories from Liverpool singer-songwriter John Jenkins</strong></i>.</p>
<p><strong>Release Date</strong>: Out now</p>
<p><strong>Label</strong>: Self release</p>
<p><strong>Formats</strong>: CD, Download </p>
<div class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 15px;"><figure><p><img src="https://i0.wp.com/atthebarrier.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/John-Jenkins-Tuebrook.jpg?resize=688%2C688&ssl=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="688" width="688" /></p></figure></div>
<p>Liverpool singer-songwriter John Jenkins is a man with a growing reputation. His 2021 album, <i>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love </i>was deservedly acclaimed by in-the-know factions of the musical media and Tuebrook, his summer 2023 follow-up to that well-regarded effort, takes things a few steps further. </p>
<p>For readers unfamiliar with Liverpudlian geography, Tuebrook is a district of Liverpool, due east of Everton and not much further than a hefty stones’ throw from the neighbouring stadiums of Anfield and Goodison Park. It also happens to be the suburb in which John Jenkins was born and raised. It won’t surprise you to learn, therefore, that Tuebrook – the album – contains a good sprinkling of songs that recall life in the district during John’s 1960s and 1970s childhood, with friends, relations, neighbours and the effect of time upon the area itself all featuring in some of the warmest and most intimate, wistful, confessional reveries that you’re likely to hear this side of Christmas. </p>
<p>But – as John is keen to point out – this album is NOT <i>Tuebrook – The Musical</i>; around half of the album’s songs were written with Tuebrook in mind, with the remaining material, including a song that namechecks the US state of Idaho – probably about as far from Tuebrook both geographically and culturally as it’s possible to get – reflect on fictitious characters in fictitious situations, the products of John’s clearly fertile imagination. John Jenkins takes up the story: <i>“I had a lot of new songs I had been working on in Crosstown Studios [Liverpool] and I had been asked so many times to release a stripped-back album without the usual pyrotechnics of some of the earlier album songs. Even though quite a few songs on the surface are autobiographical, I am sure a lot of people can relate to some of the stories and emotions the songs speak about.” </i></p>
<p>And, on those points – firstly: the ‘stripped-back’ approach has worked a treat. John’s vocals and piano are supplemented by the lightest of light touches from Jon Lawton’s bass, guitars, lap steel, percussion and keyboards, Chris Howard’s keyboards and some lovely backing vocals from John’s touring partner Pippa Murdie. The result is a mellow sound that adds a richness and warmth to John’s contemplative lyrics. Secondly, John has certainly succeeded in his quest to expose stories and emotions that resonate with the listener; whether he’s talking about the relentless deterioration of his hometown, considering whether his life has been lived to its fullest extent or wondering what happened to a childhood friend, he’s dealing with subjects that are sure to exercise the imagination of many of his contemporaries. </p>
<p>John Jenkins is, perhaps, best known as a purveyor of that broad church – Americana – and he accepts that the songs on Tuebrook take their inspiration from the Americana and Liverpudlian songbooks. He cites his influences as <i>John Prine to The Beatles and Mary Chapin Carpenter to Townes Van Zandt;</i> however, if pushed, I’d have to suggest that, with a few exceptions, there’s a closer affinity to songs like Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane and Eleanor Rigby here than to anything from across the Atlantic. And that’s no bad thing – as we all know, there are few people anywhere capable of doing warm nostalgia, tinged with gentle humour, better than a Scouser. </p>
<p>It’s the album’s lead single, the intimate Shadows, that gets Tuebrook underway. A lament to how time has ravaged the Tuebrook area, it’s one of those songs that will strike resonant chords with anyone who has seen their own hometown suffer the same fate. And the song sets the musical pattern for the rest of the album, with piano, bass, percussion and harmony vocals all finding the blend which illuminates John’s lyrics to optimum effect. </p>
<p>John speculates how a friend that he last saw when they both left primary school has spent his life in the wonderful Christopher Roberts, the second of the album’s two singles. Jon Lawton’s lap steel embellishments add extra nostalgic depth as John J recalls the childhood antics – including bursting tar bubbles and painting their faces – in which he and Christopher would indulge, before life forced them apart. And there’s more of Jon’s wonderful lap steel in the wistful Maybe I Just Came Along For the Ride before we take that trip over to north-western US for the simple and highly-effective Idaho. John has long held a fascination for American place names – he finds them far more evocative than British names <i>‘like Clacton or Grimsby’</i> – and Idaho (the song) certainly obliges on the evocation front. John has adopted the melody from the traditional song, Wayfaring Stranger, for the song and Pippa’s harmony vocals and Jon’s Peter Green-like guitar licks add that special bit of<i> something</i>. </p>
<p>Time is a commodity that becomes ever more precious as we age, and John uses Passing Time to ponder whether he’s made best use of that priceless resource during his life. With more of Pippa’s excellent harmonies and to a sparse backing of fingerpicked guitar, John conducts his reverie with sprinklings of Scouse humour. The passage of time also features in the subject matter of the sad 43 And Counting. John’s lyrics recall a conversation with a female workmate who had been abandoned by her husband who had taken up with a younger woman. John pulls no punches as he retells the lady’s story, her realization that her biological clock was ticking and her regret that she was unlikely ever to have the children that she so fervently wished for. The tune is reminiscent of Nights in White Satin and the brushed drums that accompany the song seem to echo the ticking of the irreversible biological clock. </p>
<p>John’s memories of life in the care of his paternal grandmother provide the material for the charming A Child’s Sense of Wonder. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric song, particularly when Pippa whispers <i>“Don’t forget to say your prayers.” </i>John strips things right back to guitar and voice for the contemplative She Feels Nothing before turning to what is perhaps the album’s saddest and most challenging song. William tells the true story of John’s earliest friend, William Geary, with whom John shared many of his formative life experiences. William’s adult life wasn’t particularly happy – he succumbed to alcoholism and died prematurely from pneumonia – but John does manage to focus on the good times as well as the bad, as he tells William’s story. The guitars blend seamlessly together and the acoustic guitar solo is exquisite. The track ends with some recorded snippets of William and John singing and laughing together back in 1978 – it’s intriguing and, actually, quite disturbing and I’m not sure that it would withstand repeated listens. A shame, because William is otherwise perhaps the strongest song on the album. </p>
<p>The characters in the lyrics to Lost In The Storm are, I believe, fictional, but their activities, as described in John’s lyrics, are a microcosm of real life in 60s suburban Liverpool. There’s even a priest in the narrative, a character that John suspects was subconsciously influenced by Eleanor Rigby and the tune is rich and atmospheric. </p>
<p>There’s time for one final piece of reverie. I imagine that most 1960s neighbourhoods had a shop similar to Mr Ford’s Hardware Store, the subject of Tuebrook’s closing track. In his sleevenotes, John recalls the shop as a tiny place, jam packed, floor to ceiling, with every conceivable household good. There was certainly such a shop in the area of Bolton where I was brought up and John’s description of Mr Ford’s emporium brought back vivid memories of the smell of paraffin that pervaded that store. The track itself is a medley of children’s songs performed by John’s special guests, the Infants’ choir from Our Lady Star Of The Sea School, Seaforth. It’s quite unexpected after an album of such eloquent and comforting recollections, buts – it fits!</p></section>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7249538
2023-07-30T17:29:45+01:00
2023-07-30T17:29:45+01:00
July 2023 Tour Now over - Thank you to all
<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">This will probably be my last mention of my July 2023 tour so I just wanted just to say a big ‘thank you‘ to so many people who supported me in the last few weeks.</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Either by playing at one of the gigs, the people who ran the venues and who put us on and their sound engineers who looked after us, the lovely people who came to see us and those that bought a few CDs whether it was mine or another artist.</div>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">I’m sure if I mentioned people by individual names I’d miss someone out so I won’t and apologies if this seems discourteous and I don’t wish it to be as there are a hell of a lot of people, 34 separate acts over 12 dates and some of these had 5 playing on stage so I hope you can see my hesitation to even attempt to do a name check to cover everyone.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">I should also thank ‘Help Musicians’ and the “Oppenheim Trust” for partly funding this tour and anyone else who was able to pay towards these costs either by buying a ticket or buying a CD or those artists who insisted on making a contribution from their fee towards the room hire or pa costs which was very touching.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Lastly thank you to my Lynn who had to stay at home due to ill health reasons for those places further afield but was understanding and supportive of me being away on the tour and finally my music partner “Pippa” who probably didn’t realise what she had taken on with another tour via public transport but shared the encouragement and support to get us both through to the end.</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">What next? Blimey – who knows?</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">I promise to be more engaged with the other artists on the “Talent is Timeless” website and Facebook page as I feel I bored everyone senseless with my tour and album.</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Thank you once again</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Love</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">John x<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/adc1d01ac1c9911bc3036ac366129eaaa0b9b258/original/image.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></div>
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John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7245690
2023-07-22T15:28:11+01:00
2023-07-22T15:29:42+01:00
Americana UK REVIEW 19th July 2023 - "This masterful collection highlights why Jenkins is fast becoming one of Liverpool’s most respected singer-songwriters"
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americana-uk.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook"><span class="text-big">https://americana-uk.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p><strong>Deeply personal and poetic collection from seasoned Liverpool artist.</strong></p><p><img src="https://i0.wp.com/americana-uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/John-Jenkins.jpg?resize=250%2C250&ssl=1" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="250" width="250" />The complex relationship between music and poetry is a fascinating one – and Merseyside singer-songwriter Jenkins has here made a more intimate follow-up to his 2021 album <i>‘If You Can Forgive, You Can’t Love’</i>. This is a gentle, passionate and emotional collection, where his beautiful poetic lyrics manage to paint some stunning aural pictures, inspired by his fascinating life.<a class="no-pjax" href="https://americana-uk.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=124162&action=edit&classic-editor#" id="publicize-form-hide"><strong>OK</strong></a></p><p>Tuebrook is a part of Liverpool where Jenkins grows up, but he insists that this isn’t an album about the area – rather one that’s inspired by it. The sparse arrangements really do allow his words to come alive, in a truly distinctive way.</p><p>We open with ‘<i>Shadows</i>’ – a stunning start. From just voice and acoustic guitar, it gradually builds with some gorgeous, gentle percussion and atmospheric piano, to create a lovely song that grows on you effortlessly. ‘<i>Christopher Roberts</i>’ opens with a fascinating bit of audio of Jenkins as a child being asked about his schooling – it’s about a school friend he had, who he lost contact with. It’s another powerful, deeply personal song, with affecting piano accompaniment and backing vocals.</p><p>The wistful tone continues on ‘<i>Maybe I Just Came Along For The Ride</i>‘ – another fantastic tune, which ends abruptly, but so effectively. The album features a number of local musicians including Pippa Murdie (who tours with Jenkins), Chris Howard and Jon Lawton, who also produces. Murdie is particularly good on the background vocals to ‘<i>Idaho</i>’ – with its tragic story – and on ‘<i>Passing Time’. </i>There’s a sound reminiscent of Dave Alvin’s recent acoustic recordings here – with his love of poetry and powerful lyrics – and Jenkins has a similar vocal style on occasion. If you did want to pick a minor quibble, it’s that there isn’t much variety here – but with the quality of the songwriting and performing so high, it’s not really a problem.</p><p>This masterful collection highlights why Jenkins is fast becoming one of Liverpool’s most respected singer-songwriters.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7241190
2023-07-13T15:21:36+01:00
2023-07-13T15:21:37+01:00
Rocking Magpie Review 13th July 2023 - "Nothing could prepare me for what was about to unfold….." "this album just left me speechless"
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://rockingmagpie.wordpress.com/2023/07/13/john-jenkins-tuebrook/">https://rockingmagpie.wordpress.com/2023/07/13/john-jenkins-tuebrook/</a></p><p> </p><p>John Jenkins<br>Tuebrook<br>Self Release</p><p><i>Reflective and Sensitively Mature Songs to Accompany Life’s Highway</i></p><p>The instant this new release pinged into my in-box from RMHQ, I got the feeling something special was afoot as this artist’s two previous albums, <i>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love </i>and<i> Growing Old (Songs From The Porch)</i> are both RM favourites so expectations were running high, but nothing could prepare me for what was about to unfold…..</p><p>Fresh from a jaunt to my birthplace in Salford, parents in tow, we revisited all my childhood homes that were still standing, an emotional, thought-provoking re-tracing of what physically still remained standing of my early years: cue Tuebrook, named after the Childhood district of Liverpool where John Jenkins grew up.<br>It’s an album full of emotive memories and fictional exploration, reflections on what has gone before whilst trying to make sense of our continuing life-journey.<br>The first spin of this album just left me speechless, not solely for the shared nostalgic trip: as there is so much more to unravel.<br>This artist is a gentle, mature, sensitive writer, drawing on personal experiences such as the heartbreak of losing close friends and then effortlessly transporting himself to imagined shoes, beautifully demonstrating the same sensitivity with other poignant themes.</p><p>The first single Shadows opens the album, I was immediately drawn towards the blissfully deep-rich, soothing and downright welcoming vocals of John Jenkins which are accompanied by an easy laid back folk strum. I<br>t’s one of those voices that speaks directly to you, the bonding is sealed and I am all ears. The lyrics muse on faded towns that are ‘<i>Shadows</i>’ of their former self and I am taken with the ghostly, eerie BV harmonies by musician partner Pippa Murdie, evocative of a supernatural, atmospheric Dr Who score in parts.</p><p>Straight up next is the second single Christopher Roberts, a sentimental tale in which the songwriter fondly remembers a close childhood friend that he’s lost touch with. The introduction is an actual recording of himself as a child in 1964 which adds a deeper personal touch, the young Liverpudlian accent endearingly reminding the listener of this album’s Northern Roots before we get too lost in all the sun-drenched stripped-down Americana!</p><p>The songs, recorded with Jon Lawton at Crosstown studios in the heart of Liverpool, emit a chilled, reflective vibe: I get the feeling John Jenkins wants the stories to take centre stage which is fair enough when he has so much to say.<br>Maybe I Just Came along For The Ride and Passing Time combine fictional storytelling with gentle guitar picking which somehow eases anxieties surrounding whether the most has been made of life choices:</p><p>‘<i>I thought I knew what sadness was</i><br><i>Reckon pride does come before a fall</i><br><i>I took each day as it came</i><br><i>Maybe I should have listened more.</i>’</p><p>By his own admission, this artist loves to include American placenames in his songs and Idaho is a perfect plucking camp fire country tale, based on the traditional tune of Wayfaring Stranger, the sweet harmonies soften the sad life story contained within the song.</p><p>More surprises as this album beams us straight back to our own early years: a Child’s Sense Of Wonder has a divine Jazz lullaby twang whilst Mr Ford’s Hardware Shop is an inspired finale to the album, a children’s choir rings out memories of an iconic, long gone traditional shop in Tuebrook. We all knew one of those, right? as we are spun right back to face the ‘Shadows’ mentioned at the start.</p><p>Talking of the opener, it could have easily been my favourite for the memorable rift alone, but typically for me it’s down to two songs which hit us straight through the heart.<br>43 And Counting is a waltzing tragic tale of a woman who delayed having children because of her partner, only to be abandoned:</p><p>‘<i>And I feel so alone</i><br><i>Something inside me has died I know</i><br><i>Time is a thief, a millstone</i><br><i>So many things I’d change if only I’d known’</i></p><p>For the top slot I’ve chosen William, as it gave me a lump in my throat on first listen.<br>A touching tribute to John Jenkin’s childhood friend who passed away due to drink, it comes complete with another impactful personal link, an audio clip of a young John and William larking about and making music as teenagers:</p><p>‘<i>Wild as a Winter’s morning</i><br><i>Like a wind that pushed and grieved</i><br><i>Asked me never to forget him</i><br><i>In his letter that I received’</i></p><p>Dramatically confessional, heart tuggin’ storytelling at its best,<br>Tuebrook has it all and I’m playing catch up with RMHQ here when I say give yourself a treat and listen to this fine slice of Merseybeat Americana.<br>A rare thing indeed to find an album that speaks so directly to me as I reflect on my past to help me keep putting my best foot forward. John Jenkins is touring the UK with this exceptional album throughout July so I know exactly where my feet might take me first.</p><p>Review by Anita Joyce</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7240837
2023-07-12T21:22:14+01:00
2023-07-12T21:23:00+01:00
Liverpool Acoustic Review of 'Tuebrook' - "This is a fantastic album and solidifies Jenkins as a truly formidable songwriting talent"
<p>Tuebrook is the latest solo album from local singer songwriter John Jenkins. Following the successful release of his 2021 album If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love on Fretsore Records, Jenkins has now returned with a collection of soulful, nostalgia tinted songs. A critically acclaimed songwriter and one of the finest local artists in Liverpool, John Jenkins continues to write songs that tell a story, they speak to you straight from the heart.</p><p>The album features a number of local musicians including Pippa Murdie and Chris Howard, as well as Jon Lawton who also recorded and produced the album at Liverpool’s Crosstown Studios.</p><p>The opening track Shadows radiates warmth, there is a sense of nostalgia to it with the delicate acoustic guitar and piano paired with Jenkins’ vocals. In his own words, Shadows is an “intimate reflective song on towns and communities that have fallen by the wayside over the course of years.” – there is a sadness to it, a sense of longing in his voice.</p><p>Other highlights of the album are Maybe I Just Came Along for the Ride, an early stand out track. The gentle, wistful acoustic guitar paired with Jenkins’ compelling vocals make for a stripped back but powerful song. Passing Time is another stand out,featuring the staple acoustic guitar and beautifully placed harmonies.</p><p>There is something inherently ‘human’ about this album, it is moving and witty, emotive and rousing. It takes you on a journey of growing up, wondering what may have been and the many ‘what ifs’ you encounter throughout life. What is evident is that John Jenkins writes from the heart and through Tuebrook, he really reaches into the depths of his soul to tell his tales.</p><p>A seasoned artist, Jenkins proves time and time again that he is an songwriter who can mould into different genres, unlike his last album which used wider instrumentation, Jenkins shows that something more stripped back, like Tuebrook can have just as much impact, as it is the lyrics and the stories which lie at the heart of this album.</p><p>It is beautifully crafted, each song with its own meaning and theme but also coming together to create a snapshot, a glimpse into Tuebrook and growing up in the area. This is a fantastic album and solidifies Jenkins as a truly formidable songwriting talent.</p><p>Helen Maw</p><p><strong>© 2022 Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic</strong></p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2023/07/album-review-john-jenkins-tuebrook/">https://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2023/07/album-review-john-jenkins-tuebrook/</a></p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7240836
2023-07-12T21:17:08+01:00
2023-07-12T21:23:00+01:00
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN JENKINS – TUEBROOK - "One incredible album" "Tuebrook stands out in the same way Nebraska stood out for Bruce Springsteen"
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://spillmagazine.com/spill-album-review-john-jenkins-tuebrook/">https://spillmagazine.com/spill-album-review-john-jenkins-tuebrook/</a></p><div class="row main-header" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"helvetica neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:20px;margin-left:-15px;margin-right:-15px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="col-md-12" style="box-sizing:border-box;float:left;min-height:1px;padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;position:relative;width:1170px;"><h2>SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN JENKINS – TUEBROOK</h2></div></div><div class="row" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:"helvetica neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;height:auto !important;letter-spacing:normal;margin-left:-15px;margin-right:-15px;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div class="col-md-8" style="box-sizing:border-box;float:left;font-size:13px;min-height:1px;overflow-wrap:break-word;padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;position:relative;width:780px;" id="main-content"><div class="post-76411 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-album-reviews tag-album-review tag-album-reviews tag-christopher-roberts tag-john-jenkins tag-john-jenkins-music tag-tuebrook" style="box-sizing:border-box;" id="post-76411" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Review">
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<strong>JOHN JENKINS</strong><br><i>TUEBROOK</i><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span lang="en-CA">JOHN JENKINS MUSIC</span></a><br><img src="https://spillmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/RATING_4_of_5.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="29" width="150" /></h3>
<p><i>Tuebrook</i> is John Jenkins’ first album since <a class="no-pjax" href="https://spillmagazine.com/59478" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021’s <i>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love</i> album</a>. While <i>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love </i>is a fantastic album, Jenkins goes deeper and has delivered one incredible album that packs a very hard punch. It is a beautifully gentle folk-rock album with country influences and is a deeply personal album full of incredible songs. Tuebrook is an area in Liverpool that Jenkins spent a great deal of time as he grew up. But Jenkins is clear that this is not an album about the area but rather the area inspired the songs.</p>
<p>Jenkins’ lyrics are really poems set to music. He expresses so much in his songs. The album opens with “Shadows”. “<i>I was walking through this town/Been here since I was born</i>”. “<i>Something about it now makes me sad</i>,” he sings. This is followed by “Christopher Roberts”, which features a recording of Jenkins as a child, about a childhood friend and wondering where he is now. This is something which we can all understand. He accompanies this song with a gentle melody and it is so powerful.</p>
<p>And this is the whole of the album. Jenkins has written some of his most haunting and beautiful melodies. He has always been able to write an incredible tune, but this album is chock full of songs that flow from song to song. The arrangements are sparse and leave a lot of space for him to tell his tales. The production is perfect and co-producer Jon Lawton gives him the room he needs. The two work together perfectly. Jenkins can take the stories to another level because of the incredible music and his wonderful and emotional vocals.</p>
<p><i>Tuebrook</i> stands out in the same way <i>Nebraska</i> stood out for Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty’s <i>Wildflowers</i>. It is a deeply personal album that had to have been difficult for Jenkins to not only record but release to the world.</p>
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John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7240812
2023-07-12T20:37:06+01:00
2023-07-12T21:14:23+01:00
"The Mystery Train Radio Show" Says "TUEBROOK" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/MTrainRadio/mystery-train-radio-show-playlist-listen-again-090723/">https://www.mixcloud.com/MTrainRadio/mystery-train-radio-show-playlist-listen-again-090723/</a></p><p>Thank you Alex at "The Mystery Train Radio Show" for playing 'Christopher Roberts' and telling everyone my new Album "TUEBROOK" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED X</p><p>#TUEBROOK,<br>#christopherroberts,<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/96a9c5375338275778c71a6196f2fad061e5899b/original/mystery-train.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>#johnjenkinsmusic,<br>#americanamusic, #countrymusic, #johnjenkins, #nashvillemusic, #liverpoolmusic, #singersongwriter, #growingold, #jacksonsfarm, #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband,<br>#BCMA, <br>#AMAUK, <br>#Roots, #Rootsmusic, #Storytelling<br>#newalbum, #Americana,</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7236777
2023-07-04T18:28:58+01:00
2023-07-04T18:28:58+01:00
Fatea Review of Tuebrook - "a little gem"
<h2>Reviews</h2><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"><img src="https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/assets/images/contentImages/JohnJenkins4.jpg" class="size_orig justify_Right border_" alt="John Jenkins" height="216" width="216" /></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"><strong>Artist:</strong>John Jenkins</span><br><strong>Album:</strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> Tuebrook</span><br><strong>Label:</strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> Fretsore</span><br><strong>Tracks:</strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> 11</span><br><strong>Website:</strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/</strong></a><br> </p><p>Named for an area of Liverpool where he spent a lengthy part of his childhood, attending church and both his infant and junior schools, although not all of the songs specifically relate to it. With Jenkins on piano and accompanied by Pippa Murdie on backing vocals and guitar, Chris Howard on keyboards and co-producer Jon Lawton providing programming, bass, guitars, lap steel, percussion and keyboards, it opens with the gently acoustic 'Shadows', a reflection on how, like many areas, a combination of lack of infrastructure or financial support, bad decisions made by local governments, shifting population and economic issues, Truebrook fell into decline, becoming a shadow of its former self and, while the line "they built a highway through this town/Some call it 'The Road to Nowhere'" may not be literally true, "the places I cared about the most/Are no longer there" most certainly is.</p><p>That's followed by 'Christopher Roberts' which opening with piano, accompanied on guitar and featuring audio recordings of John Jenkins Snr and John Jenkins Jnr, is a wistful memory of a friend in junior school "A little wet behind the ears…Exchanging comics/Marvel, and DC/Bursting tar bubbles/Scrubbing our hands with margarine") whom he never saw again after they all went to different secondary schools.</p><p>Drifting dreamily, 'Maybe I Just Came Along For The Ride' is more the result of a lyrical idea than anything specifically autobiographical, a reflection on a lost relationship ("Desire can run its course/Was it nothing but a twist of fate?... I had to let it go/Like ripples on a pond that move away/Read something in her face/Oh, I wish I could have stayed").</p><p>Again of a storytelling rather than a personal persuasion, taking inspiration from its mention in 'Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day' and the fact it sounds more romantic than Cleethorpe, set to the traditional melody of 'Wayfaring Stranger', 'Idaho' with its steady plucked guitar rhythm and Murdie's harmonies, is a tale of two lovers, "Far too young, far too green", running away in search of a dream only to find tragedy instead ("Poor Jenny well she got pregnant/Lost the baby, I lost my wife/Where once we spoke of the future/I only speak of the past"). Played out with fingerpicked notes and a gently tumbling melody, 'Passing Time' sounds a similar note ("We got married in September/A case of the cart before the horse/Well, she left me in November/I guess I was no fun after all/I hooked up with some girl in Texas/Best years of my life so I thought/Until she left me for a girl from Memphis"), a reflection on what was and what might have been that comes with growing older ("I took each day as it came/Maybe I should have listened more/Where we only passing time/Trying to make some sense of it all?").</p><p>Another narrative song, based on someone he once worked with, '43 And Counting' is bitterly sad mid-tempo waltzer played out on dark guitar notes sung from the perspective of a woman who wanted children but whose partner did not and has now left her for a younger woman, her biological clock now ticking away ("I was a fool to myself/And I wanted a baby, a family/And I had to listen when he told it was not going to be/And I feel so betrayed/Every year that I've lost makes me feel like they're coffin nails/And he has a new life and a wife of his own/He left me this solitary house but I live alone")</p><p>Returning to matters autobiographical, opening with birdsong and the sound of a milkman delivering, and featuring an audio recording of his grandmother, Bella, who he called Ma, 'A Child's Sense of Wonder' has a Dave Brubeck swing with its brushed drums, jazz guitar and keys, as he sings of how she'd allay his fears ("that face you see on the wardrobe door/Is only a grain in the wood") and soothe him to sleep, adding a poignant observation on how "when you grow older/The "Man in the Moon" disappears".</p><p>Murdie again on harmonies, the resigned circling melody 'She Feels Nothing' is another that sprang from a story idea, here a relationship that has turned loveless ("Long ago it seemed so easy/The queen and king of the ball/But now two ghosts drifting/Trying to find their way home/She feels nothing for this love/A love shallow to which she is bound").</p><p>He returns to Tuebrook and childhood for the sad memories of the intimately sung 'William', a song about William Geary, a childhood friend who lived next door to him for 20 years, who married, moved away and had two daughters before falling into alcoholism, unable to control the addition despite the support he received, eventually dying of pneumonia. Poignantly, it opens and closes with a 1978 audio recordings of the two of them mucking about singing together.</p><p>The penultimate number, the sparsely strummed 'Lost in the Storm (A Sadness Far Too Heavy)' again has a downcast mood, reminiscing on things past and lost, of a weariness of battling the daily odds that embraces both the local priest ("Father Tom grows weary of hearing people's truths/'Do they ever learn from the that mistakes they do?'/Kneels down at the altar floor/And he prays to Cecilia 'Can I take much more?'") and Rita, a woman for whom the lustre of romance has long lost its shine ("Another Friday night in Tuebrook/He promised her the earth and the Moon/But all she has is a heart that feels bruised/All this time lost in the storm").</p><p>Sung by the infants choir at "Our Lady, Star of the Sea" School, Seaforth, it ends, though, on a more upbeat note with the brief 'Mr. Ford's Hardware Store', a nostalgic memory of and tribute to a small old local shop that was "packed with every conceivable household good from floor to ceiling and had a smell of soap or detergent powder that was extraordinarily strong", the sort of establishment long vanished from our high streets. In its theme, I was put in mind of Keith West's 'Excerpt From A Teenage Opera', a song Jenkins would have been familiar with as a lad.</p><p>At times warmly nostalgic but without rose-tinted glasses, at others movingly sad, it's an album for those of a certain age who have come to look back on their own younger days and those with whom they shared them, and, as such, it's a little gem.</p><p>Mike Davies</p><p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/JohnJenkins4/">https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/JohnJenkins4/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7236364
2023-07-03T19:19:44+01:00
2023-07-03T19:19:44+01:00
Birmingham Grapevine News re Gig 11th July 2023
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.grapevinebirmingham.com/john-jenkins-to-play-at-the-wellington-birmingham-11th-july-2023/">https://www.grapevinebirmingham.com/john-jenkins-to-play-at-the-wellington-birmingham-11th-july-2023/</a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/ada2bd4eaff167782e7a9a9a2cfceb34c1b4acee/original/grapevine.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7235321
2023-06-30T21:51:51+01:00
2023-06-30T21:58:08+01:00
Tuebrook Review - Stereo Stickman USA 30th June2023
<p style="text-align:center;">My 2nd review of the new album is another positive one </p><p style="text-align:center;"><i><strong>“</strong></i><span style="color:rgb(33,37,41);"><i><strong>a uniquely evocative collection of songs, a timeless and consistently heartfelt listen, and effectively extends further still the ever-genuine repertoire of John Jenkins.”</strong></i></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-tuebrook/"><span style="color:rgb(33,37,41);"><strong>https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-tuebrook/</strong></span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;">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.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><i>Shadows </i>opens up the project <a class="no-pjax" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuebrook"><i>Tuebrook</i></a><i> </i>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.</p><p style="text-align:center;">This set-up proves fairly consistent, reliable for the long-form music fan, but within <i>Tuebrook </i>it’s undoubtedly the stories that connect all the more strongly.</p><p style="text-align:center;">Consider the shift for <i>Christopher Roberts, </i>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.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><i>Maybe I Just Came Along For the Ride </i>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.</p><p style="text-align:center;">A welcomed switch in rhythm and vibe hits for the brilliantly bass-led and unmistakable <i>Idaho, </i>another outright favourite, before the stripped-back folk finger-style of <i>Passing Time </i>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.</p><p style="text-align:center;">Reflecting on the inevitable consequences of growing older, <i>43 and Counting </i>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.</p><p style="text-align:center;">Another quickly satisfying story and scene is <i>A Child’s Sense of Wander, </i>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.</p><blockquote><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>“When you grow older, the man in the moon disappears…”</strong></p></blockquote><p style="text-align:center;">Other highlights towards the end include the simple strum and personalized story of John’s childhood neighbor <i>William,</i> and the nostalgic realness and cinematic escapism of a child choir, seemingly captured some time ago, for the closing track <i>Mr. Ford’s Hardware Store.</i></p><p style="text-align:center;">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, <i>Tuebrook </i>makes for a timeless and consistently heartfelt listen, and effectively extends further still the ever-genuine repertoire of John Jenkins.</p><p style="text-align:center;">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.</p><p style="text-align:center;">Album out July 7th. Read our interview with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://stereostickman.com/interviews/john-jenkins-2/">John Jenkins</a>, follow him on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/johnjenkinsmusicliverpool">Facebook</a>, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://twitter.com/JohnJenkins2020">Twitter</a> & <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/johnjenkinsliverpool/">Instagram</a> or visit his <a class="no-pjax" href="https://johnjenkinsmusic.com/">Website</a>. </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7235211
2023-06-30T18:57:44+01:00
2023-06-30T18:57:44+01:00
Sounds of the North West - Released Today
<div class="tralbumData tralbum-about" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(54, 54, 54);font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-top:2em;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><a class="no-pjax" href="https://soundsofthenorthwest.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-of-the-north-west">https://soundsofthenorthwest.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-of-the-north-west</a></div><div class="tralbumData tralbum-about" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(54, 54, 54);font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-top:2em;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>This free sampler: Sounds of the North West is just a selected sample of the wide array of talent within the Alt-country/Americana scene within North Western England.<br><br>Be sure to look out for joint gigs featuring several of the bands here in the future. Please check out their individual pages for more info.<br><br>We hope that this compilation can build a wider audience for Americana/Alt-country music from the North West, not just in Lancashire but across the UK and further afield.</div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/2b8543cc0e6d8f9554bf36ca962b8f350da0e99b/original/cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div class="tralbumData tralbum-credits" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(54, 54, 54);font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-top:2em;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>released June 30, 2023<br><br>Ian M Bailey, The Swells, Greenhorses, Simon James, Matt Hill, Grain Electric, John Jenkins & the James Street Band, Red Moon Joe, Ash Mountain, Reid Anderson, The Cornelius Crane</div>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7234619
2023-06-29T17:43:39+01:00
2023-06-29T17:43:39+01:00
Americana UK - A COMPILATION THAT SHINES A DESERVING SPOTLIGHT ON SOME GREAT EMERGING AND MORE ESTABLISHED TALENT FROM THE NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND.
<p>Americana UK give the compilation “Sounds of the North West” a 7/10 rating today which also gives a name check to “Trying My Best (to get away from you) in its review - ”<span style="color:#101517;"><i>If something retro is what you’re looking for, John Jenkins & the James Street Band have you covered with <span>‘Trying My Best (to Get Away From You)’</span> with its rockabilly-lite undertones, the lyrics speaking of a relationship that Jenkins just cannot quit (<span>“I once believed our love was good / But now it seems I misunderstood / When she said “for better or worse / How was I to know she was reading me a curse?”</span>). "</i></span></p><p><span style="color:#101517;">Full review in this link here ;</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americana-uk.com/various-artists-sounds-of-the-north-west#respond"><span style="color:#101517;">https://americana-uk.com/various-artists-sounds-of-the-north-west#respond</span></a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7233052
2023-06-27T10:46:34+01:00
2023-06-27T10:46:35+01:00
John Jenkins - Bonus CD Tracks free with Pre-Orders - CAFE SONGS VOLUME 1
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/8c4307dcd87d0ae2df8a18cef25c888be4b60347/original/front-cover-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/fdf2d2b8c8453046763175f4290d967199c9e325/original/back-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p> </p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Cd's should be ready by end of next week -</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">For those that are pre-ordering you'll not only get the CD/Download copy as well but a bonus EP that consistes of 4 exclusive songs recorded especially for you</div>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Anyone wishing to help out and Pre-Order the album it would be gratefully appreciated - Link Here ...</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">
<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook?fbclid=IwAR3dt5xgGR1QIoIXmnDOJqyizYKRurZGvZCqfX6I0laXeyx6yc9WqkQecuU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook</span></a>...</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Its already had a 5 Star Review courtsesy of Liverpool Sound and Vision</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/tuebrook-album-reviews?fbclid=IwAR14HVaIIPWD5x7-36O7lDGsd8cxJRo1f68hWRMNlYIUwSiFLuJU_ij10s4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/tuebrook-album-reviews</span></a></div>
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John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7229914
2023-06-21T08:51:27+01:00
2023-06-21T08:51:28+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Live at The Chemic Tavern 9th July 2023
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/john-jenkins-pippa-murdie-live-chemic-tavern-9th-july-2023">https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/john-jenkins-pippa-murdie-live-chemic-tavern-9th-july-2023</a></p><p> </p><p><span style="color:black;">After the success of his tour in 2021, John Jenkins is back on the road promoting his latest album <i>Tuebrook. </i>Accompanying John will be Pippa Murdie.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">In the lull of the pandemic John Jenkins has been anything but quiet. He has written and recorded a whole new album in Liverpool, digging deeper than ever to include songs that are personal and intimate, a blend of fiction and memoir drawn from John’s own life; some are the stuff of novels and cinema. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">Supporting John throughout the tour dates are a selection of Singer-Songwriters from the “Talent is Timeless” global age-positive songwriting community (34 acts in total with as many of 4 acts per night)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="color:black;">For the Leeds date local music artists will be special guests Donna Canale, Rob Nicklas and Pam Johnson.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7228863
2023-06-19T14:52:46+01:00
2023-06-19T14:54:40+01:00
John Jenkins Returns to York Soon
<h2> </h2><p>After the success of his tour in 2021, <strong>John Jenkins</strong> is back on the road promoting his latest album <i><strong>Tuebrook</strong></i>. Accompanying John will be <strong>Pippa Murdie.</strong></p><p>In the lull of the pandemic John Jenkins has been anything but quiet. He has written and recorded a whole new album in Liverpool, digging deeper than ever to include songs that are personal and intimate, a blend of fiction and memoir drawn from John’s own life; some are the stuff of novels and cinema.</p><p>Supporting John throughout the tour dates are a selection of singer-songwriters from the<strong> Talent is Timeless </strong>global age-positive songwriting community (34 acts in total with as many of 4 acts per night). For the York date local music artists will be special guests <strong>John D Hastings </strong>and <strong>Roz Walker.</strong> The tour comes to <strong>FortyFive Vinyl Cave </strong>in York on July 8th 2023.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://yorkcalling.co.uk/2023/06/19/john-jenkins-returns-to-york-soon/">https://yorkcalling.co.uk/2023/06/19/john-jenkins-returns-to-york-soon/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7227679
2023-06-16T17:56:57+01:00
2023-06-16T17:56:57+01:00
John Jenkins: Tuebrook. Album Review. Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * * (5 stars)
<p><span>John Jenkins: Tuebrook. Album Review.</span><br><span>Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *</span><br><br><span>My first review in respect of my "TUEBROOK" Album has come through and its a 5 Star Review which i'm absolutely chuffed with.</span><br><span>My music gets comparisons to a lot of other songwriters, a couple of times Bob Dylan is quoted but 'Dylan Thomas' is a new one for me but i absolutely understand why. "Under Milkwood" is a classic work of literature that "recognises the goodness that people are capable of and the warmth of friendship, family and community that can still bind us together". </span><br><span>My album has similiar themes throughout. </span><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2023/06/16/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/"><span>https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2023/06/16/john-jenkins-tuebrook-album-review/</span></a><br><br><span>"Tuebrook is a piece of art that moves the listener, cajoles it, defends the right of the listener to feel the crush of overwhelming humanity, and then lifts with hope…this is an album for the age, and to hear it is to love it.” </span><br><br><span>Thank you Ian D Hall for such a lovely review and for understanding my art x</span><br><br><span>Link to pre-orders here - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-new-album-pre-order-now-available"><span>https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-new-album-pre-order-now-available</span></a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7226970
2023-06-15T14:00:04+01:00
2023-06-15T14:03:21+01:00
Help Musicians - Thank You
<p>I'm very grateful to ‘Help Musicians’ for the financial assistance in my album recordig and July Tour - Just wanted people to release that without their support i could not do what i want to do with my music. </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7226969
2023-06-15T13:56:43+01:00
2023-06-15T13:56:43+01:00
Sounds of the Northwest - James Street Band part of this Compilation - 30th June 2023 Release date
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyQWkW5y8xDbH0mbIU04elKYzc4k5xdGZ"><span>https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyQWkW5y8xDbH0mbIU04elKYzc4k5xdGZ</span></a><br><br><span>Very pleased to be part of this project with some fine artists</span><br><span>check the tracks out - Remember its absolutely free from 30th June 2023 as well</span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/70daae93652e0b28a476067afcf71de3faace039/original/sounds-of-the-new-west.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7223740
2023-06-09T13:27:12+01:00
2023-06-09T13:27:12+01:00
Tickets for York Show at FortyFive Cafe now on Sale
<p><span style="color:#000000;">[Indie/Alt] Fretsore Records recording artist John Jenkins is carving out a path for himself as a renowned singer/songwriter on the UK folk, country, and Americana scene. He is a critically acclaimed award-winning recording artist and staple of the Merseyside singer-songwriter scene. [£5 Adv]</span></p><p> </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fortyfiveuk.com/events/live-john-jenkins"><span style="color:#000000;">https://www.fortyfiveuk.com/events/live-john-jenkins</span></a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7221485
2023-06-05T18:20:10+01:00
2023-06-05T18:22:34+01:00
Help Musicians Tour Granted accepted
<p>So please to announce that my Funding Submission to ‘Help Musicians’ for the July Tour was sucessful so it will enable to go ahead with my tour and travel as well as invest in some needed publicity around the tour and new album. </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7211296
2023-05-18T15:50:55+01:00
2023-05-18T15:50:55+01:00
John Jenkins & The James Street Band appear on the " Sounds of ther New West CD Sampler" - Available from 30th Jun 2023
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/ebe11a242e73bb415b95de0d83705d926c5271f5/original/sounds-of-the-new-west.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7210811
2023-05-17T20:10:50+01:00
2023-05-17T20:10:50+01:00
Americana UK Website - Review of Video: John Jenkins “Christopher Roberts”
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://americana-uk.com/video-john-jenkins-christopher-roberts">https://americana-uk.com/video-john-jenkins-christopher-roberts</a></p><p>Check out the latest single from Liverpool singer-songwriter John Jenkins. Runner-up in the Americana UK ‘Emerging Artist’ category back in 2021, Jenkins is a talented writer, whose thoughtful lyrics and reflective songs draw the listener in.<i> ‘Christopher Roberts’</i> is a gently compelling song that engages right from the beginning, thanks to the inclusion of actual an spoken-recording from Jenkins’ childhood. Then, his delicate strum and understated vocal feel absorbingly intimate.</p><p>Jenkins explains the song’s background: <i>“This is an autobiographical song. When I was in junior school, Christopher Roberts was a school class friend I had. Being a catholic school and doing our 11 plus exam everyone in our class ended up going to different senior schools. I never saw him again once we moved on and I often wonder how life treated him, did he marry, has he a family? I sometimes think that as over 50 years have passed I could be sitting facing him in a pub or next to him at a bus stop and be totally unaware it is him. Incidentally the father and child recordings at the beginning of the song talking about school is actually me and my Dad from about 1964.” </i>It’s a charming and nostalgic story that prompts our own reflections on the people who have come and gone during the course of our lives. <i> ‘Christopher Roberts’</i> is a personal song that easily becomes universal and meaningful for all of us. We’ve all got our own Christopher Roberts.</p><p>The Brian Roberts-directed video reinforces the song’s themes of childhood, memory and the passage of time. There’s a clever moment at the end, summing up the song, when the younger versions of John and Christopher fade away; it’s touching and relatable.</p><p>Jenkins’ previous record was the well-received<i> ‘If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love’</i>, which is well worth checking out. This is the second single from forthcoming album <i>‘Tuebrook’</i>, which is due out on 7th July 2023. He says of the new record: <i>“I was tempted to call my new album ’63’ after my age like Adele does with her albums but I bottled out because it looked a bit naff on the cover plus I’d be questioned where the other 62 albums were in my catalogue!” </i>Enjoy.</p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7205539
2023-05-09T14:29:39+01:00
2023-05-09T14:29:40+01:00
John Jenkins - 'Tuebrook' - New Album Pre-Order Now Available
<p style="text-align:center;"> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/314ad84b162450c3792f615a91a1565979c3aaf9/original/2023-02-01-tuebrook-the-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-new-album-pre-order-now-available" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US"><strong>https://johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-tuebrook-new-album-pre-order-now-available</strong></span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">I am now taking Pre-Orders for my forthcoming album </span><span lang="DE">“</span><span lang="EN-US">Tuebrook</span><span>” </span><span lang="DE">on CD.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">Those who kindly make a pre-order will also get a free download of the album as soon as it becomes available (about 2 weeks before the physical CD, which is due for release on Friday 7th July 2023).</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">With this pre-ordered album, as well as receiving the digital download I will include exclusive bonus tracks not available on the CD and with any pre-orders I will also send you a free download copy of my new single </span><span lang="DE">“Christopher Roberts</span><span>” </span><span lang="EN-US">which was released on Friday 5th May 2023.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">The album contains 11 tracks:</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;">
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">Shadows</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">Christopher Roberts</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">Maybe I Just Came Along for the Ride</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">Idaho</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">Passing Time</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">43 and Counting</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">She Feels Nothing</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">A Child’s Sense of Wonder</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">William</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">A Sadness Far Too Heavy (Lost in the Storm)</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">
<span style="color:black;">Mr Ford’s Hardware Store</span><o:p></o:p>
</li>
</ul><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">The album is quite personal; many of the songs relate to people and things I recall from Tuebrook.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">I lived in West Derby but on the border of West Derby/Tuebrook, although at one time Borella Road where I lived became </span><span lang="DE">“</span><span lang="EN-US">Stoneycroft</span><span>”</span><span lang="EN-US">, then it went back to </span><span lang="DE">“</span><span>West Derby”</span><span lang="EN-US">, and then one day in the 2000</span><span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s the road sign showing the boundaries of West Derby was moved a little further up West Derby Road which meant we were moved to Tuebrook.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">I went to Junior and Infants School at St Cecilia</span><span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">s in Green Lane, Tuebrook and my school friends all lived in Tuebrook.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">About half the songs on the album are about Tuebrook or characters or feelings I have about the place. I should point out this is not </span><span lang="DE">“</span><span lang="EN-US">Tuebrook The Musical</span><span>”</span><span lang="EN-US">. They are stand-alone songs that have some thematic link.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">I made a big decision to have this album pretty much stripped back and the bigger arranged songs I have been working on at the same time will be part of my next release or some of the free bonus tracks I</span><span> will</span><span lang="EN-US"> be sending out. I get asked quite a bit to release a stripped-back album, to record one without the big fuller arranged songs that have the kitchen sink thrown in, so this time around I</span><span>’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve taken this on board and I hope you enjoy this artistic decision. It also makes sense as I</span><span> will</span><span lang="EN-US"> be touring in July around the UK with Pippa Murdie so it</span><span> will</span><span lang="EN-US"> be an album I can play quite faithfully to the recorded version.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">As usual, I</span><span> have</span><span lang="EN-US"> been working at Crosstown Studios with my wonderful Co-Producer Jon Lawton. Additional musicians on this release are Pippa Murdie and Chris Howard.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">Finally, I would just like to say a big thank you to those that have supported me and my music over the last few years. It is never taken for granted and very much appreciated. I hope you enjoy this new album as much as I have enjoyed working on it over the last few months.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">Love John x</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">Expected release: July 7, 2023</span><o:p></o:p></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/f2b4f6104e45f21324fd1795a7f8b3e3c9095953/original/tuebrook-back-cover-3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7193649
2023-04-20T12:11:01+01:00
2023-04-20T12:15:49+01:00
Two songs included on the Tailgaters Country Collection Spotify Playlist
<p style="text-align:center;">Very pleased to say two of my songs (Looking For That American Dream & Rodeo Girl) have been included on the Tailgaters Country Collection Spotify Playlist. Check this out </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6rbHm9OSezVALK8UFyB8mz?si=_noQ7_txSRa7eMgncck6jw">https://open.spotify.com/album/6rbHm9OSezVALK8UFyB8mz?si=_noQ7_txSRa7eMgncck6jw</a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/07c359aae92b670ccaece0bd4b6e1463bd1a8ad4/original/tailgaters.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7190981
2023-04-15T18:17:18+01:00
2023-04-15T18:18:29+01:00
Folking.com - Singles Bar 88 Includes "Shadows" Single
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://folking.com/singles-bar-88-a-round-up-of-recent-eps-and-singles/"><span class="text-big"><strong>https://folking.com/singles-bar-88-a-round-up-of-recent-eps-and-singles/</strong></span></a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/cf17eebb0eb78a0b04e37b3a148645c06f4f742c/original/singles-bar-88.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7189430
2023-04-13T15:44:31+01:00
2023-04-13T15:44:31+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - July 2023 Tour Details
<div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">Very pleased to share this with everyone.</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">I've still got to sort my date out for Oxford and possibly somewhere on 7th July 2023 but been able to set up the following dates for my little tour and able to have 31 different artists play over the 3-week period (some artists are duos/trios so there's probably 40 people involved).</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">95% from the "Talent is Timeless" Community - These include in alphabetical order: Adrian Norris, Andy Szpuk, Ann Radcliffe, Bob Gallie, Broken Harbours, Christopher Penney, Dick Jenkins, Donna Canale, Huw James, Ian F Ball, Joe Doonan, John Booth, John D Hastings, John Williams/Martin Pleass, Julie,Mel & Hannah, Lara Gisborne, Mark Winters, Mike O'Brien, Pam Johnson, Pete Lambert, Rebecca Richards, Robert Nicklas, Roz Walker, SPLITLEVELmusic, Steve McGrady, Simon Sometimes, Steve Strawhead, Tennessee Waltz, Tony Wille, Trudi Brunskill,, Westbound Picadilly. I hope I haven't missed anyone out here!</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">All we now need is an audience! and FUNDING! </div>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7187567
2023-04-11T13:13:20+01:00
2023-04-11T13:13:20+01:00
ACM Award-winning singer/songwriter, Brandon Ray gives Feedback on song "Shadows"
<p> </p><p><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">ACM Award-winning singer/songwriter, Brandon Ray, has established his career over the past decade in Nashville, TN releasing top 40 singles, performing over 150 shows a year opening for artists like Dan + Shay, Willie Nelson, Jon Pardi, Chase Rice, and more. As a songwriter, he has landed top placements with many major brands for TV and film.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Here he gives feedback about my last single “Shadows” as part of the ‘Nashville Songwriters Association International’ online Feedback:<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/c4549fe5f80dab6582a693861e667783148234a7/original/brandon-ray.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/d4c92abaf18c2f5c2328c374abcf5fabc1437db1/original/brandon.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vimeo.com/815482655/5269c6f6ea"><strong>https://vimeo.com/815482655/5269c6f6ea</strong></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Link above starts around 31 mins in</strong></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7186616
2023-04-09T15:04:17+01:00
2023-04-09T15:06:34+01:00
Christopher Roberts - New Single Release Information
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:red;"><span lang="EN-US">"Christopher Roberts”</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:red;"><span lang="EN-US">Release date of May 5<sup>th</sup> 2023 from all digital platforms and Bandcamp and available <u>now</u> from John’s Website</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">John will be releasing the follow up to the critically acclaimed “Fretsore Record” solo album “If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love”, with a new solo album due out on 7<sup>th</sup> July 2023 called “Tuebrook”.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">“Christopher Roberts” is the second release from this album and the follow up to the recently released song “Shadows.”</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">Recorded at Crosstown Studios in Liverpool with Jon Lawton and Pippa Murdie. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">“This is an autobiographical song. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">When I was in junior school, Christopher Roberts was a school class friend I had. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">Being a catholic school and doing our 11 plus exam </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">Everyone in our class ended up going to different senior schools. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">I never saw him again once we moved on and I often wonder how life treated him, did he marry, has he a family?</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">I sometimes think that as over 50 years have passed, I could be sitting facing him in a pub or next to him at a bus stop and be totally unaware it is him.” </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">I was tempted to call my new album “63” after my age like Adele does with her albums but I bottled it out </span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">because it looked a bit naff on the cover plus I’d be questioned where the other 62 albums where in my catalogue”</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span lang="EN-US">Incidentally the father and child recordings at the beginning of the song talking about school is actually me and my Dad from about 1964.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/1FeQdifowwo" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ffffff;">https://youtu.be/1FeQdifowwo</span></a></p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7179827
2023-03-28T17:06:03+01:00
2023-03-28T17:11:00+01:00
Made it on to the British Country Music Association Newspage this week
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://britishcma.co.uk/2023/03/03/john-jenkins-releases-new-single-shadows/" target="_blank">https://britishcma.co.uk/2023/03/03/john-jenkins-releases-new-single-shadows/</a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/315fdcd20e42264f1b956adf0a1cdb81a8ebad3f/original/bcma-shadows-bigger.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7178709
2023-03-26T16:05:51+01:00
2023-03-26T16:05:52+01:00
"Good Vibes (Top 20 Easy Listening Hits)". "Looking For That American Dream" selected for Spotify Palylist
<p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Hey JOHN JENKINS,</span><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Congrats!</span><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Your song has made it on a compilation album: "Good Vibes (Top 20 Easy Listening Hits)". The compilation is now available in all relevant webshops worldwide.</span><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">See:</span><p></p></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/3gOLc2C7z3zdGah29dpeZ3?si=Y-rMkXYYTq2hXJZrQRQZvQ"><span style="color:#3869D4;">https://open.spotify.com/album/3gOLc2C7z3zdGah29dpeZ3?si=Y-rMkXYYTq2hXJZrQRQZvQ</span></a><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Please share this milestone with the world via Facebook & Twitter, so everyone can see that your music career has reached the next level.</span><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Every 6 months (June and December) there will be a detailed sales overview available in your Compigram account. Please note that your sales can be up to 3 months \‘late\’ due to the different time frames shops and streaming services use to deliver their data to us.</span><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Kind regards,</span><p></p></p><p><span style="color:#3D4852;">Team Compigram</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7168948
2023-03-10T18:47:12+00:00
2023-03-10T18:47:12+00:00
Made it on to the AMAUK Newspage this week
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:center;" dir="auto"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/19acfb7dd52f017f867bb9bb1f265b9fc06a65fd/original/amauk-news-message.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></div><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">
<div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);cursor:default;display:inline-block;float:none;font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;padding:0px 0px 0px 4px;position:relative;text-align:right;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;top:2px;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;z-index:1;' mcafee_wa_ann='{"category":["st","md"],"trust":70,"ttl":3600,"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhac-nsngy0&fbclid=iwar2ca7ssnjxptvzfvwlifhwdf12lgcfcxcos4dt1jnv69ccr2hamlx4v7c4","flag":8,"dossierUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhac-nsngy0&fbclid=iwar2ca7ssnjxptvzfvwlifhwdf12lgcfcxcos4dt1jnv69ccr2hamlx4v7c4"}' waprocessedid="rx9clm"> </div>
<div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);cursor:default;display:inline-block;float:none;font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;padding:0px 0px 0px 4px;position:relative;text-align:right;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;top:2px;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;z-index:1;' mcafee_wa_ann='{"category":["st","md"],"trust":70,"ttl":3600,"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhac-nsngy0&fbclid=iwar2ca7ssnjxptvzfvwlifhwdf12lgcfcxcos4dt1jnv69ccr2hamlx4v7c4","flag":8,"dossierUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhac-nsngy0&fbclid=iwar2ca7ssnjxptvzfvwlifhwdf12lgcfcxcos4dt1jnv69ccr2hamlx4v7c4"}' waprocessedid="rx9clm"> </div>
<div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);cursor:default;display:inline-block;float:none;font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;padding:0px 0px 0px 4px;position:relative;text-align:right;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;top:2px;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;z-index:1;' mcafee_wa_ann='{"category":["st","md"],"trust":70,"ttl":3600,"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhac-nsngy0&fbclid=iwar2ca7ssnjxptvzfvwlifhwdf12lgcfcxcos4dt1jnv69ccr2hamlx4v7c4","flag":8,"dossierUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhac-nsngy0&fbclid=iwar2ca7ssnjxptvzfvwlifhwdf12lgcfcxcos4dt1jnv69ccr2hamlx4v7c4"}' waprocessedid="rx9clm"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/zHaC-NSNGY0" target="_blank"><span class="text-big">https://youtu.be/zHaC-NSNGY0</span></a></div>
</div>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7168939
2023-03-10T18:33:35+00:00
2023-03-10T18:33:35+00:00
Trying My Best (to get away from you) Number 9 in N1M Charts
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/911bc15b9d4d80e6e50929755299ec1b74575dbc/original/n1m.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7166004
2023-03-06T15:44:00+00:00
2023-03-06T15:46:38+00:00
Mystery Train play 5th March 2023
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/themysterytrain/mystery-train-radio-show-playlist-listen-again-050323/">https://www.mixcloud.com/themysterytrain/mystery-train-radio-show-playlist-listen-again-050323/</a></p><p>Big thanks to Alex Huskisson for playing “Shadows ” between Neil Young and Elvis Costello . Not bad company to be included in.</p><p>A little bit of my biography he's mixed up with a other John Jenkins but he did have some lovely words to say.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7165479
2023-03-05T09:56:45+00:00
2023-03-05T09:56:46+00:00
Liverpool Country Music Festival Cancelled - UPDATE
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/84cc1acfe2a404d08a0b30f83155da4a412398b6/original/image.png/!!/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7160983
2023-02-26T16:27:54+00:00
2023-02-26T16:27:54+00:00
Feature in the Lyric Magazine "Writeaway" Issue 50 - February 2023
<div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/f7b2391f5f953e15e3facb104373b94e401dbd43/original/lyric-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" />I'm featured in this months songwriting magazine "Write Away" alongside that other unknown singer songwriter 'Randy Newman' who's been around longer than me trying to get a break.</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">Anyway it's a free magazine and the link is above.</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto">Lyric featured is from my last album "If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love " and the song "The Last Train from Baltimore ".</div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:right;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto"> </div><div style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(36, 37, 38);color:rgb(228, 230, 235);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:right;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;' dir="auto"> </div><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/e487cfe787c1241f0ac18b24e3fb4e6e4e4214cd/original/lyric-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7157250
2023-02-20T16:37:08+00:00
2023-02-20T16:37:59+00:00
John Jenkins - Shadows - New Single Release Date 3rd March 2023
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/bad0f0ccaa8739e8ce6a4e2178c7332ce277ea92/original/shadows-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span lang="EN-US">John will be releasing the follow up to the critically acclaimed “Fretsore Record” solo album “If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love”, with a new solo album due out on 7<sup>th</sup> July 2023 called “Tuebrook”.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">John will be releasing the follow up to the critically acclaimed “Fretsore Record” solo album “If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love”, with a new solo album due out on 7<sup>th</sup> July 2023 called “Tuebrook”.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">“Shadows” is the first release from this album. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">Recorded at Crosstown Studios in Liverpool with Jon Lawton and Pippa Murdie. This song is an intimate reflection on towns and communities that have fallen by the wayside over the course of years. </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><i><span lang="EN-US">“And all the places I cared about the most are no longer there.”</span></i></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US">“I guess this line from the song sums the whole thing up. Where I lived (Tuebrook) is a shadow of the place I remember growing up in. This applies to the city as well and as far as I can see a lot of other places in the UK and beyond, all of which in need of funding. The sense of community I grew up in has changed, possibly as people grow old, pass on, move away”</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:red;"><span lang="EN-US">“Shadows” will be released on March 3rd 2023, from all digital platforms and Bandcamp. </span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7156831
2023-02-19T16:57:27+00:00
2023-02-19T16:57:27+00:00
John Jenkins July Tour 2023 for "Tuebrook" Album Launch
<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/f575620f89cf1b2ee971a079054ea80a24ecf08b/original/overall-tour-poster.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>I am currently finalising the last few dates for a short “July” tour in July 2023 in support of my next album release “Tuebrook” that will be released on 7<sup>th</sup> July 2023.</strong></span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>The supports in the main have been drawn from the wonderful “Talent is Timeless” Singer songwriters community.</strong></span><p></p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>Tickets are now available for some shows in my calendar home page – check these out.</strong></span><p></p></p><p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7152263
2023-02-11T12:16:33+00:00
2023-02-11T12:16:33+00:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - DITTO SMARTLINK HERE
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://ditto.fm/trying-my-best-to-get-away-from-you" target="_blank"><span class="text-big"><strong>https://ditto.fm/trying-my-best-to-get-away-from-you</strong></span></a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/94941/45debc71c0a66f80573f742aeda0eee7f3c6ec61/original/john-jenkins-the-james-street-band-trying-my-best-release-thumbnail-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7142044
2023-01-23T10:08:13+00:00
2023-01-23T10:08:14+00:00
BCMA Gig at The Cavern - 12th Feb 2023
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/b20cf194bf28a65cb753d06fdd0fc8230be8266f/original/bcma.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>https://www.wtm360.co.uk/cavern-club-magical-mystery-tour-1556629867-bcma-presents-the-horizon-stage-12-02-20 </p>
<p>Looking forward to the first band gig of the year and what a line up to - all for a fiver <br>Ticket line in the link </p>
<p>Thanks <br>John x</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7138272
2023-01-15T16:27:08+00:00
2023-01-15T16:31:02+00:00
“Trying My Best (To Get Away from You)” by John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Due for release 3rd Feb 2023 or now from my shop
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/45debc71c0a66f80573f742aeda0eee7f3c6ec61/original/john-jenkins-the-james-street-band-trying-my-best-release-thumbnail-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />John has been working hard on the follow-up to the critically acclaimed and 2022 Mercury Award Nominated solo album “If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love”, with a new solo album due out on 7th July 2023. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He has also recorded several tracks with his “James Street Band” with a view to a new band album release later in 2023. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The first John Jenkins and the James Street Band album “Looking for that American Dream” was critically acclaimed upon its release in 2020. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Trying My Best (To Get Away from You)” is their first release of 2023. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“I tend to keep the quiet and stripped-back songs for my solo albums, so I quite surprise some listeners with the more up-tempo tunes that I perform and record with the “James Street Band,” John says. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“I guess I look at Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young who have two outlets for their songs – solo and their band stuff. It’s not unique but for me, as a songwriter, it’s a rewarding experience being able to do both kinds of songs, on the albums and in live shows. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“To share the stage with such a great bunch of musicians and talent is so rewarding. I feel quite fortunate. They all are great songwriters themselves so I really have to up my game when bringing songs into our sets. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“We try and put a really good show on. I have written a bunch of new songs with live shows in mind and they've been going down really well with our audiences.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You)” is one of these tracks.” </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Trying My Best (To Get Away from You)” will be released on February 3rd 2023 from all digital platforms and Bandcamp. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">What they said about “John Jenkins and the James Street Band” : </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Here is a Liverpool Band that demands National Attention” - Americana UK 9/10 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“An artist and band well worth looking out for” - Stereo Stickman USA </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Music that never fails to please” – Lonesome Highway Music Magazine USA </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John Jenkins and the James Street Band will be playing at the British Country Music Association Liverpool Country Music Festival on April 9th 2023, at “Camp and Furnace”. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">JOHN JENKINS AND THE JAMES STREET BAND </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John Jenkins- Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">David Nixon – Percussion/Backing Vocals/Harmonica </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pippa Murdie – Mandolin/Guitar/Backing Vocals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Denis Parkinson – Guitar </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Chris Jones – Bass/Backing Vocals </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dave Orford – Drums/Backing Vocals</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7124750
2022-12-18T17:37:38+00:00
2022-12-18T17:37:38+00:00
John Jenkins & the James Street Band to play "LIVERPOOL COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 9th APRIL 2023"
<p style="text-align: center;">LIVERPOOL MUSIC COUNTRY FESTIVAL APRIL 9th 2023 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Extremely honoured and chuffed to have been asked to play at this year's Liverpool Country Music Festival held at the Camp and Furnace on Easter Sunday. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll be doing this show with the band. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We played Formby Festival early this year and the Liverpool International Pop Overthrow Festival as well so hoping this will be the start of getting on the Festival Rounds. Thank you "Ethan Allen" for the phone call and invitation. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lastly, I have a few small intimate gigs coming up with more to add. I'm working on putting a UK tour together in July 2023 in support of the new album so watch this space.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/18cf94cdd798908608874022584f68fe6e4659cb/original/imageedit-3-9082835886.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7118533
2022-12-06T15:24:33+00:00
2022-12-06T15:25:23+00:00
The Persuaders - GREAT EXPECTATIONS - Unreleased sessions now released
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="LINK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ditto.fm/great-expectations-the-persuaders" style="" target="_blank">LINK HERE</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/62901ee271ca6ebbdb2335d49c648cd316f31e5d/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/f7d31481e10c80419ed5f3aab52bb9816364a1a2/original/3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/9d8a006ab48297aacd3cb51b3131e91a1f94c0a2/original/2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7118505
2022-12-06T14:52:21+00:00
2022-12-06T14:53:02+00:00
New Album recieves Funding from "Help The Musicians"
<p>Extremely pleased to say my application to "Help the Musicians" in respect of funding towards my next album was finally succesful so not only is it a relief (financially) but mentally. Hoping the new album will be released on 7th July 2023 (which would have been my Dad's 99th Birthday) - Many thanks to all those at "Help the Musicians" for their encouragement and support xx </p>
<p>@helpmusicians <br>Help Musicians <br>@HelpMusiciansUK</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/701f52e62a3f8b37fd0b81111ea4f61ecf044f5c/original/john-jenkins-r-r.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7116955
2022-12-04T14:44:19+00:00
2022-12-06T14:53:02+00:00
UkCountry Radio Featured artist this weekend Dec 2nd to Dec 4th 2022
<p>Just happen to be featured artist this weekend on UkCountry Radio - Very touched thank you<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/313670e975dd52bc944afe9ec0c3c5dfb34f8bd7/original/jj-uk-country-radio.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7103602
2022-11-16T17:58:24+00:00
2022-11-16T17:58:24+00:00
Some shows coming up
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/50da65156f43a167f1da7c102206720b6e0d7b59/original/john-jenkins.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7097909
2022-11-08T16:28:50+00:00
2022-11-08T16:28:50+00:00
Things to come - What i'm working on currently
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/1edfd1f2f4f70dab283d8b9ed2cb3c1e4d1d1553/original/imageedit-2-2550407889.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>A few people been asking what i've been up to musically so i thought i'd do a little video that shows 3 of the 5 projects i am in the middle of at present <br>1- New Solo album <br>2- John Jenkins & the James Street Band - 2nd Album <br>3 - John Jenkins with "The Final Nails" - Thought it was about time to do something with the country songs i've written over the last 18 months <br>Note - All rough mixes and work in progress and will be tidied up as we go</p>
<p><a contents="VIDEO LINK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/ODnSMmgLyTQ" style="" target="_blank">VIDEO LINK HERE</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7087050
2022-10-23T15:06:38+01:00
2022-10-25T13:00:26+01:00
The Prohibition Recording Studio Gig Friday 21st Oct 2022 - Set List
<p style="text-align: center;">Wonderful Night at "The Prohibition Recording Studio Music Room".</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Le-Verg" were our special guests on the night - We (Alison Benson/Pippa Murdie & I) did 2 sets which included 4 of the songs Alison and I had co-written - Alison and I alternated songs through the sets</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Songs Played: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SET ONE </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Alison - Lily <br>Bitter Harvest <br>Alison - Song of the Liverbird<br>I Miss You <br>Alison - Silent Link </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Daniel White <br><strong>STEP INTO THE DAY (Alison and John)</strong><br>Alison - Time Doesnt Stop <br>Moon and June <br>Alison - Crystal Ball <br>The Last Train from Baltimore <br><strong>My Foolish Girl (Alison and John)</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Set TWO </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Alison - Black Pearls (Unfinished Business) <br>The Wrong Side of Sadness <br>Alison - Drinking with Jesus <br>Easy’s Getting’ Harder Every Day (Pippa and John)<br><strong>Once Upon a Time on a Saturday Night (Alison and John)</strong><br>Alison - Sing My Soul <br>Christopher Roberts <br>Alison - Seek Peace <br>Murphy’s Bar <br><strong>Strangers on a Train (Alison and John)</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/0ad5d87057583a42cb5072f19d5c3ed7fabea42d/original/20221021-203547.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/59ec3df2827e3d0b9ec92798b2e3dd3084e64806/original/20221021-203619.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/aa82b4ad9e9f5c2534faa2b99788eecb08f97acc/original/20221021-203429.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7082388
2022-10-16T13:57:20+01:00
2022-10-16T13:57:21+01:00
The Prohibition Recording Studio Gig Friday 21st Oct 2022
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/8b8b300a1ac2609c37ed6c1768bd0b7563a83c90/original/alison-benson-john-jenkins-one-night-only.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Ticket Link Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.prohibitionrecordingstudios.co.uk/events/john-jenkins-alison-benson-live-at-prohibition-recording-studios/" target="_blank">Ticket Link Here</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Very pleased to say that "Le-Verg" will be our special guests on this coming show - Link to tickets above. <br>This will be a very special night of music and chat and if its half as good as last years show you'll know xxx</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7082051
2022-10-15T16:50:48+01:00
2022-10-15T16:50:48+01:00
John Jenkins and Pippa Murdie - Live at Pierre Griffes, Allerton, Liverpool 12th Oct 2022
<p><a contents="Link to Live Stream Here " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/rtWdWC2E-tU" target="_blank">Link to Live Stream Here </a></p>
<p>John Jenkins and Pippa Murdie - Live at Pierre Griffes, Allerton, Liverpool 12th Oct 2022 -</p>
<p>FULL SET</p>
<p>As part of the "Keeping the Music Sessions"</p>
<p>Rob Gough Promotions</p>
<ul> <li>1. Bitter Harvest</li> <li>2. Moon and June</li> <li>3. I Miss You</li> <li>4. Daniel White</li> <li>5. The Wrong Side of Sadness</li> <li>6. The Last Train from Baltimore</li> <li>7. Easy’s getting harder</li> <li>8. Day after Day</li> <li>9. Murphy’s Bar</li> <li>10. Can You Hear Me?</li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7058560
2022-09-12T19:11:45+01:00
2022-09-12T19:11:45+01:00
Keep the Music Alive gig October 12th 2022
<p><a contents='Tickets for "Keep the Music Alive"' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keep-the-music-going-ft-le-verg-and-john-jenkins-tickets-414956164057" target="_blank">Tickets for "Keep the Music Alive</a>"</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/b95d2b1c6f2e6445cdcabd52eccf1585cb0346fc/original/received-581452157006244.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7053924
2022-09-06T12:04:53+01:00
2022-09-06T12:04:53+01:00
John Jenkins - If You Cant Forgive You Can't Love - Rockin' Magpie Review
<p>This is probably one of the best reviews i have ever had so thought i would share this with you </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><a contents="Link to Rocking Magpie Review " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rockingmagpie.wordpress.com/2022/09/05/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/" target="_blank">Link to Rocking Magpie Review </a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>John Jenkins IF YOU CAN’T FORGIVE; YOU CAN’T LOVE </strong></p>
<p><strong>SEPTEMBER 5, 2022LEAVE A COMMENT </strong></p>
<p><strong>John Jenkins <br>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love <br>Fretstore Records </strong></p>
<p>Extremely Thoughtful and Well Constructed Songs that Will Intrigue and Captivate. </p>
<p>We liked Liverpudlian, John Jenkins ‘ last album GROWING OLD (Songs From the Porch) so much we said that it was “Destined to Linger Long in The Memory” and we meant it and it has. <br>Jump forward two years and a whole a pandemic later and the follow up; follows a similar if ‘edgier’ path on the Americana/Folk highway. <br>The opening track A Stranger to Your Heart instantly introduces us to the new direction with a powerful tale of love of the unrequited guitar work and some frightening violin playing that reminded me of the extraordinary playing by Graeme Smith many years ago in String Driven Thing. <br>Before you have the chance to catch your breath, Jenkins drops the mini-musical Soap Opera, Is That What They Say on us. If you take Jenkins’ singing away from the mix it will still be a very poignant story anyway; but again the instrumentation here, with the introduction of a razor sharp harmonica alongside that impressive violin take this song into a whole new dimension. <br>I had drinks with a friend last week who has began immersing himself in all things Dylan again; because; “There’s no new music around these days that interests me.“ <br>We’ve had this conversation before and I know it’s fruitless to argue; so changed the subject and I’m sure you know someone similar. <br>Now; I’m not for one moment saying John Jenkins is the ‘new Bob Dylan’ … he’s not; but this album and songs like Cracks or the fabulous Strangers On a Train and latterly Desert Hearts should, in many ways intrigue the average Bob Dylan fan or at least the average singer-songwriter fan. Extremely thoughtful and constructed songs that again take Folk Music into the Americana time zone via the Mersey Tunnel. <br>For the second time in as many years I’ve been very impressed with not just John Jenkins’ songwriting; but his singing too; a mellow yet deep voice that adds an extra lustre to The End of Summer and the Gospel tinged The Other Side of Sadness; which wouldn’t sound half as passionate if not sung with that slight Liverpool ‘twang.’ <br>If only John had been born and raised in North America the broadsheets and radio shows would be fawning all over him when they heard Moon and June or the punchy sing-along When The Morning Comes too. <br>For once this is an album from a singer-songwriter that you can enjoy equally as well in the car or doing the ironing on a Sunday night; as for once someone in that ouvre isn’t afraid of a melody and a chorus. <br>Which all brings me to two stand out songs that are vying for the accolade of RMHQ Favourite Song. <br>The deceptively gentle Last Train From Baltimore which has all the hallmarks of a Classic American Folk Song by Paul Simon or Guy Clark; both completely different I know … but when you hear this song you will understand where I’m coming from. <br>Living Someone Else’s Life, on the other hand, is a desperately complex story sung over a delightfully delicate acoustic guitar that will will take time to unfurl and leave you sighing …. “Oooooohhhh Oh!” <br>I desperately don’t want to jeep John Jenkins’ talents to myself like some ‘secret love;’ he’s far too good for that …. treat yourself to something new from someone you’ve never heard of. <br>You can thank me later. </p>
<p>Released August 6th 2022 <br>https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/about-epk </p>
<p>BUY DON’T SPOTIFY <br>https://www.johnjenkinsmusic.com/music-store</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7048486
2022-08-29T17:26:11+01:00
2022-08-29T17:26:11+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Graham Steel Music Club - LIVESTREAM - Full Show 24th Aug 2022
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HcLitgW3kw4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HcLitgW3kw4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HcLitgW3kw4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7048402
2022-08-29T15:46:49+01:00
2022-08-29T15:46:49+01:00
New Dates Announced Sept and Oct 2022
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/f5216d3c14505ae80a3e919deda68e1313b37979/original/jj-pippa.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7042680
2022-08-21T13:26:30+01:00
2022-08-21T13:27:08+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Video of The Acoustic Couch Bracknell 16th Aug 2022 Show
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7eiJ8_vFUFM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7eiJ8_vFUFM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7eiJ8_vFUFM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7029950
2022-08-03T18:35:31+01:00
2022-08-03T18:35:32+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Get Her Out Of My Mind - Live at Formby festival 16th July 2022
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Av7OZV44ZUM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Av7OZV44ZUM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Av7OZV44ZUM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to Marc and the Formby Festival Team for passing on the video of our show there last month. I'll be posting a selection of songs over the next few weeks </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7026491
2022-07-29T17:31:54+01:00
2022-07-29T17:31:54+01:00
One more for the Diaries
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/e81a6f181d4f3deb040601da936a0d5a9d6b83f5/original/sea-shanty.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7026490
2022-07-29T17:31:14+01:00
2022-07-29T17:31:14+01:00
One for the diaries - Graham Steele Music Club Facebook Livestream 24th Aug 2022
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/04b9814a8f9cc97fcd5adf9ec99d14f1425829ce/original/livestream-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7025509
2022-07-28T13:34:55+01:00
2022-07-28T13:36:24+01:00
The Prohibition Rooms - Alsion Benson and I to play a further show a year on
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/c2c516cbb2b0af681cda979c310ba504fccaa91f/original/poster-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Last year one of the highlights for me was "an evening with John and Alison Benson" - We have been asked to do this againand cant wait </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="TICKET LINK " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.prohibitionrecordingstudios.co.uk/events/john-jenkins-alison-benson-live-at-prohibition-recording-studios/" target="_blank"><span class="font_large">TICKET LINK</span> </a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7015529
2022-07-15T17:04:45+01:00
2022-07-28T13:36:24+01:00
Short Tour with Pippa Murdie Aug 2022 -
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/93d60a81aedef2573097dd164df0f8fec41f3884/original/gladstone.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7015397
2022-07-15T12:49:24+01:00
2022-07-15T12:53:32+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - The Big Room Heswall Hall Show Now Cancelled
<p>Apologies to anyone that wanted to come to this event but regretfully due to poor ticket sales "The Big Room" have had to pull the plug on us.</p>
<p>A big thank you to those that bought tickets and "The Big Room" for having faith in us when we set the gig up.</p>
<p>We had hoped to have this show filmed professionally but its just not going to happen unfortunately. Its a shame as the last few gigs we have played the audiences have overwhelmingly loved the shows and made us aware of this. </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7006366
2022-07-02T12:50:49+01:00
2022-07-02T12:51:51+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Graham Steel Music Club Livestream Wed 29th June 2022 -VIDEO
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="G9EggTWo04I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/G9EggTWo04I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G9EggTWo04I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Graham Steel Music Club Livestream Wed 29th June 2022</p>
<p>Set List:</p>
<p>Looking For That American Dream</p>
<p>Laugh Away The Tears</p>
<p>Same Thing Every Night</p>
<p>Bitter Harvest</p>
<p>Get Her Out Of My Mind</p>
<p>Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day</p>
<p>What Did I Have Before</p>
<p>Silhouettes</p>
<p>Murphy's Bar</p>
<p>Can You Hear Me?</p>
<p>I Was Looking For You</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/7002537
2022-06-27T14:31:53+01:00
2022-07-02T12:52:14+01:00
John Jenkins & The James Street Band - Graham Steel Music Club Wed 29th July 2022 - 9pm
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/fa9c4668708f55df7e3dfc36b136cae477e2ad89/original/gsmc-jsb.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6994564
2022-06-15T18:56:30+01:00
2022-06-16T15:46:44+01:00
Klee Music Night - December 16th 2022
<p>I have been asked to participate in another Klee Music Night, The last one was about 3 years ago and these are wonderful events .</p>
<p>THE CONCEPT </p>
<p>The first Klee Music Acoustic Night was a few years back now, and took place at 81 Renshaw Street. Performing that night was Esme Bridie, Sophie Whittle and Elijah James, who after sound check, drew straws to see the order of the night’s performance. The consequence of this is that the vast majority of the audience is present for the whole evening, which is beneficial to all the performers. Also, the audience were very attentive and appreciative - they were there to hear the music and not just to gossip over their beverages. Other performers who were involved in different shows were Thom Morecroft, Nick Ellis, John Jenkins, Alan O’Hare, Marc Vormawah, Daisy Gill and Rachel Jean Harris. </p>
<p>Each performer plays a short 30 minute set in the order chosen, with a ten minute break in between. But the uniqueness of the night comes in the last 30 minute segment of the show, where all three performers take to the stage together. They open up as a trio performing a cover of their choice, and then go on to perform a song that their fellow musician has written - as below. They then close the night with another cover as a trio. </p>
<p>This unique format adds up to a magical musical night</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/77de8d2966972c7937f7171bae7f94206cd377d0/original/klee-advert.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6987682
2022-06-06T15:08:57+01:00
2022-06-06T15:08:57+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Return to "The Big Room, Heswall Hall 6th Aug 2022" - Special Guest JADE THUNDER
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/dfa4b8c26fa6d436ad78b33a5825f389f6c9b2f8/original/john-jenkins-and-the-james-street-band-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><a contents="TICKET LINK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/heswallhall/710728" target="_blank">TICKET LINK HERE</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6980973
2022-05-27T10:14:28+01:00
2022-05-27T10:14:28+01:00
Friday 27th May 2022 at "OAK"
<p>27th May 2022 - I'll be doing a few songs tonight in Greasby - OAK - with Pippa - Join us if you can - Thanks </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/bedb485aef94ebacaacd6e613e296f32241a9fb3/original/oak.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6980972
2022-05-27T10:04:02+01:00
2022-05-27T10:04:02+01:00
James Street Band feature on ConRadio
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/48d1b59c8f21c0326122a498e6b98d782167cf91/original/conrad.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><a contents="Conrad's Show Link here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mixlr.com/conradio/showreel/conradios-ipo" target="_blank">Conrad's Show Link here</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6980133
2022-05-26T11:30:05+01:00
2022-05-27T09:39:06+01:00
Back Recording for New Release
<p>It's been a year but i've started recording some of my new songs at Crosstown Studios in Liverpool with Jon Lawton. I've applied for "Funding Grants" in the last 6 months without any success unfortunately so i've gone to plan B and been selling some of my early "Amazing Spiderman" comics to fund the session. Ironically the song "Christopher Roberts" mentions Marvel and DC comics (Here's a photo of Jon Lawton playing Bass on the song).</p>
<p>So far started work on 2 songs - "Shadows" and the aforementioned "Christopher Roberts" - Details of more to follow. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/7e941670c34126d2e92649cc9826525299369e83/original/jon-lawton-christopher-roberts.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6977686
2022-05-23T16:31:35+01:00
2022-05-23T16:31:35+01:00
Liverpool International Pop Overthrow Festival 2022 - May 22nd 2022 - 2 appearences
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/4ba89a1490eaf45769889eeb27907e86a977032f/original/band.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" />Wonderful Time had by all at the Liverpool International Pop Overthrow Festival yesterday to round am 8 day festival that included artist all over the world.</p>
<p>John Jenkins and The James Street Band put in 2 shows - The first at 5.30pm at the infamous Cavern Club and then a Midnight Show in the Cavern Pub.</p>
<p>We played the same set at each show and received a wonderful reception - Songs played:</p>
<ol> <li>Looking For That American Dream</li> <li>Same Thing Every Night</li> <li>Laugh Away the Tears</li> <li>What Did I Have Before? (David Nixon)</li> <li>Silhouettes</li> <li>Can You Hear Me?</li> <li>Murphy's Bar</li>
</ol>
<p>Here's a couple of photo's courtesy of Mark Tully. Thanks Mark and a big thank you to David Bash who arranged the festival, introduced the band - Hopefully see you next year? </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/dd426ec34204d06f3cb5a1bc7c7027a6d2ae5010/original/jj.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/a02ed0093baa0d6bcd9a2e00179f02d77622e2c6/original/cj-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/607788e6654fc1c8857b5c0ff00550d2e29b1d9d/original/pippa-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6976731
2022-05-21T19:19:12+01:00
2022-05-21T19:19:12+01:00
Mention in Liverpool Echo in Respect of IPO Liverpool Music Festival
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/f70472efe7d02a057ac73082a435daa806191aca/original/spencer.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6961081
2022-05-01T13:24:59+01:00
2022-05-01T13:24:59+01:00
Thornton Hough Village Club 29th April 2022
<p style="text-align: center;">Just a big thank you to everyone that came to Thornton Hough Village Club to see us and the Wonderful Motel Sundown play especially on David Nixons 60th birthday night. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As always we take our hats off to Neil Johnson for the sound and looking after us all. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Too many others to thank individually for being there xxx </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Our set was as follows; </p>
<ul> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Looking for that American Dream </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Same Thing Every Night </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Laugh Away the Tears </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>What Did I Have Before? </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Put it back Together (Debut live band performance) </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Get Her out of my mind </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tell Me Joe (Debut ) </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day (Debut live band performance) </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Can you hear me? </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Trying my best to get away from you (Debut) </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Murphys Bar (Debut live band performance) </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Silhouettes </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wasn't that a mighty storm </strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Can We Still Be Friends?</strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/fb4a13749148a9560115bed94eced7400e447923/original/jsb-thvc-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6956322
2022-04-25T16:03:03+01:00
2022-04-25T16:03:03+01:00
John Jenkins & The James Street Band - International POP Overthrow Sunday 22nd May 2022
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/41f0f1a8f13e65c6de28184eddf6a59b55daa5c1/original/fotojet-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6954601
2022-04-22T16:48:00+01:00
2022-04-22T16:48:00+01:00
Inspire Community Cafe - Lunchtime Acoustic Session Wed 27th April 2022 - Free Entry
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/7b9eedee10b394bb97ecd44af755a21ac91caf9c/original/lunchtime-live-master-john-jenkins.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6932765
2022-03-26T18:23:26+00:00
2022-03-26T18:24:46+00:00
John Jenkins & The James Street Band - Thornton Hough Village Club Advert
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong><a contents="Coming Soon " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/DFN4xEtBl50" target="_blank">ADVERT HERE</a></strong></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6930838
2022-03-24T15:24:19+00:00
2022-03-24T15:24:19+00:00
John Jenkins – Songs From My Front Room # 14 – Christopher Roberts
<p><a contents="VIDEO LINK " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/aXX69Rcr45U">VIDEO LINK </a></p>
<p>John Jenkins – Songs From My Front Room # 14 – Christopher Roberts</p>
<p>I wrote this in the last few weeks as part of the “Talent is Timeless” monthly challenge.</p>
<p>This months challenge was to write a song about “passages”, one take on it for me was the “passing of time”. Christopher Roberts was a junior school friend I had. Me him, Mike Norton and Philip Martin for some reason, now lost in the midst of time, were taken out of the boys part of our classroom and stuck with the girls on the other side of the room.</p>
<p>We bonded well because of this and Chris was a good friend but being in a catholic school and doing our 11 plus exams all of us ended up in different senior schools. I never saw him again and cant remember which school he went to such is life.</p>
<p>I’ve decided to reintroduce my “Songs from my Front Room” videos and songs although as you can see I did this in the garden being such a beautiful day and all.</p>
<p>Hope you like the song – Its all true.</p>
<p>Christopher Roberts</p>
<p>We were so young, A little wet behind the ears</p>
<p>Laughing crying, Whatever happened to all those years?</p>
<p>A photograph, memories</p>
<p>Kids in a schoolyard Dirty faces sore knees</p>
<p>And did you ever imagine How life would turn out to be?</p>
<p>All of those dreams we hoped for</p>
<p>Did they become a reality?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We were stupid Exchanging comics, Marvel, and DC</p>
<p>Bursting tar bubbles Scrubbing our hands with margarine</p>
<p>Painted my face the brightest blue</p>
<p>Christopher Roberts I often wonder what happened to you</p>
<p>And did you ever imagine you’d live to be 63?</p>
<p>Christopher Roberts – Where can you be?</p>
<p>And did you ever imagine</p>
<p>How life would turn out to be?</p>
<p>All of those dreams we hoped for</p>
<p>Did they become a reality?</p>
<p>We were so young, A little wet behind the ears</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6922695
2022-03-15T14:29:07+00:00
2022-03-15T14:29:07+00:00
Livestream of 16th March 2022 Postponed
<p>Tomorrow's Livestream regretfully has been postponed due to a couple of the band having tested positive for COVID and wanting to ensure that no-one gets it from us - Revised date to follow shortly - Apologies to all - Its a bummer as we were really looking forward to the show but wont be too long we hope xx</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6915963
2022-03-07T18:04:09+00:00
2022-03-07T18:04:09+00:00
Kites and Strings John Jenkins, Singer/Songwriter: Songs Are Magical Because You Don't Know Where They Come From (S2 E25)
<p>My radio interview with Steve and Catherine from "Kites and Strings" was aired today in America </p>
<p><a contents="LINK HERE " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1185740/10199572" target="_blank">LINK HERE </a></p>
<p>In today's episode, Steve and Catherine talk with acclaimed, Fretsore Recording Artist, John Jenkins. He's been at it since the 80's and has done a whole lot to not only improve in his craft, taking direction and guidance from some of the best in the industry, but he continues to put out a sizeable amount of work in a hyper competitive market. We learn about his journey to being considered one of the UK's most promising singer/songwriters in the folk, country and Americana markets, while also getting a chance to hear some of his music in the episode. You'll hear a few from his most recent album, If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love as well as some tasty morsels from pervious John Jenkins solo albums or from his work with his band, John Jenkins and the James Street Band. Thanks for listening and please enjoy learning about how John Jenkins grabs his string and flies his kite </p>
<p>https://johnjenkinsmusic.com/john-jenkins-singer-songwriter <br>Facebook @Johnjenkinsmusicliverpool <br>Instagram: @johnjenkinsliverpool <br>Twitter: @JohnJenkins2020 </p>
<p>Kites and Strings Website: https://www.kitesandstrings.com/ <br>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitesandstringspodcast <br>Twitter: @Kitesandstrings <br>Instagram: @Kites_and_strings <br>email: Kitesandstringspodcast@gmail.com </p>
<p>Kites and String's is produced and edited by Steve Ploum at Turning Stones Counseling, Inc. <br>Our theme music is by Harrison Amer, and all other music is by Purple Planet at Purpleplanet.com. Our logo-design is by Cole Monroe at Blue Stag Creative.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6915100
2022-03-06T14:06:23+00:00
2022-03-06T14:06:23+00:00
West Kirby Arts Centre Show 5th March 2022 - Steve Tilston Support
<p>Had a great time supporting Steve and Hugh last night at the West Kirby Arts Centre (with Pippa Murdie)</p>
<p>Set List:</p>
<ol> <li>Bitter Harvest</li> <li>Daniel White</li> <li>The Wrong Side of Sadness</li> <li>The Last Train to Baltimore</li> <li>Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day (Iris DeMent Song sung by Pippa)</li> <li>Same Thing Every Night</li> <li>Can You Hear Me? </li>
</ol>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/f17301040397fe77366cb358e482a1764af56379/original/wkac.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6908026
2022-02-26T13:42:58+00:00
2022-02-26T13:45:47+00:00
International Pop Overthrow Festival Liverpool Sunday 22nd May 2022 - 2 Gigs
<p>Very pleased to announce that John Jenkins and The James Street Band will be making 2 appearances on Sunday 22nd May 2022 at this years IPO (International Pop Overthrow Festival Liverpool)</p>
<p>Times to be Confirmed but 1 event is at "The Cavern Club" Liverpool and the other in "The Cavern Pub" in Liverpool. We do not intend to be doing any Beatles covers but original band songs </p>
<p>Keep an eye out for times - thank you </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6905911
2022-02-24T14:05:57+00:00
2022-02-24T14:05:57+00:00
Chat and Spin Radio Live Interview Sat 26th Feb 2022 3pm
<p style="text-align: center;">I'm very pleased to let you know that i'll be doing a very short interview on Saturday 26th Feb 2022 at 3pm with Ron Clark about my music and releases.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here is the link to the radio station should you wish to tune in - Thank you John</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="LINK HERE " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chatandspinradio.com/" target="_blank">LINK HERE </a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6898261
2022-02-15T16:01:48+00:00
2022-02-15T16:01:48+00:00
English Folk Expo Digital
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/ec7b958ef562237c00be84318a9a480794b0f82b/original/efx.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Made it onto the EFEx Digital Site <a contents="LINK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://efex-digital.com/artists/john-jenkins-john-jenkins-and-the-james-street-band/">LINK HERE</a></p>
<p>I full recommend joing this if you are able - it has tons of useful podcasts, opportunities, showcases, live shows online and great tips on all aspects of musical stuff</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6892658
2022-02-09T08:56:35+00:00
2022-05-11T08:26:51+01:00
Just Announced - John Jenkins and the James Street Band with "Motel Sundown" THORNTON HOUGH VILLAGE CLUB 29-04-2022
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/b2d4ca6c611bb954fba72be5eff732131af9dd61/original/official-poster.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><a contents="TICKET LINK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wegottickets.com/event/538549" target="_blank">TICKET LINK HERE</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6886681
2022-02-02T19:06:49+00:00
2022-02-02T19:15:05+00:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie Supporting Steve Tilston at West Kirby Arts Centre Saturday 5th March 2022
<p style="text-align: center;">Absolutely chuffed to tell everyone that i with Pippa Murdie will the support artist on March 5th 2022 at the West Kirby Arts Centre.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#c0392b;"><em><strong>Steve Tilston is one of our most celebrated songsmiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music; the words, arrangements and subtle, quite superb guitar playing could be no one else. </strong></em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#c0392b;"><em><strong>"The more you listen, the more there is to discover.” - Bob Harris</strong></em></span></p>
<p><a contents="LINK TO TICKETS FOR EVENT CAN BE FOUND HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://westkirbyartscentre.org.uk/events/steve-tilston"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/675e4530cb11b8677dc31c1ae9336eb73a811544/original/steve-tilston-support.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />LINK TO TICKETS FOR EVENT CAN BE FOUND HERE</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6881993
2022-01-28T15:55:37+00:00
2022-01-28T15:55:37+00:00
"Motel Americana" - 2 tracks of mine included in this fine collection of Americana Music from Fretsore Records
<p style="text-align: center;">Absolutely chuffed to be included in this fine selection of tracks from "Fretsore Records" - Its an honour to be part of this wonderful family of artists and record label </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Check it out </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's a must x</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Motel Americana Links HERE " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://linktr.ee/motelamericana" target="_blank">Motel Americana Links HERE </a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/a2b29b4ed0c3d855fc83f76b787e9a0ce5b9f7fe/original/motel-americana.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>WELCOME, WELCOME TO MOTEL AMERICANA... </p>
<p>Hi, and welcome to our fine place to visit on your musical journey. </p>
<p>We have inviting tunes to warm your heart and to help make peace with the world! Fill up your tank and sample our fare! </p>
<p>Grab a bite. Our menu is to die for so you'll be 'Piggin' Out' and hopefully here 'All Day'. You will be 'Powerless' to say no! </p>
<p>Whether it's the middle of Winter or the 'The End Of The Summer' you'll fit right in 'cos we 'Carry Your Heart'! </p>
<p>We 'Rise Above The Ashes' and keep a clean abode. As they say it's just 'Garbage In Garbage Out'. </p>
<p>Our only advice is, if you go elsewhere, just 'Don't Drink The Water' as it may be no better than a 'Tall Glass of Muddy Water'! </p>
<p>We hope you enjoy! </p>
<p>SONGS FROM... <br>Bob Collum and the Welfare Mothers - 'This Heart Will Self Destruct' LP <br>bobcollumandthewelfaremothers.bandcamp.com </p>
<p>Brand New Zeros - 'Back To Zero' LP <br>brandnewzeros.bandcamp.com/album/back-to-zero </p>
<p>Brinsley Schwarz - 'Tangled' LP <br>brinsleyschwarz.bandcamp.com/album/tangled </p>
<p>Don't Drink The Water - 'Saturday Night Paint' EP <br>dontdrinkthewater.bandcamp.com/album/saturday-night-paint </p>
<p>Lily Garland - 'Rise Above The Ashes' EP <br>lilygarland.bandcamp.com </p>
<p>Jack Henderson - 'Where's the Revolution' LP <br>jackhenderson1.bandcamp.com/album/wheres-the-revolution </p>
<p>John Jenkins - 'If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love' LP <br>johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love </p>
<p>My Darling Clementine - 'Country Darkness' LP <br>mydarlingclementine.bandcamp.com/album/country-darkness </p>
<p>Philip Rambow - 'Canadiana' LP <br>philiprambow.bandcamp.com/album/canadiana </p>
<p>credits </p>
<p>released January 27, 2022 </p>
<p>© 2022 Fretsore Records. <br>Graphics: Red Adore Media </p>
<p>license </p>
<p>all rights reserved </p>
<p>tags </p>
<p>Tags </p>
<p>americana acoustic electric guitar slide guitar London</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6877401
2022-01-23T15:03:24+00:00
2022-01-23T15:04:32+00:00
John Jenkins - Falling Star - Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge Performance 22nd Jan 2022 with Martin Smith
<p>Congratulations to Danny Bardley for winning the "Judges Prize" for Best song and Junior Davis for winning the Audience Vote</p>
<p>I was just very pleased to be part of teh night and get so many nice things said about the song - He's a video of it</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WfUgJB_FnvU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/WfUgJB_FnvU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WfUgJB_FnvU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>With Martin Smith - Trumpet <br>Filmed by Jade Thunder </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Falling Star </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Falling Star up in the sky <br>Oh, I wish you were <br>A silver flare that dips and dies <br>Expose and lays us bare <br>We were young and patriotic <br>A righteous war no way to stop it <br>We were told your country needs you <br>We were young, never to grow old </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Falling Star up in the Sky <br>Oh, I wish you were <br>Pinned on wires like butterflies <br>Relics of disregarded prayers <br>Sound of gun fires <br>Young lads screaming <br>Fatally wounded <br>No chance of healing <br>Unprepared for gas and blood <br>All for a few hundred yards of useless mud <br>Falling star if I could make a wish <br>Would you hear?</strong></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6876893
2022-01-22T17:13:07+00:00
2022-01-22T17:13:28+00:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Livestream 23rd Feb 2022
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/7f56badd2a3510ec1583cf918370424cbb924382/original/jsb-poster.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6869939
2022-01-15T13:46:57+00:00
2022-01-15T13:46:57+00:00
Oak - Setlist Friday 14th Jan 2022
<p>1st gig of the New Year at "Oak" in Greasby, Wirral - A Night of Songwriters and Story-tellers - Really enjoyed it - Gig was performed with Pippa Murdie</p>
<ul> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bitter Harvest</strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Same Thing Every Night</strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Kathleen</strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Wrong Side of Sadness</strong></li> <li style="text-align: center;"><strong>Is That What They Say?</strong></li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6866453
2022-01-12T11:15:16+00:00
2022-01-12T11:15:16+00:00
Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge Final Sat 22nd Jan 2022
<p>Tickets are selling fast for the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2021 Showcase Final taking place at LEAF on Bold Street on Saturday 22nd January 2022. </p>
<p>The event will see each of the ten finalists perform their song on stage with an image of the work of art that inspired it projected onto the big screen for all to see. </p>
<p>At the end of the evening the Judges’ Award Winner will be announced, and after a public vote the Audience Favourite will be revealed. </p>
<p>The evening will also feature performances from Operation Lightfoot, with special guest vocalist Nicola Hardman. </p>
<p>The finalists are (in alphabetical order): </p>
<p>Amy Faith Morley <br>Anita Bowman <br>Chris Whitfield <br>Danny Bradley <br>Jade Thunder <br>James and Katie MacGregor <br>John Jenkins <br>Junior Dayvis <br>Paul Henry <br>Rachel Burnett </p>
<p>The winning songwriters in each category will have their song prefessionally recorded by Jon Lawton at Crosstown Studios. They will also take home a songwriting or singing lesson from Kaya Herstad Carney, and a cello lesson or cello arrangement for their winning song courtesy of Luke Moore. </p>
<p>Doors at LEAF on 22nd January open at 7.00pm and the show starts promptly at 7.30pm. Due to licensing restrictions no under 18s are allowed after 10pm. </p>
<p>Due to current Covid restrictions all guests will be required to wear face masks unless medically exempt. </p>
<p>There will be no entry on the door for anyone without a ticket bought in advance. This event always sells out, so if you want to attend be sure to grab your tickets before they all go. </p>
<p>Tickets are £8 (including booking fee) from Skiddle. </p>
<p>Proceeds will be split between Marie Curie Cancer Care and Garston Animal Rescue, in memory of Liverpool Acoustic team member Sharon Jones.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6851495
2021-12-25T17:26:57+00:00
2021-12-25T17:26:57+00:00
Country Music People Magazine Mention by Spencer Leigh
<p>My favourite Music Magazine and my Favourite Music Journalist Spencer Leigh gave me a really nice Christmas Bonus surprise - Spencer included me in his "End of Year" review and believes i write more songs than anyone else he's aware of lol!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/b41623eb8f4711d00f4004cfa5f1e22303a69d3a/original/spencer-leigh-cmp-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6850112
2021-12-23T17:47:39+00:00
2021-12-23T17:48:49+00:00
Shortlisted for Breakthrough Act of 2021 @ Americana UK Readers Poll
<p>This is a bit humbling but very touching - To be on the short list for the Americana UK's Readers Poll Breakthrough Artist for 2021 is very overwhelming and amazing </p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who voted, took an interest in my music in 2021 and supported me - I am very moved. big thank you to Ian Sephton and Brendan McCarthy at Fretsore for having faith in me, Pippa Murdie who been my musical friend and partner this last year and put up with me, Jon Lawton for his musical genius at Crosstown, all the players on the album and finally and not least Lynn who been puttin up with me doing this music stuff now for a long time xxx</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="Link to Readers Poll Awards Dec 23rd 2021" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americana-uk.com/americana-uks-readers-poll-2021-the-results" target="_blank">Link to Readers Poll Awards Dec 23rd 2021</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6850111
2021-12-23T17:39:04+00:00
2021-12-23T17:39:57+00:00
Live Video Exclusive - John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Can you hear me? 24th Nov 2021 - Pins Social Club Liverpool
<p><a contents="VIDEO HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/iEclYzakYtg">VIDEO HERE</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Live Video Exclusive - John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Can you hear me? 24th Nov 2021 - Pins Social Club Liverpool</p>
<p>Thanks to Andy from Moose Jaw Media for the Video recording/filming </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6850110
2021-12-23T17:37:11+00:00
2021-12-23T17:37:11+00:00
Live Video Exclusive - John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Same Thing Every Night 24th Nov 2021 - Pins Social Club Liverpool
<p>Live Video Exclusive - John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Same Thing Every Night 24th Nov 2021 - Pins Social Club Liverpool</p>
<p>May thank to Andy at Moose Jaw Media for the filming and Video </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="VIDEO HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/CH1BSnRbWOI" target="_blank">VIDEO HERE</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6841767
2021-12-15T15:59:22+00:00
2021-12-15T20:34:13+00:00
Americana UK mention in Tim Martin's 2021 End of year round-up
<p><a contents="Link to artice in Americana UK Dec 14th 2021" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americana-uk.com/whats-another-year-tim-martin-looks-back-on-2021">Link to artice in Americana UK Dec 14th 2021</a></p>
<p>Lovely to get a name check in Tim Martin's American UK end of year 2021 Round-up - Thanks Tim x</p>
<p><em>"There were a number of excellent EPs. Best was Rachel Sermanni’s ‘Swallow Me’. I called this “an intimate, meditative EP of thought-provoking songs”. And playing it again six months after I reviewed it, the quality of songs like ‘Brighton House’ and ‘Love my Love’ reminds me just how many great songs I’ve heard this year.<span style="color:#c0392b;"> <strong>John Jenkins was another artist whose album was made by the song writing. Hearing him play them live in a small pub room in Bath without the arrangements from the record was confirmation that the songs are what makes an album. Not the bells and whistles that are sometimes used to cover deficiencies in the material"</strong></span></em></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6838320
2021-12-12T15:56:07+00:00
2021-12-12T15:57:22+00:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Graham Steel Music Club Livestream Dec 10th 2021 -
<p>Link to Video of Livestream here : <a contents="Graham Steel Music Club Livestream Dec 10th 2021" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/F7uO-tFP8IA">Graham Steel Music Club Livestream Dec 10th 2021</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6831405
2021-12-06T11:42:02+00:00
2021-12-15T16:01:31+00:00
New Song "Falling Star" makes it to the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2021 Final
<p>Just got this email From Graham Holland about a new song i wrote called "Falling Star" which has made the Liverpool Songwriting Challenge Final (to be held on Jan 22nd 2022 at "The Leaf" in Bold Street Liverpool.</p>
<p>This is my 4th final appearence since 2015 - i have submitted 7 songs over the years and all my piano compositions seem to have found favour enough to get into the top 10. Congratulations to the other finalists as well :</p>
<p><em>Dear John </em></p>
<p><em>Thank you for entering the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2021. I hope you enjoyed the challenge of writing a brand new song inspired by a work of art on display in the Liverpool City Region. </em></p>
<p><em>In alphabetical order, the ten songwriters who received the highest cumulative scores from the five judges are:- <br> </em></p>
<p><em>Amy Faith Morley </em></p>
<p><em>Anita Bowman </em></p>
<p><em>Chris Whitfield </em></p>
<p><em>Danny Bradley </em></p>
<p><em>Jade Thunder </em></p>
<p><em>James & Katie MacGregor </em></p>
<p><em>John Jenkins </em></p>
<p><em>Junior Dayvis </em></p>
<p><em>Paul Henry </em></p>
<p><em>Rachel Burnett </em></p>
<p><em>Congratulations to the above songwriters. I'll be contacting you in the New Year with details of the Showcase Final on Saturday 22nd January 2021 at LEAF on Bold St. </em></p>
<p><em>Tickets for the Showcase Final go on sale soon. Keep an eye out for the press release which will include a ticket link. You don't need to wait for this to announce it to the world! </em></p>
<p><em>For those of you who didn't claim a place at the Showcase Final I hope you still found the process a worthwhile experience and that you are able to make it along to the Showcase Final to support the other songwriters. The standard of entries this year was as high as ever and I'd like to thank all five judges for their efforts. </em></p>
<p><em>I'd like to thank Jon Lawton of Crosstown Studios for co-sponsoring the prize for this year's Songwriting Challenge. If you have any audio recording needs then drop Jon a line to find out more. Quite a few participants from previous years have used Crosstown Studios and have been so happy with the service that they keep going back. Details can be found at crosstownstudios.co.uk </em></p>
<p><em>Thanks also to Kaya Herstad Carney for providing the vocal and songwriting prizes, courtesy of her new venture HCHQ Ltd, and to Luke Moore for offering a free cello lesson or cello arrangement for the winners! </em></p>
<p><em>Thanks also to Robert Vincent and Alison Benson who, like the other judges, were very gracious with their time. </em></p>
<p><em>My final thanks goes to Songwriting Challenge patron Stephen Langstaff. Although he's no longer a judge his ongoing support is very much appreciated. </em></p>
<p><em>Once again thanks for taking part. I hope it's inspired you to write more! </em></p>
<p><em>Yours, </em></p>
<p><em>Graham Holland - Liverpool Acoustic <br>on behalf of the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting</em></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6829039
2021-12-03T15:53:21+00:00
2021-12-03T15:53:21+00:00
Maverick Music Magazine Review Dec 2021/Jan 2021 "‘If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love’ is a fantastic record " 8/10
<p>I posted about this a few days ago but it is now been published in the Maverick Music Magazine in the lastest issue</p>
<p>Here is a scan of the page<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/05683887204969530e3b8c84c8723f8a49f62140/original/20211202-222029.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6825394
2021-11-30T15:37:31+00:00
2021-11-30T15:37:31+00:00
GSMC Music Awards - Best Newcomer Nomination 2021
<p>Absolutely knocked out and honoured to be a nominee for the GSMC (Graham Steel Music Company) 2021 Awards in the Best Newcomer category - Voting opens on 5th Dec 2021 and you can vote from either of these links below:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Facebook Link to Voting Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/gsmcmusicawards">Facebook Link to Voting Here</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Website Link to Voting Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.grahamsteelmusiccompany.com/gsmc-music-awards?fbclid=IwAR1U7rQ-sgYNFKLKjzGY1AljUF8KYE6emDnsqixI6icMjhk8_ED30yyMYh0">Website Link to Voting Here</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/a99c09d57737a4a80abf5bc8627aa02aead339c1/original/gsmc.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6816990
2021-11-21T14:09:35+00:00
2021-11-21T14:09:35+00:00
Maverick Music Magazine Review 21st Nov 2021 "‘If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love’ is a fantastic record "
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/5cc2986f5e35518c6eb109517cfd23bba4eca49e/original/maverick.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The 13-track album from Liverpudlian singer-songwriter John Jenkins is packed with powerful tracks. Jenkins vocals, as soft and smooth as caramel, deliver well written lyrics addressing regret and broken dreams. Though it might sound sad, there is plenty to smile about as the record transports you through these emotions, from the gentle production to the stories and characters Jenkins creates. </p>
<p>The imagery is clear on the tragic ‘The Last Train From Baltimore,’ but Jenkins voice is soothing as he reflects on these events. A sonic shift occurs on ‘The Wrong Side of Sadness’ as a more rousing production ensues. He is joined by Alison Benson on ‘Strangers on a Train’, the production is stripped back giving the pairs delicate vocals room to deliver their message. </p>
<p>‘If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love’ is a fantastic record that, for all it’s regret and sorrow, delivers an important message of forgiveness and freedom. Jenkins proves to be one to watch with both his vocals and songwriting on point for this album.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="LINK TO REVIEW" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://maverick-country.com/review-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love-john-jenkins/">LINK TO REVIEW</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6812443
2021-11-17T12:49:26+00:00
2021-11-17T12:49:26+00:00
The Weekend Warm Up 07 05 2021 with special 'virtual' guest John Jenkins on Beat Route Radio.
<p><a contents="The Weekend Warm Up 7th May 2021 with John Jenkins LINK" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/SharonLouise/the-weekend-warm-up-07-05-2021-with-special-virtual-guest-john-jenkins-on-beat-route-radio/?fbclid=IwAR1z5uX3138wD5nhkIngLM-JfGJZ6TDXEFWVmFcANERHTte8dL1U25Gj79U">The Weekend Warm Up 7th May 2021 with John Jenkins LINK</a></p>
<p>Occasionally i do Radio Interviews and performances live which i forget there's a link available to the show - This is one from May 2021 which was a pre-tour performance with several songs performed with Pippa Murdie</p>
<p>Have a Listen </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6800227
2021-11-06T11:05:33+00:00
2021-11-06T11:12:37+00:00
John Jenkins - Moon and June - Video
<p><a contents="Moon and June - Video" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/y_B-jThHlyU"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="y_B-jThHlyU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/y_B-jThHlyU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y_B-jThHlyU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></a></p>
<p>I put together a little video for my song "Moon and June" which was lot of fun to do</p>
<p>Many thanks to Pexels for their free Video content i was able to use</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6792279
2021-10-31T13:20:06+00:00
2021-10-31T13:20:06+00:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - A Couple of Free Gigs/Events coming up soon
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/1b7f5267f629c2c38c6ff60489ef53515ad23db7/original/web-photo-editor-9.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/823656ef142ae025524536e172dd76ff49fedc33/original/web-photo-editor-10.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6788019
2021-10-27T08:16:31+01:00
2021-10-27T08:17:36+01:00
John Jenkins "Kathleen" on Boots & Saddle Canada 26th Oct 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/7642e9735df2c3a8c44773770e7fe7715a7958fe/original/boots-saddle.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-6mbas-11158e8">https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-6mbas-11158e8</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Boots & Saddle: your humble home of honky tonk & beautiful country music by beautiful country music singers. Tuesdays from 11am-1pm (Central) on CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Stream on TuneIn. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/4cc33a3ffab692f8eff5459db6ad6ad018df5d66/original/boots-saddle-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6776975
2021-10-15T17:28:34+01:00
2021-10-15T17:28:34+01:00
CountryRadio.uk - Breakfast with Brian - John Jenkins and Pippa Murdie Live in the Studio - 26/08/21
<p>Forgot to share this from a show me and Pippa with the lovely Brian Player on CountryRadio UK - Enjoy<a contents="CountryUk Radio Link " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/countryradiouk/countryradiouk-breakfast-with-brian-john-jenkins-and-pippa-murdie-live-in-the-studio-260821/">CountryUk Radio Link<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/fbe0961a503a298f09fe961009428d8511d3ecac/original/brian.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6774455
2021-10-13T12:48:36+01:00
2021-10-13T12:48:36+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Live at Thornton Hough Village Club - GIG Announced
<p>John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Live at Thornton Hough Village Club - GIG Announced for Dec 3rd 2021</p>
<p>Special Guests: Trudi Brunskill and Helen Maw</p>
<p><a contents="Ticket Link Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://ohn%20Jenkins%20and%20The%20James%20Street%20Band%20-%20Live%20at%20Thornton%20Hough%20Village%20Club%20-%20GIG%20Announced">Ticket Link Here</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/8373047e8bd1e4332bc163c683446276505ebaae/original/neils.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6771547
2021-10-10T12:33:30+01:00
2021-10-10T14:01:38+01:00
John Jenkins and Alison Benson with Chris Jones - The Prohibition Studio Music Room 9th Oct 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/e3e556cc71a424b99ea70946033c5196fedb6f18/original/trio-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/623c60e17329dcc5e201a3c6d9ef597042122c3d/original/rays-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/384880ab834c982f71ccf1c9a9fcaec4c5a4ce6b/original/jj.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" />Big thank you to The Prohibition Studio Music Rooms for staging our show and to the audience who came along to support us last night. </p>
<p>We had a great time and was such a relaxing evening that we got carried away at times. </p>
<p>Big shout to the wonderful Chris Jones for playing most of my set with me - in some cases without a rehearsal - 1 rehearsal for most songs - He's flippin amazin' </p>
<p>and a big thank you from me to Alison Benson who agreed to play, do a format that we both had not done before and playing 4 of our co-written songs for the very first time in public. </p>
<p>Top Photo - Dave Provost -</p>
<p>Middle - Ray Provost</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<p>Here is the set we played for those taking notes: </p>
<p>Set 1 </p>
<p>• JJ - A Stranger to your Heart </p>
<p>• AB - Lily </p>
<p>• JJ – The End of Summer </p>
<p>• AB - Sing my soul </p>
<p>• AB/JJ - Step into the Day (Debut Performance) </p>
<p>• JJ – Put the World to Rights </p>
<p>• JJ – It’s not That I’m afraid of your Husband </p>
<p>• AB - Black pearls </p>
<p>• AB - Another think </p>
<p>• AB/JJ – My Foolish Girl (Debut Performance) </p>
<p>• JJ – He’’ll Have to Go (Cover) </p>
<p>• AB - Here, there, and everywhere (Cover) </p>
<p>Set 2 </p>
<p>• AB – Time doesn’t stop </p>
<p>• JJ – Jackson’s Farm </p>
<p>• AB - At the Threshold </p>
<p>• JJ – Just Another Day </p>
<p>• AB/JJ – Once Upon a Time on a Saturday Night (Debut Performance) </p>
<p>• AB - Crystal Ball </p>
<p>• AB - The End of the earth </p>
<p>• JJ – Daniel White </p>
<p>• JJ – 43 and Counting </p>
<p>• AB/JJ – Strangers on a Train (Debut Performance) </p>
<p>• AB - Seek Peace </p>
<p>• JJ – The Last Train from Baltimore </p>
<p>• AB - 1 Song of the Liver Bird </p>
<p>• JJ – Good Company </p>
<p>• AB/JJ - Little Ole Wine Drinker Me (Cover) (Debut Performance)</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6770884
2021-10-09T14:02:30+01:00
2021-10-09T14:02:30+01:00
Wirral Life Magazine Feature October 2021
<p>This months Wirral Life Mag has a little feature on me as well as the wonderful Cal Ruddy and Helen Maw. Thank you Diane Tremarco xx<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/dffaabff1056fb0f95072547174e1a1959ba0d5c/original/wirral-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/c7bac11a85304136836a74a2e7879cf7dd3ef1b9/original/wirral-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/05e62f800cec9e337428f5d302607400fb8413f3/original/wirral-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6768688
2021-10-07T14:48:18+01:00
2021-10-07T14:48:18+01:00
Interview with Stuart Green on "The Folk Club " on Soham Radio 6.10.21
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/90d7000c398e6d6efd1d18cfebcecdcd70985e91/original/2021-10-06-soham-radio-podacst.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><a contents="Link to Podcast Here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/stuart-green16/show-57-the-folk-club-on-soham-radio-61021-with-featured-artist-john-jenkins/">Link to Podcast Here</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6762987
2021-10-01T12:42:50+01:00
2021-10-01T12:42:50+01:00
AMAUK 2022 Nominations now Open
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/1619afc6a6d6dc770831fff645ab62721cd6f323/original/web-photo-editor-6.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6753108
2021-09-21T18:47:33+01:00
2021-10-01T12:42:14+01:00
John Jenkins and Alison Benson - An Audience With - Live at The Prohibition Recording Studios Liverpool 9th Oct 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/83935aada0683a44d402faec3c32912a0972fe2f/original/prohibition.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6748509
2021-09-16T16:48:04+01:00
2021-09-16T16:48:04+01:00
Interview with Roger Wright At Vintage Radio 16th Sept 2021
<p>I had a very nice time today chatting with Roger Wright about my Music/songwriting/life for an hour - He played various songs from the last few years and i performed a solo version of "The End of Summer" in the Radio Studio as well </p>
<p>Link to the show here:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="730UmhWi5zM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/730UmhWi5zM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/730UmhWi5zM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6743653
2021-09-12T11:07:52+01:00
2021-09-12T11:08:59+01:00
R'N'R (Rock'n'Reel) Review - Sept 11th 2021 - 4 Stars - "A Musical and Thoughtful Record"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/1846b48d524a994b8821a705cc62111d7eaf4b01/original/jj-rnr-album-review-sept-2021-002.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6741130
2021-09-09T15:55:56+01:00
2021-09-09T15:55:56+01:00
UkCountry Radio - Strangers on a Train - 4th most played song in August 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/55d0eff2d06a68226132b4ae2092b84e4823f733/original/uk-radio.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6738606
2021-09-07T16:10:55+01:00
2021-09-07T16:11:32+01:00
Spotify Aug 2021 - 1.3k Streams of the New Album since the 6th August Release Date
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/53126335456bc9652a85e28b87c2fc442e7a1ca0/original/spotify-aug-2021.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6734091
2021-09-02T18:52:40+01:00
2021-09-02T18:52:40+01:00
Last Night of The Summer Tour - Philharmonic Pub Liverpool
<p>Well, we got there in the end – “Last night of the Summer Tour” and what a way to finish off with a performance in front of my friends and family in my hometown at “The Philharmonic Dining Rooms” with performances from my special guest’s “Marc Vormawah” and “Only Child”. </p>
<p>It was so lovely to see so many lovely supporters of live music in the same room giving their love to us all. </p>
<p>The whole tour has been an experience for me and there are so many highs that anything that went wrong, such as train problems, were well worth it in the end. </p>
<p>There are so many thank you’s that I am bound to miss someone out and I apologise if I have but I do need to give mention to the following: </p>
<p>Pippa Murdie – My wonderful music partner for each show who had to put up with the same jokes and stories every night and who gave me great support throughout. Here’s to the next one x </p>
<p>Lynn for letting me do this and being doorman, bouncer on most nights. You have the job next time x </p>
<p>Fretsore Records (Ian, Brendan, and John) for their encouragement and support not just the tour but everything around the album release and promotion. </p>
<p>Alan O’Hare – For all the PR stuff around the tour </p>
<p>My Special Music Guests on the tour – I was able to have 18 other acts play over the whole tour which was 27 different musicians – thank you so much for agreeing to be part of this </p>
<p>Arts Council England – who supported the making of the “If you Cant Forgive You Cant Love” album session and tour in support of it. </p>
<p>Audience – Big love to the people who came out to support us all on my ten dates – without you I may as well as stayed home and to anyone who bought an album – not just mine by the way – any of the artists, it makes us songwriters and artists feel like what we are doing is being supported. </p>
<p>Venues – For those taking a chance and putting us on, for those allowing me to book a room for live Music </p>
<p>PA People – thank you for coming out and making us sound as good as you were able to </p>
<p>Radio Broadcasters and magazines who gave us their time and space to help with the promotion of the tour. </p>
<p>Again, apologies if I missed anyone – My head still a bit tired from the last 2 weeks and now looking forward to a few days of sleep lol – John xxx </p>
<p>Anyone interested in what songs me, and Pippa performed over the ten nights here is a list of the songs and how many times we played each song: </p>
<p>The Wrong Side of Sadness, The Last Train from Baltimore, It’s not that I’m afraid of your husband, Kathleen (10 TIMES/EVERYNIGHT) <br>Get Her Out of My Mind, Is that what they say? Can you Hear Me? (9 TIMES) <br>Daniel White (8 TIMES) <br>A Stranger to your Heart, Same Thing Every Night, Good Company (7 TIMES) <br>Bitter Harvest (5 TIMES) <br>Hares on a Mountain, He’ll Have to Go (4 TIMES) <br>Moon and June, Day After Day, Cracks (3 TIMES) <br>43 and counting, I’m Looking Through You, Have You ever seen paint peeling from old wood? (2 TIMES) <br>I Can See Clearly Now, I Miss You, Wasn’t That a Mighty Storm? (1 TIME) </p>
<p>That’s 127 songs played in total, 23 different songs of which 17 where my own – now for a kip xxx</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/f9113883a8e6ad85853580df1f10bd3149399ce2/original/imgp9361-mercury.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/8f469e266856ebb476f5670e3c9c63f3b806fa63/original/imgp9351-nero.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6732887
2021-09-01T15:13:54+01:00
2021-09-01T15:15:21+01:00
Live review: John Jenkins – The Bell, Bath, 23rd August 2021
<p>"John Jenkins is one of those songwriters who works just off the radar but is the equal of many better known artists" </p>
<p>I don't get many reviews for playing live so to get one for the current tour is great news especially such a positive one and its lovely to see Pippa being named checked as she's been great this last few weeks. Nice also to see Trudi Brunskill get a mention as well. </p>
<p>Thanks Tim Martin </p>
<p>New post on Americana UK - Live review: John Jenkins – The Bell, Bath, 23rd August 2021 by Tim Martin </p>
<p>The Bell in Walcot Street has been one of the key venues in Bath for more than 40 years. It restarted live music in July and tonight it hosted John Jenkins, on tour to promote his excellent album ‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’. However, there were several support acts, selected from an online and "age positive" songwriting contest called Talent is Timeless which meant that Jenkins set was rather shorter than might have been ideal, but he took the opportunity to play some songs that don’t feature on the album. </p>
<p>With just mandolin and guitar player Pippa Murdie alongside him, the songs he did play from the recent album had a completely different quality. Having suffered at the hands of the rail network getting to Bath, ‘The Last Train From Baltimore’ was a surprise choice. But as one of the songs that highlights Jenkins’ rich voice best it was a welcome one though. His Townes Van Zandt T-shirt was a clue that he would be playing ‘Kathleen’. He did, and It was the highlight of the set. On the album it has a full band and strings arrangement, here the delicate simplicity of the song gave us a refreshing variation to the album version. ‘It's Not That I'm Afraid of Your Husband’ is an as yet unrecorded tale of infidelity, not to be taken seriously. Pippa Murdie’s guitar playing on this was particularly good, and her singing and mandolin playing add another dimension to the songs. </p>
<p>Jenkins had spent the night asking the audience in the small crowded Back Bar to respect the artists by not talking during their sets. The only artist not treated to that consideration was Jenkins himself. One of the other acts had brought some supporters who, having seen their favourites decided to chat and take phone calls during Jenkins and Murdie’s songs. However, talking to Jenkins afterwards, he was pleased with the evening and happy to support the other artists in getting some exposure. </p>
<p>The most notable of those support acts was the extraordinary Trudi Brunskill. She offered up a mixture of songs drawing heavily on Joni Mitchell’s 'Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter' era, and between show quips courtesy of Julie Walters. </p>
<p>John Jenkins is one of those songwriters who works just off the radar but is the equal of many better known artists. In an acoustic folk setting his songs work as well as on his more Americana flavoured albums. In Pippa Murdie he has the ideal playing partner. If they play near you go and see them. </p>
<p>Tim Martin | September 1, 2021 at 11:30 am | Tags: John Jenkins | Categories: Live Reviews, Reviews | URL: https://wp.me/p7ZuH5-n0t </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americana-uk.com/category/reviews/live-reviews">https://americana-uk.com/category/reviews/live-reviews</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6730244
2021-08-29T17:02:16+01:00
2021-08-29T17:02:16+01:00
Terry Melia Interviews John Jenkins 28th August 2021
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDpjHw68ZKk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDpjHw68ZKk</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Terry Melia Interviews John Jenkins 28th August 2021</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6729587
2021-08-28T12:24:54+01:00
2021-08-28T12:24:54+01:00
Summer Tour Aug 2021
<p>As i'm writing this we have done 7 dates of 10 from the Summer Tour and it's been quite a wonderful experience - i thought i'd post a photo from the "Gladstone Arms" gig from Sunday 22nd Aug 2021 </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/0c124d636e3a52ea49e8e04e2faeaab9d6c7ff7d/original/london-pippa-and-jj-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6728966
2021-08-27T19:11:54+01:00
2021-08-27T19:23:50+01:00
On The Banks Of The Mersey - John Jenkins Feature - Helen Maw Bloig - 5 Stars - Without a doubt, my favourite album of 2021 so far.
<p>On The Banks Of The Mersey - John Jenkins Feature </p>
<p>Hello! </p>
<p>Welcome to the first installment of my new blog On The Banks Of The Mersey, a blog which I hope will celebrate the best musicians and artists from the Liverpool and Merseyside area. I’ve been wanting to set up a blog for some time but could never really find the right subject to focus on, until I decided that I wanted a space to write about all of the inspiring local music I love, old and new! </p>
<p>My first feature is of the incredible new album from Liverpool’s John Jenkins… </p>
<p>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </p>
<p>Title: If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love </p>
<p>Artist: John Jenkins </p>
<p>Release Date: August 6th 2021 </p>
<p>Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ </p>
<p>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love is the stunning new album from Liverpool singer songwriter John Jenkins and without a doubt, my favourite album of 2021 so far. </p>
<p>John Jenkins has been a fixture of the Liverpool music scene for some time having been in a variety of prominent bands in the 1980s including The Persuaders and Come In Tokio. Both groups gained fans in the 80s through their various gigs, including supporting the ever loved Liverpool band Echo and the Bunnymen. A resurgence in popularity online for John’s earlier work meant that he made his return to the music scene in 2015. Although, he never stopped writing during his time away and had a plethora of songs he was waiting to record. In 2017, Jenkins released a double album entitled Window Shopping In Nashville which was met with widespread critical acclaim, including praise from the Nashville Songwriters Association International. All of the songs Jenkins had been writing throughout the years were finally getting the chance to be properly recorded and released and he was able to show just why he is arguably one of the most talented and dedicated songwriters to come out of Liverpool. One line in particular, taken from the fifth track of the album, Moon and June, is so well crafted it needs a special shout out; 'Once "Mills and Boon" has become "High Noon" ' This line alone shows how talented a songwriter Jenkins really is. </p>
<p>I have only recently become familiar with John’s music having heard some of his past releases and hearing his name on the Liverpool music scene. Having taken on the task of writing a review of one of the albums standout singles Kathleen, a cover of the famous Townes Van Zandt track, I then made contact with John directly and he very kindly sent me his album to listen to before it was released. </p>
<p>From start to finish, the album is perfect. It encapsulates John as an artist, his genre and his songwriting talents so well and is a joy to listen to. The collection of warm, emotive and uplifting tracks is a true slice of Americana here on the River Mersey. The album is Jenkins first since signing to Fretsore Records. </p>
<p>I have listened to this album a number of times now from start to finish and each time, I feel as if I should be in an open top convertible travelling along route 66 having my own adventure, especially as one of the times I listened to it was on a car journey to Bury in my Dad’s Citroen! Each song, different yet still a part of a bigger story, threads together a soundscape of different emotions and tales. Jenkins takes us on his own journey, exploring love and loss, adventure and excitement, pouring his heart and soul into his music, while we as an audience sit quietly in awe, captivated by the stories he tells. </p>
<p>It’s very hard to pick out my favourite tracks on this album as they all work so well together, but there are some which are definite stand-outs. A Stranger To Your Heart, the opening track with a gentle acoustic guitar and Jenkins signature vocals drifting into the air. This opening, soft and emotive, makes you feel as if it is being performed in a quiet drinking hole, long after closing. Jenkins allows his voice to do the talking here, he sets the tone for the album straight away. As amazing as the full instrumentation is on his songs, he shows that all he needs is his voice and his stunning songwriting for you to get a true sense of who he is as an artist. That being said, when the full band instrumentation does kick in, it builds the excitement of the track, the powerful guitar riffs immediately stick in your head so you can hum along. The Strings are so beautiful in this track too, the unexpected solo from the wonderful Amy Chalmers adds a sense of drama to the track and sends it in another direction. </p>
<p>Strangers On A Train is the breathtaking duet featured on the album. The track, co-written by Jenkins and Liverpool musician Alison Benson is a heartbreaking ballad of love lost and a stark reminder of the cruelness of the passage of time. The lament, with lyrics such as ‘Does she ever smile? A million stories behind sad eyes, but just one life’ breaks your heart, showing the fragility of happiness and how two strangers can share an experience, both feeling the same way but without knowing about the other. This is a great song from Jenkins and Benson, I really hope they write together again in the future! </p>
<p>Cracks, a tale of despair and forget, an all too familiar story of someone slipping away in life, their family and even the world giving up on them. This song really stuck with me the first time I heard it, the empathy for Hannah, the focus of the song as she watches the world around her change, was heartbreaking. The simple instrumentation of the track again shows that Jenkins' voice and lyrics are enough to convey the story, thus allowing you to focus on Hannah and her life as it slowly passes her by. The lyrics especially in this song are so powerful in an unexpected way, her disengaged parents growing apart from her and each other ‘She sees her Mother weeding flower beds, Father died from booze [...] they gave up on their little girl.’ The track is so powerful and is my favourite from the whole album. </p>
<p>Desert Hearts was released as a single earlier in the year. It’s a fantastic closing track, with swelling guitars and percussion, uplifting brass and beautiful vocals. Jenkins' voice is so full of joy and just soars over the music. It looks ahead to the future and for me, provides the perfect driving off into the sunset moment. A celebration of life, of self experience and most importantly, music. This track has everything, gentle acoustic guitar with delicate vocals, moments of dance-along rock guitar riffs, a truly sumptuous Trumpet part, a clear nod to the Americana influences for the album and of course, Jenkins stellar storytelling abilities. This track, like the rest of the album, is a triumph and leaves you feeling content, knowing you have heard something truly special across the 13 tracks. </p>
<p>This is a fantastic album from Jenkins, his music can be listened to and appreciated by people of all ages. His influences of Americana and Country are clear to see and there is no doubt that this album is a labour of love. With songs that break your heart and pull you back together all in one, John Jenkins is definitely one to watch. He has proven time and time again that he is a songwriting force and one of Liverpool’s most loved artists. He has honed his craft and spent his life writing songs and sharing them with the world. John Jenkins is currently on a UK tour and you can find tickets to his tour dates on his website. If you do anything with your day today, please go listen/stream/buy his album, you won’t regret it! </p>
<p>Thank you for reading the first installment of On The Banks Of The Mersey, I hope you enjoyed it and if you’re a Merseyside artist and would like to submit your work for a review, interview or feature, you can email submissions to me at helenmawmusic@gmail.com </p>
<p>Spotify: </p>
<p>https://open.spotify.com/album/4FSxeiwKDoVflc4maTLa2A?si=-58QCfVLRMWIX_kGCaRcIw&dl_branch=1 </p>
<p>Website: </p>
<p>https://johnjenkinsmusic.com/about-epk</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6723369
2021-08-21T18:24:49+01:00
2021-08-21T18:24:49+01:00
Folk Radio Review 20th Aug 2021 - "a solid collection "
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2021/08/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive/">https://www.folkradio.co.uk/2021/08/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>John Jenkins – If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love </p>
<p>Fretstore Records – 6 August 2021 </p>
<p>Drawing on Americana and Merseybeat roots with influences that embrace John Prine, Bruce Springsteen and The Beatles, the Liverpudlian singer-songwriter makes his new label debut with a solid collection of numbers, all bar one self-penned, on which he’s backed by some of the city’s best session musicians as well as backing vocals and harmonica from Rob Vincent. </p>
<p>Setting a generally downcast mood, it opens with A Stranger to Your Heart (“Wish I could understand/This detachment I feel/You make me sad/Constantly/There’s no benevolence/As far as I can see/And I wish I knew where to go”), the wintery circling guitar notes giving way to drums-driven Dire Straits in the Mohave feel brushed with Amy Chalmers’ strings. </p>
<p>Her violin is joined by Robbie Taylor’s Celtic-hued fiddle (and mandolin) along with Vincent’s bluesy harmonica, for the waltzing sway of Is That What They Say? from whence the title line comes and one of several songs that pivot around a theme of moving on or away. The narrator is replying to a letter from home, having left to try and make a new start. Rather than the expected sense of regret, they are somewhat casual as to the news of old acquaintances and assured that they made the right choice (“I think I’ve got things just right/I’ve got less fear of death/And more hope than I did for life”). </p>
<p>Along with travel, trains loom large too. Firstly, with the fingerpicked, lap steel coloured The Last Train from Baltimore, a factually-based countrified ‘why me’ story-song. It’s sung in the voice of Thomas Wilson, a former train driver remembering the tragedy that cost the lives of kids playing on the line, the papers accusing him of falling asleep at the wheel. It returns to the railway tracks later for Strangers on a Train, a ballad duet with co-writer Alison Benson that has melodic echoes of Don McLean’s Vincent as, reflecting “a million stories behind sad eyes/But just one life”, two passengers each muse on the other’s life (“I wonder if he’s what he seems/A creased old suit, a frayed cuff/Just like him in need of love”). Finally, Karl Parry’s harmonica wailing, When The Morning Comes, combines the two themes as the narrator takes the train away from a doomed relationship (“I took a wrong turn down a one way street/Got my fingers burnt but it felt so sweet”), feeling free but also offering “maybe I can meet you halfway”. </p>
<p>The cover arrives early on, an organ-backed take on Townes Van Zandt’s downbeat gloom of Kathleen, a mood of being at a loss of purpose in life echoed elsewhere on things like the strummed Tom Paxton-ish Living Someone Else’s Life on which, accompanied by lap steel, he sings “They say time my friend/Should be my own to spend/But it feels wasted and misused/Time and again/When I thought it was my friend/It reminded me I had something good to lose/Well I spend my todays/Complaining about yesterdays/And it won’t make tomorrow a better day”. </p>
<p>Elsewhere he takes two words inextricably linked to the idea of romance and turns them on their head as the jaunty Moon And June, featuring the splendidly names Jade Thunder on backing vocals, speaks of a confrontation rather than a caress (“We use to kiss goodnight now all we do is fight/Bickering like children/No logic or insight/Once ‘Mills and Boon’/Has become ‘High Noon’”). </p>
<p>Almost inevitably, the jazzily lazing tempo The End of Summer, burnished with strings and trumpet, Julia Fiebelkorn on backing vocals, muses on mortality (“I don’t want to live forever/But it would be nice to have some more time/Do those things I always wanted to/Leave this world with a smile/I don’t know if we get a second chance/Each day could be the last dance”) with a backdrop melody that conjures thoughts of Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell. </p>
<p>There are a couple more story-songs too. The first is the simple, finger-picked Cracks that paints a sad portrait of a girl who, fired from Woolworths when it was assumed she’d pilfered the till, her parents having given up on her long before dad died from booze, has fallen through the cracks. The song implies she is now lost and contemplating ending it all. Then, frisky with fiddle, banjo, mandolin and spoons and with Vincent on backing, the country rolling Hearts And Minds features another girl beaten down by life and her lover (“Make up covers the bruises”), wondering where it all went wrong and in need of just a little compassion to give her the strength to “find herself/And pick herself up from the floor”, but her heart unable to do what her head tells her. </p>
<p>It isn’t all grief and gloom, though. Taking a gospel piano and handclaps journey down its Beatles pathways, The Wrong Side of Sadness finds a ray of hope in a girl in the bar (“I’ve been on the wrong side of sadness/For too long/Maybe that’s why I wrote this song”), even if she does leave with someone else. With Lee Shone on piano, Tony Peers on trumpet and Dave Orford driving the drums along, it closes with the jangling guitars and sweeping/pizzicato strings defiance of Desert Hearts (“I’ve been down so many times/You can take all my money/But you won’t get my pride”), throwing in a Trump reference (“Weren’t you the guy/Who wanted to build that wall?/Peace love and understanding always wins”). Even with the bittersweet ending (“I’m watching the flowers grow/From my front porch/Where will I be tomorrow?/Does anybody really know?…Feel I’ve lived more than one lifetime/Will I ever get to see you, again?”) it leaves it on a definite musical high as Webb, Bacharach, The Searchers, Nick Lowe and McCartney come together for a joyful summery hook-laden indie-pop free-flying balloon ride that makes you want to push the replay button and listen to the whole album all over again. </p>
<p>Tour Dates </p>
<p>Aug 18th Shrewsbury – The Old Post Office <br>Aug 19th Worcester – The Sociable Beer Company <br>Aug 20th Oxford – The Mad Hatter <br>Aug 22nd London – The Gladstone Arms <br>Aug 23rd Bath – The Bell Inn <br>Aug 24th Cambridge – The Unitarian Church <br>Aug 25th Birmingham – The Wellington Pub <br>Aug 28th Thornton Hough Village Club <br>Aug 30th Leek – The Cock Inn <br>Aug 31st Sheffield – The Shakespeare Pub <br>Sep 1st Liverpool – The Philharmonic Dining Room </p>
<p>More: https://johnjenkinsmusic.com/ </p>
<p>JOHN JENKINS </p>
<p>All albums featured on Folk Radio are independently selected by our editor. However, when you buy something through our purchase links, we may earn an affiliate commissi</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6718370
2021-08-16T16:46:02+01:00
2021-08-16T16:46:02+01:00
Chris Currie Merseyradio - Featured Album of the week Aug 16th 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/84dbda88cc3c67485aa1a32ddb10954ca212f662/original/chris-currie.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6716997
2021-08-14T14:00:39+01:00
2021-09-29T00:19:27+01:00
No 1 in the French iTunes Singer-Songwriter Charts 14th Aug 2021
<p>I'm not even sure how this is possible but i'm not going to argue!!!</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6716996
2021-08-14T13:53:24+01:00
2021-08-14T13:53:24+01:00
Divide and Conquer Review USA 13th Aug 2021 "If you’re looking for highly polished writing and playing, John Jenkins has got it all" here
<p><strong>"If you’re looking for highly polished writing and playing, John Jenkins has got it all here"</strong></p>
<p>John Jenkins - If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love - 4.0 out of 5 - By Dino DiMuro </p>
<p>Liverpool recording artist John Jenkins has just released his first album for Fretsore Records, If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. Formerly of the ‘80s bands The Persuaders and Come in Tokio, Jenkins went “underground” for years, writing songs in the roots and country (or Americana) genre. Between 2015 and 2020 he released four major albums before writing these new songs for his Fretsore debut. </p>
<p>Jenkins’ influences range from Nanci Griffith to Bruce Springsteen, John Prine to The Beatles, and most especially Townes Van Zandt. Musically this is no homegrown affair: the press kit states that “some of the finest studio musicians in Liverpool” contributed to this collection. Co-producer John Lawton plays several instruments; Rob Vincent adds background vocals and harmonica. Lee Shone plays keyboards and Dave Orford handles the drum kit with Amy Chalmers directing the string section. Recording and mixing took place at Liverpool’s Crosstown Studios with mastering by Peter Maher. </p>
<p>Thematically, this album is “the lyrical soundtrack to an insouciant road trip, soon darkened by triggers and reminders of people and places long gone from our lives. The themes of travel and transcending the landscapes of one’s life is prevalent throughout.” This is the kind of album where you’re hard pressed to find a dud, so I’ll discuss my favorite songs. </p>
<p>“A Stranger To Your Heart” lays out the Jenkins template, to wit: smooth, endearing vocals, lush acoustic guitars, and a sudden kick into rock combo wonderment with Amy Chalmers’ strings adding class and dimension. I’m hearing the chords and thinking “that’s a pretty basic pattern” but somehow they hit the spot every time, maybe because of the sharp economy of the studio players. </p>
<p>“Is That What They Say” starts out like Irish traditional before honing in on a more Americana sound, thanks to the harmonica and the fiddle-like strings. I’ll say it now and it will bear repeating: the players on this project are tops, and their contributions are unerringly tasteful. This song is basically the album’s title track as the refrain “If you can’t forgive, you can’t love” pops up here. </p>
<p>“The Last Train From Baltimore” lowers the house lights for a song with “themes of tragedy and the ever difficult narrative of accounting for one’s own past mistakes.” Said to be based on a true story, it’s a horrific tale about a train engineer who runs over some kids playing on the tracks, and his lifetime of pain and regret. “Hold me as I sleep / as that moment plays itself out once more.” The string section is quite effective. </p>
<p>“Moon and June” has a bit of an acoustic R.E.M. feel for a simpler, jangly, innocent-sounding tune. “The Wrong Side Of Sadness” starts off as gospel, then struck me as a pretty basic pop rock song; however, the chorus has an interesting twist that kicks it up a notch or two! Rockin’ piano by Lee Shone seals the deal. </p>
<p>“Strangers On A Train” has a duet and co-writing credit with Alison Benson, a song of “broken dreams and fractured relationships; think Cat Stevens meets Alison Krauss.” I could tell this track was special without even being alerted by the press release, and I’d even dare to mention Leonard Cohen in comparison. “Hearts and Minds” has an upbeat bluegrass feel with its banjos and fiddles. </p>
<p>“Living Someone Else’s Life” has a nice, laid back, acoustic Jimmy Webb vibe. “The End of Summer” sounds very commercial in a Burt Bacharach way, again with really nice harmony vocals (by Alison Benson again, I believe). A bit commercial for me but undeniably sweet. “When The Morning Comes” is every bit as commercial but in a more Monkees pop sense, and I dig it! That pop rock sheen really explodes in the big finale “Desert Hearts” which may be the best song on the album. It’s driving and melodic with a complex arrangement and surprising harmonic changes and hooks aplenty. The strings seemed to have stepped out from a 1960’s hit factory. </p>
<p>If you’re looking for highly polished writing and playing, John Jenkins has got it all here, and I’m sure he’ll continue to release smart and polished music well into the future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.divideandconquermusic.com/indie-music-album-reviews/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love">https://www.divideandconquermusic.com/indie-music-album-reviews/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6714284
2021-08-12T15:28:35+01:00
2021-08-12T15:28:35+01:00
Fatea Magazine Review - Inspirational and highly recommended.
<p>There are so many albums produced these days with throwaway titles, so it is nice to see one come along with a title that really means something. The sentiments in the title of this new album from Liverpudlian John Jenkins, perfectly match the emotions and sentiments of his music. All are similar and feel like being given advice by your best friend. </p>
<p>Is John's music Folk or Americana? The definition is unimportant. What is obvious here is the passion and feel for life that John has and how he uses his music to express his thoughts and dreams. </p>
<p>The songs on offer here are delivered like an all over body massage, gently relaxing the senses and taking the listener to another world of imagination and emotion. John never shouts at the listener; he merely invites you to listen to him and his music, all of which is beautifully produced here with some wonderful backing. </p>
<p>It is claimed that John's influences range from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen, although I personally feel more of the vibes from early Cat Stevens with his thoughtful storytelling and gentle delivery. </p>
<p>Having spent many an hour travelling around the country by train, "Strangers On A train" resonates with me and perfectly captures the mind of the traveller. Alison Benson provides sublime vocals in this duet with John. "Cracks" is a story that will rip the heart out of a parent as a child goes astray. Heartrending emotion filled lyrics and coincidentally it also contains the first time that I have ever heard Woolworths mentioned in a song! </p>
<p>The Nashville Songwriters Association has nominated John as one to watch which says as much about his music as any review is capable of doing. John will be on tour in the UK during August. </p>
<p>Overall, this is a beautifully constructed and delivered album by a master lyricist with excellent observational skills and the ability to share these observations with the world through his songs. Inspirational and highly recommended. </p>
<p>Rory M Stanbridge</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/JohnJenkins3/">https://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/JohnJenkins3/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6714167
2021-08-12T13:39:28+01:00
2021-08-13T12:01:48+01:00
John jenkins and Alison Benson - Strangers on a Train - Official Video -released 12th Aug 2021
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/u7iT7b0fz7I">https://youtu.be/u7iT7b0fz7I</a></p>
<p>Video Premiere: John Jenkins and Alison Benson “Strangers on a Train” </p>
<p>by Andrew Frolish </p>
<p>John Jenkins and Alison Benson both possess warm, resonant voices that carry depth, texture and emotion seemingly effortlessly. Their voices are perfectly matched and perfectly suited to a song full of weariness and a strong sense of narrative purpose. The song asks: "Are we the same // Strangers travelling on a train // With no place to go?" as it prompts us to remember all the people who have passed through our own lives. Thanks to the sensitive lyrics, we listeners can place ourselves into the heart of the song: "A million stories behind sad eyes // Just one life." The pair take turns on vocals before singing together, creating the feel of a conversation unfolding between the strangers. The mood and emotional impact of the song is enhanced by the fine finger-picking melody from guitarist Jon Lawton and the cinematic video created by Brian Roberts that follows the singers on their railway journey. </p>
<p>Jenkins explains how the duet came about: "I'm a big fan of local songwriter Alison Benson and I suggested we try and write a few songs together; we are now on song six and I have to say it’s been an absolute pleasure. This was our first co-write. We had not discussed what we would be doing with the songs once written so I asked her if she was happy for us to record this one for my album." The collaboration between the Liverpool singer-songwriters is the third single from Jenkins' brand new album 'If You Can't Forgive You can't Love' out now on Fretsore Records. Check it out.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6714144
2021-08-12T13:13:53+01:00
2021-08-12T13:13:53+01:00
Somer Valley FM 97.5 FM Interview with Rob Bayly
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://player.autopod.xyz/71264">https://player.autopod.xyz/71264</a></p>
<p>Thanks to Rob Bayley on Sommer Valley FM for having me on the show - I'm on about 60 minutes in - even sing a bit of a new song from a car journey to a wedding </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6712273
2021-08-10T18:03:42+01:00
2021-08-10T18:03:42+01:00
Review - Spill Magazine - Wonderful 9/10
<p><strong>EDITOR PICK -SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOHN JENKINS – IF YOU CAN’T FORGIVE, YOU CAN’T LOVE </strong></p>
<p>JOHN JENKINS <br>IF YOU CAN’T FORGIVE, YOU CAN’T LOVE <br>FRETSORE RECORDS </p>
<p>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love is John Jenkins seventh studio album, and he just keeps getting better and better. Building on the brilliant Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch (2020), Jenkins has delivered an album that is not so much a continuation of that album but rather the starting point for this one. He continues to progress in writing and performing. If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love has one foot in Americana, and the other in its own distinct world. Much like the great Blue Shadows, Jenkins combines the best aspects of country, Americana, and straight rock/pop. The end result is his own definite style and music and it is wonderful. </p>
<p>The album kicks off with the incredibly melodic and beautiful “A Stranger To Your Heart”, which builds from solo Jenkins to eventually being backed by incredible players. With its beautiful string arrangement, it is absolutely sublime. Jenkins spends a great deal of time crafting lyrics and melodies. </p>
<p>The album, lyrically, focuses on love, loss and nostalgia, or rather memories. Jenkins, with his gentle voice, brings the listener to areas in life perhaps best forgotten but stay with us. Relationships go wrong, people make mistakes, and don’t know how to fix things. One of the highlights of the album is the stunning duet with Alison Benson, on a song she co-wrote with Benson, “Strangers On A Train”. Their voices complement each other and it is impossible to not be moved by their performance. </p>
<p>Elsewhere, Jenkins bravely covers Townes Van Zandt’s “Kathleen”. Townes is an artist who has been covered a great deal but Jenkins chooses a lesser known gem, “Kathleen”, and makes it his own. </p>
<p>The album closes with “Desert Hearts”. It is a beautiful way to wrap up the album. Again, jangling guitars, and an incredible arrangement brings the song to a whole new level. Not enough can be said about Jenkins ability to arrange and produce his songs. </p>
<p>If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love demonstrates the strength of Jenkins’ writing. He is able to evoke emotions and create not only atmosphere but his own world. It speaks of internal and external journeys, leading to many self-reflections. A true artistic statement, and one that I will be playing for years to come. There is so much to discover with If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love, that one spin feels the need to return to it over and over again.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://spillmagazine.com/spill-album-review-john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/">https://spillmagazine.com/spill-album-review-john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6708628
2021-08-06T10:24:37+01:00
2021-08-06T10:24:37+01:00
New Album - Liverpool Acoustic Review Rating – 5/5 - Stunning / Stellar
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2021/08/album-review-john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/">https://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2021/08/album-review-john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Artist – John Jenkins </p>
<p>Album – If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love </p>
<p>Released – 6th August 2021 </p>
<p>Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic </p>
<p>Rating – 5/5 </p>
<p>If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love is the stunning new album from Liverpool singer <br>songwriter John Jenkins. The album, a collection of warm, emotive and uplifting tracks is a <br>true slice of Americana on the Mersey. </p>
<p>Recorded at Crosstown Studios in Liverpool, John has taken what has been a deeply <br>challenging and disruptive period for many musicians and artists and used it to create and <br>co-produce this album, his first since signing to Fretstore Records. Jenkins is well <br>established as one of the most prolific songwriters on Merseyside and combined with some <br>of the best musicians and producers the city has to offer, he has created something truly <br>special. </p>
<p>The album sets a scene of a road trip, each song threading together a soundscape of <br>different emotions and stories. Jenkins takes us on a sonic journey with songs that capture <br>your imagination and transport you to the dusty roads of Route 66, telling tales of regret, love <br>and everything in between. </p>
<p>There are some real stand out tracks on this album. The opening song A Stranger To Your <br>Heart begins with a sense of vulnerability. Jenkins comes out into the open with a gentle <br>tone in his voice, his feelings raw and on the surface. The stunning fiddle solo brings a <br>beautiful change to the track and would not sound out of place in an old western bar. </p>
<p>Strangers On A Train is the breathtaking duet featured on the album. The track, co-written <br>by Jenkins and Liverpool musician Alison Benson is a heartbreaking ballad of love lost and <br>a stark reminder of the cruelness of the passage of time. The blending of John and Alison’s <br>voices creates a haunting track which stays with you long after you have listened to it. </p>
<p>Desert Hearts was released as a single earlier in the year. It’s a fantastic closing track, with <br>swelling guitars and percussion, uplifting brass and beautiful vocals. Jenkins’ voice is so full <br>of joy and soars perfectly over the top of the music. It’s a song that looks ahead to the future <br>and for me, provides the perfect driving off into the sunset feel. The arrangement for the <br>track is brilliant, with a hearty mix of rock guitar and classical strings. It truly is a song that <br>covers all bases and is sure to be one to remember. </p>
<p>This is a stellar album from Jenkins, his music can be listened to and appreciated by people <br>of all ages. His influences of Americana and Country are clear to see and there is no doubt <br>that this album is a labour of love. With songs that break your heart and pull you back <br>together all in one, John Jenkins is definitely one to watch and I cannot wait to see what he <br>produces next. </p>
<p>Helen Maw </p>
<p>© 2021 Liverpool Acoustic</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6707881
2021-08-05T17:59:59+01:00
2021-08-05T17:59:59+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Graham Steele Livestream Set List 4th Aug 2021
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Link to Livestream Recording " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/fK7Vvm3ALQE">Link to Livestream Recording </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Graham Steele Livestream Set List 4th Aug 2021</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Wrong side of Sadness <br>He’ll Have to Go/Bitter Harvest <br>Daniel White <br>I Miss You <br>Get Her Out Of My Mind <br>Kathleen <br>A Stranger to your Heart <br>Same Thing Every Night <br>Day after Day <br>Is that What They Say? <br>Good Company</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6706429
2021-08-04T11:39:12+01:00
2021-08-04T11:39:12+01:00
Talking Songs with Rowland Jones Tuesday 3rd Aug 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/e1fe5929bda8cf77a95b172429051dd0820241b3/original/talking-songs.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Really enjoyed the chat with Rowland yesterday - this will be put up YouTube in due course</p>
<p>As well as the conversation me and Pippa Murdie played 4 songs:</p>
<p>1 - The Last Train From Baltimore</p>
<p>2 - Daniel White</p>
<p>3 - It's Not That I'm Afraid of your Husband</p>
<p>4 - Cracks</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/TalkingSongswithRowlandJones/videos/2712309482402656">https://www.facebook.com/TalkingSongswithRowlandJones/videos/2712309482402656</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6704365
2021-08-02T11:49:28+01:00
2021-08-02T11:49:28+01:00
Fika Festival Set List Sunday 1st Aug 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/bb53520048088d0f455443df52d6ca27e7e87c44/original/fika-festival.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Set List:</p>
<p>1- Bitter Harvest</p>
<p>2 - I'm Looking Through You</p>
<p>3 - Get Her Out Of My Mind</p>
<p>4 - It's Not That I'm afraid of your Husband</p>
<p>5 - I Can See Clearly Now</p>
<p>6 - Hares on a Mountain</p>
<p>7 - Can You Hear Me?</p>
<p>8 - Wasnt That a Mighty Storm?</p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6703072
2021-07-31T11:51:58+01:00
2021-07-31T11:53:09+01:00
Strangers On A Train - New Single Released 30th July - John Jenkins with Alison Benson
<p>I'm very proud to say that the new Single "Strangers on a Train" - the duet and co-write with Alison Benson was released on July 30th 2021.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Strangers On A Train” is out today. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the making of this single, from the writing and recording process to the filming of the music video. Thank you @alisonbensonuke for being a part of all of it.</p>
<p>You can stream the song HERE: <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://linktr.ee/strangersonatrain">https://linktr.ee/strangersonatrain</a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/ef758e7f4be960636b0e42bd6c2e49a2883e8e1c/original/johnjenkinsinstastory2-sunscreen-image.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6702324
2021-07-30T16:29:28+01:00
2021-07-30T16:29:28+01:00
Kathleen Airs on Ralph McLean's BBC Radio Ulster Country/Roots Show 29th July 2021
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="Link to Ralph's Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000y73g?fbclid=IwAR1-pA02clgoqCaZMNlZeD60_jHNxJpq0Q6AHO_T5UEJ9VQSB_5Wj-5z0Bo">Link to Ralph's Show</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So proud to be played on Ralph's show - He played "Kathleen" and had this to say about the new album and "Kathleeen". </p>
<p>“Kathleen “– an inspired cover of an incredible Townes Van Zandt Song </p>
<p>“That’s a fine rendition of an amazing Townes Van Zandt Song, long been one of my favourite Townes Songs and it comes from a splendid collection, 13 really powerful tracks from John Jenkins from his new album “If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love” and it’s on Fretsore records" </p>
<p>I was played after the wonderful "Amy Speace" who i met/interviewed last year myself for my radio show and before Charley Crockett/Jason Isbell and Elvis Costello. </p>
<p>Some great compnay to be in </p>
<p>Thank you Ralph x</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6700356
2021-07-28T17:52:29+01:00
2021-09-29T00:20:21+01:00
Charity Event Sunday 1st August 2021 - John to play short set with Pippa at 3.30pm
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/bb53520048088d0f455443df52d6ca27e7e87c44/original/fika-festival.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6700354
2021-07-28T17:51:17+01:00
2022-04-08T15:12:58+01:00
Americana UK Review of "If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love" - 7/10
<p><strong>A varied collection of strong songs that repays repeated plays. </strong></p>
<p>After being involved with Liverpool bands The Persuaders and Come in Tokio in the 80s, John Jenkins reappeared in 2015. He says of the shift from the post-punk of his previous bands to his current work; “The songs continued to come, but I did nothing with them. I’ve always been a fan of great songs and my listening led my writing closer to the songs of roots and country”. As with nearly all the albums we have heard this year ‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ is the product of the isolation of Lockdown. The process has been kind to many songwriters, including Jenkins. </p>
<p>Jenkins lists influences as coming from John Prine to The Beatles, and Nanci Griffith to Bruce Springsteen. You can hear The Boss and Prine in his music, but not much Beatles early on.</p>
<p>‘Strangers On A Train’, the album’s best ballad could have been a Ralph McTell or Michael Chapman song quite easily, on the quality of the songwriting alone. </p>
<p>Opening song ’A Stranger to Your Heart’ starts as a John Martyn style ballad, but morphs quickly into a hard-rocking guitar solo. One of the features of the album are Amy Chalmers’ string arrangements, particularly effective on ‘The Last Train from Baltimore’, and ‘Kathleen’, where they are matched with a Hammond organ that gives the minor key song a menacing feel straight off a Hollywood soundtrack. Dave Goldberg’s organ solo on this song is another instrumental highpoint.</p>
<p>Handclaps and a gospel piano open ‘The Wrong Side of Sadness’. Despite the title this is an upbeat piece that is one of the highlights. Set in the middle of the album, it contrasts with ‘Strangers on A Train’, a duet with another Liverpool singer Alison Benson. This has a Brief Encounter style storyline, and trains are a recurring theme, cropping up again in ‘When the Morning Comes’ a light 70’s pop song that is yet another shift in style. The strings and harmonica that feature elsewhere help this fit into the overall album feel though. In fact, several songs in the second half of the album have that 70’s feel, and could easily have appeared on a Wings album, so that’s the Beatles connection then. </p>
<p>If there is a criticism of the album it is that stylistically it dots about rather, but when the songs are of such high quality that’s easy to forgive. It is easy to pick out songs rather than playing the album as a whole, which might be to miss some gems. This is a record that needs a few plays to get under your skin, but the song repays the effort as there is no weak tune here. Jenkins’ indie-rock roots show through particularly on closer ‘Desert Hearts’, a song good enough to make you press the repeat button. </p>
<p>7/10</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6693090
2021-07-20T16:20:19+01:00
2021-07-20T16:20:19+01:00
Tour Starts in Shrewsbury August 18th 2021
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.myshrewsbury.co.uk/blog/john-jenkins-liverpudlian-singer-songwriter/">https://www.myshrewsbury.co.uk/blog/john-jenkins-liverpudlian-singer-songwriter/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6691356
2021-07-18T12:32:23+01:00
2021-07-18T12:33:04+01:00
Live at The Plasterers Arms Hoylake - 17th July 2021 - Set List
<p>Was a Lovely afternoon spent at The Plasterers from 5pm to 8pm </p>
<p>Played 32 songs with Pippa Murdie </p>
<p>Many thanks to those that came to see us - quite a few and for those that did not and said they enjoyed the show(s) - We do aim to please - </p>
<p>Here are the set lists for those that like that kind of thing including me. All songs are mine unless noted otherwise. </p>
<p>Set 1 </p>
<p>1 Bitter Harvest </p>
<p>2 The Wrong Side of Sadness </p>
<p>3 The Last Train to Baltimore </p>
<p>4 Daniel White </p>
<p>5 I'm Looking Through You - Beatles Cover </p>
<p>6 It's not that I'm afraid of your husband </p>
<p>7 Kathleen - Townes Van Zandt Cover </p>
<p>8 Passenger (Pippa) - Lisa Hannigan Cover </p>
<p>9 Get Her Out Of My Mind </p>
<p>set 2 </p>
<p>10 A Stranger to your Heart </p>
<p>11 I Miss You </p>
<p>12 Looking for That American Dream </p>
<p>13 He'll Have To Go - Jim Reeves Cover </p>
<p>14 Same Thing Every Night </p>
<p>15 I'm Looking Through You - Beatles Cover - 2nd play </p>
<p>16 Cracks </p>
<p>17 Hearts and Minds </p>
<p>18 Hares on a Mountain(Pippa) - Traditional Song </p>
<p>19 Can You Hear Me? </p>
<p>set 3 </p>
<p>20 Moon and June </p>
<p>21 It's not that I'm afraid - 2nd Play </p>
<p>22 Day after Day </p>
<p>23 Runaway - Del Shannon Cover </p>
<p>24 Have You Ever Seen Paint Peeling from Old Wood </p>
<p>25 Oh Lonesome me - Don Gibson Cover </p>
<p>26 Is That What They Say? </p>
<p>27 I Can See Clearly Now- Johnny Nash Cover </p>
<p>28 Good Company </p>
<p>29 Bitter Harvest - 2nd Play </p>
<p>30 Kathleen - 2nd play - Townes Van Zandt Cover </p>
<p>31 Get Her Out Of My Mind - 2nd Play </p>
<p>32 Wasn’t That A Mighty Storm - Traditional</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6687534
2021-07-14T15:59:27+01:00
2021-07-14T15:59:27+01:00
Radio Interview with Vintage Radio - with Cliff Howarth 12th Aug 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/46b6f5f7f7cffdfd9bc47246c719eaa7ffa29fc8/original/cliff-12th-aug-2021.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6687533
2021-07-14T15:57:29+01:00
2021-07-14T15:57:29+01:00
British Country Music Award Nominations Now Open 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/b2eeac976f89325475aa65fa500642272f68fb5d/original/artist-nomination-overlay-jj-4.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6686414
2021-07-13T13:43:59+01:00
2021-07-13T13:43:59+01:00
Uncut Music Magazine Sept 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/a148963fe5a9e5bc738784bd6e0676c8241c53c5/original/uncut.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Ian Sephton says</p>
<p>We have 4 bands with Merseyside links with new albums out on Fretsore Records. </p>
<p>Here's our advert in the latest Uncut Magazine with another Liverpool band on the cover, you might recognise them? </p>
<p>Brand New Zeros Matt McManamon The Mono LPs John Jenkins </p>
<p>https://fretsorerecords.bandcamp.com/</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6684191
2021-07-10T13:40:06+01:00
2021-07-10T13:42:58+01:00
Stereo Stickman Interview July 10th 2021
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stereostickman.com/interviews/john-jenkins-2/"><span style="color:#c0392b;">https://stereostickman.com/interviews/john-jenkins-2/</span></a></span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/6ed1b29b9aacfac66e11df1f91dc6791df7842b2/original/stereo-stickman.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">The UK’s own John Jenkins is set to release yet another beautifully compelling album of originals this August, the wonderfully contemplative If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">With song-writing second to none and a clear lifetime of musicianship enhancing each track, it was a pleasure to chat with John once again, to find out more about the project, the band, and how things have been going over the past two years. Here’s the conversation in full. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">* * * </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Hi John – what a pleasure to catch up, and to mark the release of a stunning new album no less. When did the process for this album first begin, and what does it represent for you? </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Thank you, Rebecca you are exceedingly kind. My last album got such amazing reviews that it gave me the confidence to continue writing songs that I felt told a story and that included characters that I hope some people could relate to. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Funnily enough when I am writing lyrics, I always picture my characters in an American town, bar, coffee house, highway. It kind of frees my imagination up a bit more plus place names in America can be cool. My song The Last Train from Baltimore just would not be the same if I had called it The Last Train from Grimsby or Macclesfield. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I was fortunate to get an “Arts Council Grant” from the UK which made it possible to plan the Album, record it and set up a tour. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">The songs, in the main, were written last year in “lockdown”. I wrote a lot of songs in 2020 so it was quite nice to have a headache selecting the ones I wanted to record. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">My last album was quite intimately quiet and laid-back so for this album I thought I would take it up a notch and get a mixture of tracks that showed off different aspects of my Song-writing. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">With saying all that it could have been so different as my first intention was to record an out and out hillbilly album using a hillbilly group, I came across from Sunderland here in the UK. I wrote a bag full of old-style Country songs as if I were writing for “Kitty Wells” or “Loretta Lynn”. Unfortunately, the Lockdown meant that they were unable to travel and so I went to plan B and these songs. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>How would you describe the connection between the album title and the various stories within? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Love and Forgiveness can be enormously powerful emotions to go through – it did not seem as obvious to me that there was a thread that ran through the songs at first. I tend to write a song as a standalone piece of work and try and avoid similar stories, but themes can often be repeated unconsciously. I mean how many songs are written about love without sounding the same. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>Where did this title come from, what first inspired you to consider the phrase and then to delve so deeply into its implications? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">As most songwriters will say, we all carry notebooks around with us or bits of paper most of the time so that when we hear something in conversation or read in a book or hear in films, something that triggers something within us we make a note of it and file it away maybe to use. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Occasionally when I am writing a song, I will dip into my Songwriting notebook and something I may have noted down (with some tweaking) could end up being a better line or phrase than the one I had myself originally. Sometimes what you made a note of is so obvious you kick yourself for not thinking of it first. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">When I wrote the song Is that What they Say? I think had this phrase in my notes, but I have no idea of the source unfortunately. It could be anyone from Anais Nin to Isabelle Allende to Frank O’Connor, authors I have trouble reading without noting down every other line lol. <br>I put that line in the Middle 8 of that song, and it just felt like that phrase just covered the spectrum of most of the songs. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">It is one of my favourite bits on the album as well. Initially the album started out as if it were going to be called Desert Hearts, but because people zone in on the title song rather than the body of work it was not that hard to choose this phrase for the album title instead. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;">This comes under your solo name, is this a different band this time around, session musicians or a group likely to go with you to the stage? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I do have a band (John Jenkins and the James Street Band) but because of lockdown we have been unable to get together to play or rehearse. The songs Desert Hearts and When the Morning Comes being the exceptions as they are band recordings and were started just before lockdown. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Jon Lawton my co-producer and the Engineer is a genius. Like all my solo albums so far, he plays Guitar, Bass, Programs the drums and makes the coffee. For this album, because I did not want it as intimate as my last album (in the main), I decided we would record a basic vocal, bass, acoustic guitars, drum programming if needed. I then thought hard about additional instrumentation and backing vocals to add a lot of colours to the basic tracks. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Amy Chalmers is my go-to person for Strings/Violin. Everyone else I asked depending upon the song. I am lucky to be friends with the amazing “Robert Vincent” who won the 2021 AMAUK “Artist of the year” and “Album of the year” so I asked him to do some backing singing on a couple of songs. I normally do my own harmonies, but I do like having a good layer of backing singing/vocals depending on the song (see Desert Hearts) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>Which song on this project is your personal favourite, and why? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Desert Hearts. I imagine when I presented it to the band, they must have thought I was off my head. A couple of friends/songwriters would comment that some of my songs only had 3 chords. I would say that 3 chords are enough if the song is as good as it can be. For Desert Hearts I was thinking in “Cinemascope” when I was writing it. I visualised all the parts, all the ups and downs, the narrative flow, the instrumentation I would like. I started it before lockdown which meant that when lockdown kicked in, I had some time to consider some of its instrumentation and arrangement. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">In Liverpool three of the best current Americana/Folk duos are “Two Black Sheep” “The Folk Doctors” and “Limerance”. All three are on that track as well as two amazing Singer-Songwriters – Thom Morecroft and Stuart Todd (Shadow Captain). Add Tony Peers on Trumpet and you get the idea how epic I wanted it to sound. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Again, Amy’s strings were pivotal in the overall feel of the song. I want to record an album of songs at some point that are like Desert Hearts in which they do not conform to verse/chorus/verse/chorus/middle 8/chorus traditional format. I am a big fan of Bruce Springsteen’s early albums and Love Forever Changes album as well which have non-traditional song structures, lots and strings and horns. Bruce’s Western Stars album was a template as well. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>A Stranger To Your Heart makes for one of the best album introductions ever, in my opinion. Did you write this with the intro in mind, or did it build up in this way and simply make sense as an opener once you had the full collection? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Wow – that is about the nicest compliment I have ever had – thank you. I did not write it as an opening track. I always had Desert Hearts in my mind as an opener but then I thought it be a better song to finish the album off with. Not everyone will understand Desert Hearts due to its length and arrangement, so I did not want people to put off on first listen. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">A Stranger to your heart evolved in the recording. I wrote it thinking it would be an intimate song throughout and laid back but once we tried it with the drums coming in on the chorus it opened a lot of doors for overdubs and backing vocals/violin and so on to make it a bigger sounding song. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I was particularly proud of writing this song. My partner Lynn decided to paint our bedroom, so we moved into our guest bedroom, and it felt like I was on my holidays with the new surroundings. I read a lot of Songwriting tip books like Pat Patterson and do a lot of Songwriting exercises. Chris Difford from Squeeze once told me to try and use uncommon words in my songs and I always remember that tip. I had my thesaurus out when writing A Stranger to your heart and some of the words sound quite poetic because I was looking for uncommon words. I played it to a Nashville Songwriters Association advocate for feedback and they told me to use more “common words”. It just goes to show that everyone can have a different opinion on Songwriting tips and techniques. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>What made you decide to weave in a Townes Van Zandt cover? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">For various unfathomable reasons I was late to some of my favourite singer songwriters that I listen to now, Songwriters such as Guy Clark, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nanci Griffiths, Iris DeMent, John Prine, Lori McKenna, and the late great “Townes Van Zandt”. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">At an Americana Music Association Seminar a few years back, I had the nervous task of playing a song of mine before a 4 Songwriting panel that consisted of Chris Difford, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Mary Gauthier, and Sam Baker. The idea was to get feedback on the song – Fortunately, I got a positive review but one thing I remembered was “Sam Baker” telling me that the song I played reminded him of “Townes Van Zandt”. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">With curiosity I bought a box set CD of 4 albums and (no exaggeration) I now have 40 CDs of his with many being compilations and duplicating songs. Kathleen was one of my first “Townes” song loves. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">There is an annual Italian festival that pays homage to him and because of covid they were unable to have the 2020 Festival so now have about twenty 15-minute episodes on YouTube called “The Road to Townes Van Zandt” where everyone covers a “Townes” song. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I felt like I needed to be part of that family and wondered which song I would cover. Because of “Amy Chalmers” (who does my strings for me) was booked to do some string sessions I thought I’d go out on a limb and do Kathleen with the full string arrangement that he had but add my own take on the backing track. It is now part of my set now and I just love singing it. It is a wonderful song and so mysterious in its meaning, people have different ideas what it is about. I just hope I did it justice. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>What does the album format mean to you in this age of vastly available indie singles and EPs? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I am old school and quite ancient so for me personally I play albums from start to finish. I have thousands of Vinyl, still get a buzz going into record shops and coming across things for my collection. I was in New York last year (January 2020) and bought a ton of country albums because they were so cheap. It can be an expensive hobby though and my credit card takes a beating from time to time. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I think the young kids are missing out on this aspect of music. Buying singles/albums on release day was such an important part of my life and other people I know. Nowadays people can record a toilet flushing on their phone, upload the mp3 and release it as a piece of art. It’s so easy to put music out these days that it can be quite difficult to hear the music that you really should do. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">There is a double edge sword to this though, as it also gives new artists a platform to be heard, which was not always the case years ago so that’s a bonus. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>Has your creative purpose or reach changed at all because of the past year and half of standstill and global difficulty, and if so – in what ways? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Yes, as I said I could not do much with my band and a session I wanted to do (the Hillbilly one) could not happen, but you learn to adjust and if one thing that can be said to be a positive in this covid era it is “livestreaming”. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">It’s great seeing live concerts in your front room especially from places around the world. I did a Nashville Bluebird Café open mic at the beginning of the year. Never thought I would do that in a million years plus I have played various folk club livestreams around the UK from my own home. It does not beat being at a concert physically but its an additional treat. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>Where do you recommend is the best setting for people to enjoy this album in full? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I would say wherever people feel most comfortable with the least distraction and maybe with headphones on. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">The nuances of say Desert Hearts can be fully enjoyed with headphones. Sounds like I am full of myself but the people who played on that song were amazing and added bits to my song that I would love if they were on someone else’s record. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>You have had another birthday recently I believe – did you do anything special to celebrate? </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">Thank you. Yes, I love travelling either around the UK or the world but because of “Covid Flight restrictions “etc me and Lynn went to the east coast of England to a traditional seaside place called “Cromer”. It has a Victorian pier and still has a theatre on it (I believe it is the last one in the UK). The Weather was glorious, so we were incredibly lucky. We also visited another seaside place called “Sheringham”. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I kind of collect postcards of old seaside places in the UK so it was nice to finally get to see “Cromer” and this part of England is quite new to me. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;">Is there anything else you would like to say? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">I would like personally to thank you for such kind words about the album – it is really nice when people take time to listen to the words as well as the music and follow the narratives. I just hope it gets heard by a lot more people and here’s to the next one next year x. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#d35400;">* * * </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:null;"><strong>Read our previous interview with John Jenkins here. Album out August 6th. Check out John Jenkins on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit his Website.</strong></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6680256
2021-07-06T18:10:46+01:00
2021-07-06T18:10:46+01:00
Radio Interview with Cambridge 105 - with Brian O'Reilly
<p>https://cambridge105.co.uk/radioplayer/ </p>
<p>I'll be doing a little interview tonight at 7pm if you wish to join me and Brian O'Reilly - Link above</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/371773dd702956fe42a8915c664725a3ca868c9a/original/brian-oreilly-cambridge-105.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6680141
2021-07-06T16:43:22+01:00
2021-07-06T16:43:22+01:00
John Jenkins - If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love - Pre-Orders now available
<p><a contents="https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/">https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love </a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/64840751f840c2a3bf66eb04a5ef75366fb0e5e2/original/cover-1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>4 Panel CD - If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love </p>
<p>Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album </p>
<p>Includes digital pre-order of If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released. </p>
<p>shipping out on or around August 6, 2021 </p>
<p>Pre-order Compact Disc £11 GBP or more </p>
<p>Send as Gift </p>
<p>Digital Album </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/5f3b9444308379831abdbd6a3b1412a32696ba04/original/back-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Streaming + Download </p>
<p>Pre-order of If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released. </p>
<p>releases August 6, 2021</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6674723
2021-06-30T11:25:18+01:00
2021-07-06T16:46:23+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Graham Steele Music Online Music Club LIVESTREAM 7th July 2021 NOW CANCELLED
<p>This Event is NOW CANCELLED due to England's football match and re-scheduled for August 4th 2021</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/7209030a4848558369eba577e8991bccdf9425b7/original/july-7th-gsmc-artic.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />One for your Diaries </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6671967
2021-06-27T13:31:40+01:00
2021-06-27T13:31:40+01:00
West Kirby Arts Centre Show June 26th 2021
<p>We had a great time last night at the West Kirby Arts Centre - a big thank you to Ady and the WKAC people for such a great event in support of Wirral Wave Radio. </p>
<p>Thanks to everyone that came out to support the event and a big thank you to the James Street Band Denis Parkinson, Dave Orford, Pippa Murdie, Chris Jones and Karl Parry. We have not played since 2019 due to the pandemic and only got together this week for a couple of short rehearsals but i think we rocked the place, at least i was told that. Here's to the next one ... </p>
<p><strong>Songs played: <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/ef619b267a00ba35e355d168fed61bcaee467bf0/original/wka-c-capture.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_large">JJ/Pippa Set </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Stranger to Your Heart </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Last Train From Baltimore </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Daniel White </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Kathleen (Townes Van Zandt Cover) </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>It's Not That I'm Afraid of your Husband </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Wrong Side of Sadness </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Moon and June </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>He'll Have to Go (Jim Reeves Cover) </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Day After Day </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cracks </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Is That What They Say? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>John Jenkins and The James Street Band Set </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Get Her Out Of My Mind </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Same Thing Every Night </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Looking For That American Dream </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I Was Looking For You </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Bitter Harvest </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wasnt that a Mighty Storm (Trad) </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Can You Hear Me? </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Silhouettes</strong></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6668981
2021-06-24T14:50:51+01:00
2021-06-24T14:50:51+01:00
Liverpool Acoustic Review - Kathleen - "Stunning Cover Version"
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Single review: John Jenkins – Kathleen BY: HELEN MAW ON: JUNE 23, 2021 </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Single – Kathleen </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Released – 4th June 2021 </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The idea of releasing cover songs is often a minefield to navigate as a musician. There is always the concern that though you may be paying homage to a musical hero, you may not always do it justice. However, with velvety vocals and stunningly beautiful strings, John Jenkins’ latest release of the Townes Van Zandt track Kathleen is a stellar tribute to the original. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There is a vulnerability to the track, with Jenkins’ vocals hovering over the complex organ parts and beautiful string arrangements, which are thanks to Merseyside musician and arranger Amy Chalmers. It is never intrusive, but stands out as assured and carries you along with the track. Jenkins embodies the spirit of the song and despite the tragic circumstances in which Van Zandt lived and passed, Kathleen carries on through stunning cover versions such as this. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The instrumentation of the song is well produced and compliments the vocals. There is a relaxed laziness to it, it lulls you and allows you to ease into the song. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The track is taken from Jenkins’ highly anticipated album If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love, which is due for release on the 6th August and features the critically acclaimed single Desert Hearts as well as Strangers on a Train, a duet with Alison Benson. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John will also be embarking on a 10-date national tour beginning on the 18th of August. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John Jenkins is definitely one to watch and I look forward to hearing his album when it is released. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Helen Maw </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">© 2021 Liverpool Acoustic</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2021/06/single-review-john-jenkins-kathleen/">http://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2021/06/single-review-john-jenkins-kathleen/</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6666753
2021-06-22T13:50:46+01:00
2021-06-22T13:50:46+01:00
Stereo Stickman Review of "If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love" - "Superb, stunning even"
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/">https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>An artist I’ve been listening to and indeed writing about for five years now, the UK’s own and a songwriter and voice just perfectly connected to what moves and calms a listener – John Jenkins has a brand new album out soon, and it’s one of the best collections of original songs to emerge so far this year. </p>
<p>Following the initial heart-breaking yet beautiful reality of the album’s title, If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love, there’s something equally revealing and rather blissful about the opening simplicity and warmth of A Stranger to Your Heart. John’s voice, quiet and comforting, familiar, accessible, genuine, meets with the simple strum of the acoustic guitar, and offers this intimate, descending melody, with short lines of softly spoken poetry. The first third is a thing of its own, and then the beat drops in, the soundscape broadens, and the piece energises in a way that sets up the rest of the album just perfectly. </p>
<p>Is That What They Say follows on, a country ballad with Celtic undertones and a brilliantly folk-like story running through its simple melody. Complete with harmonica, strings, and a gorgeous resolve, the song details the topic of gossip in a small town – familiar lines seem unique yet also naturally remind us of similar chit-chat that makes its way through most of our lives. The final verse is quite beautiful, John has a way with making the most striking lyrics softly pierce through just when your guard is down. </p>
<p>Keeping arrangement effective, The Last Train From Baltimore takes on finger-picking and imagery for another glimpse of fire-side folk that observes and reflects all at once. Then we get a touch of sultry swagger and soul as the wonderful Kathleen pours through – a Townes Van Zandt cover and the first official single from the album. </p>
<p>Moon And June is an early highlight for its simple and joyous rhythm and colour, the optimism of the melody and the ache of the story in contrast, the recognisable acoustic riff. </p>
<p>Cracks follows on well with another image-laden story that captivates in this stripped-back setting. Gorgeous vocals from John, as always, meander through this melody in a softly emotive and pure manner. The album title comes to mind, not for the first time – its truth feels heavy yet important; If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. </p>
<p>Not wanting to ramble I try to summarise and point to highlights, but there’s not a bad song on this album – not even one that falls below par. The Wrong Side Of Sadness is perhaps a slow burner but only in terms of its progression from good to great. Contrasting brightness of music and lyrical struggle once again, ultimately leaving a sense of beauty and soul lingering; that piano part is especially powerful. </p>
<p>Strangers On A Train feels like a timeless folk classic, paired vocals offer a welcomed dynamic – a little Beautiful South but with more of a gentle and contemplative writing style. Then the sudden western twang and knees-up intro of Hearts and Minds kicks in with a brilliantly uplifting rhythm and pace. Never one to submit to prediction though, John weaves in an unexpected story, and more than a few lyrics that inspire a deeper level of thought and awareness in the listener. </p>
<p>Living Someone Else’s Life is a personal favourite, one I might choose to replay if there somehow isn’t time for the whole album. But then, the sudden colour and caress of The End Of Summer helps it really settle in, and this is true of the entire thirteen-track arrangement – each new song compliments the last, and indeed the next, in a wonderful way. </p>
<p>As a final example, the familiar pop-rock embrace of When The Morning Comes is followed rather epically by the build-up and drop into indie-rock anthem territory for a mighty closing track that is Desert Hearts; an absolute must-hear from the new album, and a great way to round up this conceptual, deeply considerate journey. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love/">Superb, stunning even</a>. Musically familiar, a project that could, on the one hand, blend in with the ambiance of many pubs and rooms that choose to play it. However, if you let yourself really listen, John’s voice – his overall artistic voice, not just the one that sings – shines with a uniquely intricate and thoughtful brightness. This album reminds us of many things that matter in life, not least of all the consistently illuminated fact; If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. </p>
<p>Album out August 6th. Check out John Jenkins on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram or visit his Website. Check out our interview with John Jenkins here.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6664890
2021-06-20T15:14:42+01:00
2021-06-20T15:14:42+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - The Plasterers Hoylake 19th June 2021 - Set List
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/8f731e0480b2f0bb24207942232686872d33b6bb/original/plasteres.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bitter Harvest </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Wrong Side of Sadness </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Last Train to Baltimore </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Daniel White </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I'm Looking through you (cover) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Same Thing Every Night </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Kathleen (cover) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hares on a Mountain (trad/cover) (Pippa) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Last Train to Baltimore (2nd play) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Get Her out of my Mind </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">A Stranger to your Heart </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I Miss You </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Dying By Inches </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">He'll Have to Go (cover) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">It's Not That I'm afraid of your Husband </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cracks </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hearts and Minds </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Passenger (cover) (Pippa) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Can you hear me? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Moon and June </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Looking for that American Dream </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Day after Day </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Runaway (cover) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Have You Ever Seen Paint Peeling From Old Wood </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh Lonesome Me (cover) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Is That What They Say? </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I Can See Clearly Now (cover) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Kathleen (cover) (2nd Play) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Good Company </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Wasn't That A Mighty Storm (trad/cover)</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6664100
2021-06-19T12:02:44+01:00
2021-06-19T12:02:44+01:00
Thornton Hough Fretsore Showcase -Tickets Now On Sale
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.wegottickets.com/event/518914">https://www.wegottickets.com/event/518914</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/9ea99f9df2e02fd6bc24b30d9ad53cc1d4281f02/original/thvc-poster-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Tickets are now on sale for both nights of the Fretsore Records Showcase Weekend -I'll be playing on Night 1</p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6663403
2021-06-18T17:00:43+01:00
2021-06-18T17:00:43+01:00
John Jenkins, If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. Album Review. Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * * (5 STARS)
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2021/06/18/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love-album-review/">https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2021/06/18/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love-album-review/</a></p>
<p>The first review for my new album "If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love" - Its's a 5 Star one which i'm over the moon with. "Outstanding"</p>
<p>"Arguably his finest set of songs to date"</p>
<p>Thank you so much Ian D Hall for thIs x</p>
<p>Anyone wanting a copy here is the pre-order link </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR1UCMsyRR4ULVi6As2cYxdSHgYXEoLclUb8fXTN0bim6kY-Z3KyvXubyZg">https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR1UCMsyRR4ULVi6As2cYxdSHgYXEoLclUb8fXTN0bim6kY-Z3KyvXubyZg</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>John Jenkins, If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. Album Review. </p>
<p>Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * * </p>
<p>To apologise is hard, to forgive is challenging, and yet we are urged from early in life to see forgiveness as a way of promoting love for one’s self, to be able to move on from the perceived sleight, the moment of indiscretion, of the falling foul to all that makes us human; yet forgiving seems to be the hardest emotion to conquer, it would seem for many the easier option is make life intolerable for someone, to put them down, to find ways in which to destroy another human being just because they made a mistake. </p>
<p>If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love, not necessarily the action of regaining the adoration of another, but in the response to your own soul, and it is the soul that is the most important factor to consider when weighing up to forgive, (maybe not even forgetting) or going down the endless cycle of repeating recriminations. It is a cycle that leads to destruction, but also one that can add melody and beauty to the heavy heart encountered in the melancholic and the lament, and one so vibrantly captured in sheer expression by John Jenkins in his incredibly passionate and vibrantly elegiac album, If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love. </p>
<p>To know John Jenkins is to love him, and safe in the knowledge that there is nothing to forgive as he reveals the heart on his sleeve and shows his mind to be open, precise and modest as he has ever been, and what is perhaps arguably his finest set of songs to date, the truth of the moment becomes clear, that whilst separately the songs could be seen as hugely important, it is when they are placed together that they become a tonic, a restorative, a piece of art that understands that sadness is not to be shunned, but accepted as a monument to our emotional resonance and how we bring ourselves back into the light. </p>
<p>The album’s tracks, of which several have made their way gloriously into the minds of the listener during the course of the year so far, Kathleen, The Last Train From Baltimore, The Wrong Side Of Sadness, Strangers On A Train, Living Someone Else’s Life, When The Morning Comes and Desert Hearts, are complimented by the song Is That What They Say, a dramatic song of lost opportunityand regret, punctuated by the belief of how we hope those who brought us into the world would hopefully see us at our best, would still love us. </p>
<p>With the award-winning Rob Vincent, Amy Chalmers, Dave Orford, Lee Shone and Alison Benson all weaving their own sense of magic and occasion into every sweet moment that the album provides, If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love, becomes the centre-piece into which the emotions of the listener become wonderfully entangled with that of the artist; like being captivated and admitting to being awe-struck in front of a painting by Constable, Turner or Maclise, or feeling your heart pushed to a new boundary of belief by the poetry of Keats or Anne Askew, so John Jenkins has plainly, undoubtedly, presented his own art with exceptional understanding. Outstanding! </p>
<p>John Jenkins releasees If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love via Fretsore Records on August 6th. </p>
<p>Ian D. Hall</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6661906
2021-06-17T10:48:52+01:00
2021-10-18T17:08:25+01:00
Building Our Own Nashville - OHN JENKINS ‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ FRETSORE RECORDS Release Date: 6th August 2021 Ahead of 11-date National Tour
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="ttps://buildingourownnashville.com/2021/06/16/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love-fretsore-records-release-date-6th-august-2021-ahead-of-11-date-national-tour/">ttps://buildingourownnashville.com/2021/06/16/john-jenkins-if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love-fretsore-records-release-date-6th-august-2021-ahead-of-11-date-national-tour/</a><br> </p>
<p>Amidst the tumultuous state of the world, creatives are vying for room to express themselves across the digital space; from virtual co-writes to the challenges of in-person recording and socially distanced studios. But above all this stands the music, and the creative river remains in a constant and necessary state of ebb and flow. </p>
<p>Liverpudlian singer-songwriter John Jenkins is one such artist. His new album ‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ is his first since signing to indie label Fretsore Records. </p>
<p>Welcomed early this year with its first single ‘Desert Hearts’, a sweeping saga of ever-changing landscapes which takes on contrasting themes of turbulence, reflection and solitude. Here, it is the album’s closer. Opened in the Nordic style of ‘A Stranger to Your Heart’, a song that captures the thematic and reflective road trip motif prevalent to the album, a biographical picture of landscapes, connecting characters of one’s past to their ongoing relevancy in our lives. </p>
<p>‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ is an album constructive in its cohesive narrative, encompassing its influences from the Americana and Liverpudlian songbooks. </p>
<p>With influences from John Prine to The Beatles, and Nanci Griffith to Bruce Springsteen, a key influence stands out here, with a reimagining of Townes Van Zandt’s ‘Kathleen’ continuing its prevalence on songs such as the sombre ‘Living Someone Else’s Life’, a tale of regret told through the ache to relive past events and rediscover the emotions attached to them. </p>
<p>“One of the most prolific songwriters in Merseyside… A handsome piece of music, epic, pleasing, a song of sensitivity and difference.” Liverpool Sound and Vision (on ‘Desert Hearts’) </p>
<p>Sonically the album fuses transatlantic influences, elevated by some of the finest session musicians in the Liverpool creative space. Crossing soundscapes in tempo and style, with harmonica, violin and drums collectively and singularly contrasting their own shades of light and dark. </p>
<p>Award-winning artist Rob Vincent lends his skills on BGVs and harmonica, while co-producer Jon Lawton adds a feat of multi-instrumentalism. Amy Chalmers strings are a centre piece of the album and key to its emotional experience as a listener. </p>
<p>The tempo lifts on songs such as ‘When Morning Comes’ accompanied by Dave Orford on drums, and local favourite Lee Shone’s keys add a contrasting flare to the nostalgic lyric accompanying ‘Wrong Side of Sadness’. </p>
<p>Alison Benson contributes as sole duet partner and co-writer on ‘Strangers on a Train’, a future single and haunting ballad that incorporates the intensity of the album’s themes of broken dreams and fractured relationships – think Cat Stevens meets Alison Krauss. </p>
<p>‘The Last Train from Baltimore’, with themes of tragedy and the struggle to overcome is based on a true story; tackling the mature, and ever difficult narrative of accounting for one’s own past mistakes. </p>
<p>“I am really happy with the end result” states Jenkins. “I have songs on here I am immensely proud of. I think it is quite diverse but also definitely has my sound and stamp on the songs.” </p>
<p>‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ is the lyrical soundtrack to an insouciant road trip, soon darkened by thoughts and memories, triggers and reminders of people and places long gone from our lives; a rollercoaster of emotions serving as a 2021 take on Woody Guthrie riding a boxcar. </p>
<p>The themes of travel and transcending landscapes of one’s life is prevalent throughout, embracing all characteristics and contradictions of lonesomeness, regret, sorrow and freedom. </p>
<p>‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ is co-produced by John Jenkins and Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Two Black Sheep) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith). The album is available on Fretsore Records on 6th August. Fans can pre-order the album via Bandcamp HERE. </p>
<p>‘Kathleen’ and ‘Desert Hearts’ are now available to download and stream HERE. </p>
<p>‘If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love’ will be promoted via a UK Tour kicking off on August the 18th. </p>
<p><strong>Full Dates: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 18th Shrewsbury – The Old Post Office </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 19th Worcester – The Sociable Beer Company </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 20th Oxford – The Mad Hatter </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 22nd London – The Gladstone Arms </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 23rd Bath – The Bell Inn </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 24th Cambridge – The Unitarian Church </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 25th Birmingham – The Wellington Pub </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 28th Thornton Hough Village Club </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 30th Leek – The Cock Inn </strong></p>
<p><strong>Aug 31st Sheffield – The Shakespeare Pub </strong></p>
<p><strong>Sep 1st Liverpool – The Philharmonic Dining Room </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#f1c40f;">“One to watch” </span></strong></p>
<p>NSAI – Nashville Songwriters Association International </p>
<p>“Here we have a collection of warm, emphatic, personal and resonant songs which are akin to having a deep conversation with an old friend, someone with whom you feel comfortable. Excellent album, highly recommended” </p>
<p>Fatea Music Magazine on ‘Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch’ </p>
<p>“Jenkins has put together a collection of songs here that really find a way of speaking to you. A carefully constructed fine piece of work” </p>
<p>Maverick Music Magazine on ‘Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch’ </p>
<p>More on John Jenkins </p>
<p>The ex-Persuaders and Come In Tokio man – a veteran of John Peel sessions and 80s post-punk – is carving out a path for himself as a renowned singer/songwriter on the UK folk, country and Americana scene. Jenkins is a master of melody, understated lyrics and deft chord changes, while his songs have been hailed wherever music is written about. He was also asked to support Squeeze legend Chris Difford during a pre-pandemic tour.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6659738
2021-06-15T08:55:02+01:00
2021-06-15T08:55:02+01:00
Nashville Songwriters Association International - One to Watch May 2021
<p>My second "Ones to watch" this year with my song "Moon and June" - February had "The Last Train from Baltimore" nominated - Both songs from my forthcoming album "If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love"</p>
<p>That could be a good sign? <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/eaa95eaa4cba5834983b167739514c82775a6f10/original/ones-to-watch-may-2021.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6655595
2021-06-10T20:20:52+01:00
2021-06-10T20:20:52+01:00
John Jenkins - If You Cant Forgive You Cant Love - Pre-Orders now available
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love">https://johnjenkinsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-you-cant-forgive-you-cant-love</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>4 Panel CD - If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Includes digital pre-order of If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>shipping out on or around August 6, 2021 </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pre-order Compact Disc £11 GBP or more </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Send as Gift </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Digital Album </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Streaming + Download </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pre-order of If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love. You get 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released. </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>releases August 6, 2021</strong></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6655122
2021-06-10T10:59:01+01:00
2021-06-10T10:59:34+01:00
John Jenkins - Kathleen - Official Lyric Video
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1Se6lGuJwrc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1Se6lGuJwrc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Se6lGuJwrc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6649525
2021-06-04T15:30:24+01:00
2021-06-04T15:30:24+01:00
June 4th 2021 - Review of "Kathleen" by Liverpool Sound and Vision - 5 Stars
<p>John Jenkins, Kathleen. Single Review. </p>
<p>Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * * </p>
<p>What speaks to our minds, also makes the soul dance and long constantly for the memory of that sound, to play it repeatedly, to change it, to alter it maybe, but in all just to honour it through your own personal way of love and respect. </p>
<p>The song or track which are covered by another artist can be seen in two ways, one as a marketing tool installed by the studio and intended to be a lead single for the masses to be divided over, or as act of selfless purity, of honouring what made us believe in the first place and turned us on to the gift of art in which we practise. </p>
<p>For an artist such as Liverpool’s John Jenkins, to cover a song, any wild beauty from the past, would be certainly recorded out of honour, but it is with deep principled respect that he has taken the sublime Townes Van Zandt gem, Kathleen, and breathed his own particular salutation and insight into the incredible mystery of the track, and alongside the engaging musical belief of Amy Chalmer, has produced something magical, a spirit of its own making. </p>
<p>The genius of Townes Van Zandt is not for debate, but there is also the sadness of his own life, the self-destructive shadow that followed him, that perhaps arguably guided him, and it is with melancholic beauty that his song, his words, have been arranged in such a way that make them resonate in such a way that it would not be hard to imagine the gap between the original and the adaption is a lot less than 50 years, indeed what Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Chalmers have achieved is spectacular, riveting, heartbreakingly cool and decisively elegant. </p>
<p>Kathleen loves, and Kathleen lives on, for this adaption of a classic is not one of simply redressing an old flame for a modern audience, it is one that has been revealed as a true depiction of an outstanding beauty to which the original master would idolise. </p>
<p>John Jenkins’ version of Kathleen is out today via Fretstore Records. </p>
<p>Ian D. Hall</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2021/06/04/john-jenkins-kathleen-single-review/">https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2021/06/04/john-jenkins-kathleen-single-review/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6649508
2021-06-04T15:27:56+01:00
2021-06-04T15:28:56+01:00
Press Release for "Kathleen" - New Single
<p style="text-align: center;">FRETSORE RECORDS: PRESS RELEASE </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">4 JUNE 2021 </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John Jenkins </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">reimagines ‘Kathleen’ on new single </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Adrian Wharton </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Liverpudlian artist John Jenkins returns with a brand new single, ‘Kathleen’, his take on the Townes Van Zandt-composed gemstone. The track is available on digital services worldwide via Fretsore Records. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Kathleen’ is taken from Jenkins’ upcoming album 'If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love', due for release on 6th August ahead of a 10-date national tour. <br>The album also features the critically-acclaimed single ‘Desert Hearts’ and upcoming track ‘Strangers On A Train’, a duet with Alison Benson. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">On taking on an alt-country classic, Jenkins states "I feel like I have a cooler older brother when I hear Townes Van Zandt songs. He's a songwriting genius and listening to him has opened a door into a world I might have missed without his music. John Prine, Guy Clark, Iris DeMent, Nanci Griffith and Mary Chapin Carpenter all set the bar to which I aim as a songwriter, but Townes Van Zandt speaks directly to me. <br>\ <br>‘Kathleen’ is one of his best songs and I love the string arrangement... so, when I was working on some of my own compositions with Merseyside violinist and arranger Amy Chalmers, I decided it would be a great one to cover. We've given it a touch of the blues, but all the best bits of Townes are still present. <br>It's funny, when Texas singer Sam Baker told me a song I'd just performed at the AMAUK Awards & Conference a couple of years ago reminded him of Townes Van Zandt, I was embarrassed to say I'd not got on board as a big fan of Townes. It just goes to show you, it's never too late to find out about great music." </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Kathleen’ and the upcoming album 'If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love' will be promoted via a UK Tour kicking off on August the 18th. <br>Full Dates: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Aug 18th Shrewsbury - The Old Post Office <br>Aug 19th Worcester - The Sociable Beer Company <br>Aug 20th Oxford - The Mad Hatter <br>Aug 22nd London - The Gladstone Arms <br>Aug 23rd Bath - The Bell Inn <br>Aug 24th Cambridge - The Unitarian Church <br>Aug 25th Birmingham - The Wellington Pub <br>Aug 28th Thornton Hough Village Club <br>Aug 30th Leek - The Cock Inn <br>Aug 31st Sheffield - The Shakespeare Pub <br>Sep 1st Liverpool - The Philharmonic Dining Room </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The upcoming release follows Jenkins 2020 album ‘Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch’ which received critical acclaim in the likes of Maverick Magazine, RnR, Americana UK, Fatea and Liverpool Sound and Vision. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“One to watch” <br>NSAI – Nashville Songwriters Association International </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As a member of his own James Street Band, along with performances with The Persuaders and Come in Tokio, John Jenkins has shared stages with the likes of Elvis Costello, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Echo and The Bunnymen, The Beat and Jarrod Dickenson. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">‘Kathleen’ was co-produced by John Jenkins and Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Two Black Sheep) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith). Fans can add the track to their music libraries HERE. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">More on John Jenkins </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The ex-Persuaders and Come In Tokio man - a veteran of John Peel sessions and 80s post-punk - is carving out a path for himself as a renowned singer/songwriter on the UK folk, country and Americana scene. Jenkins is a master of melody, understated lyrics and deft chord changes, while his songs have been hailed wherever music is written about. He was also asked to support Squeeze legend Chris Difford during a pre-pandemic tour. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John Jenkins on Social Media: </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For more information and interview requests contact <br>brendan@fretsorerecords.com </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">JohnJenkinsMusic.com // FretsoreRecords.com </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">FretsoreRecords.com </p>
<p><br> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6644628
2021-05-31T11:53:02+01:00
2021-05-31T11:53:02+01:00
Billy Butler Show 29th May 2021 - Listen Again
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/V_1bmJRc8pg">https://youtu.be/V_1bmJRc8pg</a></p>
<p>Thanks to Stevie Baker for recording this </p>
<p>Just in case you wanted to listen to Saturday's appearance on the Billy Butler Show the link is here - Thank you</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6644606
2021-05-31T11:01:40+01:00
2021-05-31T11:01:40+01:00
Nashville Songwriters Association "ONE TO WATCH" - Moon and June
<p><strong>Mon 31st May 2021 </strong>- Re "<strong>Moon and June"</strong></p>
<p>Occasionally i'll submit a song to other people in the business of songwriting to get some feedback and I'm very happy to say i've <u>again</u> been noted as a "<strong>Songwriter to Watch" </strong>by the NSAI - My other song again from the forthcoming "If You Can't Forgive You Can't Love" Album was <strong>"The Last Train To Baltimore"</strong></p>
<p>FORM/STRUCTURE: Nicely done, no changes. <br>TITLE/HOOK: Different and cool. I wanted to hear the song immediately. <br>LYRIC: The lyric is a bit "written" at times, where you can really feel the <br>songwriter writing, but it also has some moments that transcend that in a <br>special way. I love the "High Noon" reference, though I don't get the Mills <br>and Boon one. Overall though the song just feels good, and is an enjoyable <br>listen. <br>MELODY/METER (IF APPLICABLE): I love this melody. Homerun! <br>OVERALL THEME/IDEA: I really like this overall and am glad to list you as One <br>to Watch, in particular for a very well written melody and a clever idea.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6643985
2021-05-30T10:17:47+01:00
2021-05-30T10:17:47+01:00
Liverpool Live Show with Billy Butler
<p>Sat 29th May 2021 - Really enjoyed my chat with Billy Butler on his radio show - Got to perform 2 songs live as well;</p>
<ul> <li>The Last Train From Baltimore</li> <li>It's Not that I'm Afraid of Your Husband (both with Pippa Murdie)</li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6641631
2021-05-27T18:14:15+01:00
2021-05-27T18:14:15+01:00
John Jenkins - If You Cant Forgive You Can't Love - Album Sequencing
<p>Thursday 27th May 2021 - Just sequenced new album. Finally got to the very last session of many to finish this baby before it goes out into the big world. Thanks to so many people who gave their time and artistic bend to my songs. As ever i feel overwhelmed by your help and support, and a very special to Liverpool's own George Martin in Jon Lawton. <br> </p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6640699
2021-05-26T19:33:39+01:00
2021-05-26T19:35:14+01:00
Billy Butler show appearance Saturday 29th May 2021
<p>Very honoured to say I'm a guest on Billy Butler's programme this coming Saturday about 11.15am Liverpool Live Radio - I will be playing a couple of songs live, chatting and Billy may have an exclusive surprise track to air as well - Hopefully see you then ? x</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6639693
2021-05-25T18:28:43+01:00
2021-05-25T18:30:02+01:00
Live Facebook Stream of 24th May 2021 VIDEO SHOW NOW AVAILABLE TO WATCH
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/dBSnr_vqnBs">https://youtu.be/dBSnr_vqnBs</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Graham Steele Livestream Set List </p>
<p>The Wrong side of Sadness <br>Dying by inches <br>Daniel White <br>Bitter Harvest <br>The last Train from Baltimore <br>Moon and June <br>I’m Looking through you. <br>Get Her out of my mind! <br>Cracks <br>Wasn’t That a Mighty Storm? <br>Can you hear me?</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6634439
2021-05-19T16:36:59+01:00
2021-05-19T16:36:59+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Graham Steele Music Online Music Club LIVESTREAM 24th May 2021
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/bfb5f6ed03873b34d719bd365b9f08f2fca5e0b1/original/livestream-poster-1-edited-artic.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6634437
2021-05-19T16:33:31+01:00
2021-05-19T16:34:37+01:00
John Jenkins - Desert Hearts - on Merseyradio 17th May 2021
<p>Thank you Chris Currie for your continuing support over the years and for playing Desert Hearts on this weeks show xx</p>
<p>https://www.mixcloud.com/ChrisCurriepresents/17th-may-2021-chris-currie-presents-on-mersey-radio/</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6625645
2021-05-09T12:53:45+01:00
2021-05-09T12:53:45+01:00
Beat Route Radio with Sharon Louise - The Weekend Warm Up 07 05 2021 with special 'virtual' guest John Jenkins
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/SharonLouise/the-weekend-warm-up-07-05-2021-with-special-virtual-guest-john-jenkins-on-beat-route-radio/?fbclid=IwAR2269IYS0ZBAi7ZQ9LVpZa3UM6YoynKFpBL4eVbhwnDgNzil1Y0yrkvjhs">https://www.mixcloud.com/SharonLouise/the-weekend-warm-up-07-05-2021-with-special-virtual-guest-john-jenkins-on-beat-route-radio/?fbclid=IwAR2269IYS0ZBAi7ZQ9LVpZa3UM6YoynKFpBL4eVbhwnDgNzil1Y0yrkvjhs</a></p>
<p>I was asked to perform live and do an interview with the lovely "Sharon Louise" on Friday 7th May 2021 - Here is a link should you want to listen. Pippa Murdie performs with me</p>
<p>I'm on about 15 minutes in after a few technical problems.</p>
<p><strong>Songs played:</strong></p>
<ul> <li><strong>The Last Train From Baltimore</strong></li> <li><strong>Daniel White</strong></li> <li><strong>Bitter Harvest</strong></li> <li><strong>Can you Hear Me? </strong></li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6605947
2021-04-16T17:41:48+01:00
2021-04-16T17:41:48+01:00
John Jenkins with Pippa Murdie - Graham Steele Music Online Music Club LIVESTREAM 15th April 2021
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="uqFKE-4B6XY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/uqFKE-4B6XY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uqFKE-4B6XY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Songs performed:</p>
<ol> <li>A Stranger to your Heart</li> <li>The Last Train from Baltimore</li> <li>The Wrong Side of Sadness</li> <li>Moon and June</li> <li>Looking For That American Dream</li> <li>It's not that I'm Afraid of Your Husband</li> <li>Daniel White</li> <li>Cracks</li> <li>Get Her Out Of My Mind</li> <li>Bitter harvest</li> <li>Can You Hear Me? </li>
</ol>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6594541
2021-04-05T13:58:16+01:00
2021-04-05T13:58:43+01:00
Songs From My Front Room" # 13 “Cracks” (with Pippa Murdie)
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Cigeg99bJPE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Cigeg99bJPE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cigeg99bJPE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Hi friends, </p>
<p>Number 13 in my blog sessions. </p>
<p>This is a new song which will be on the new album “If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love”. </p>
<p>Basically it’s a song about families that don’t get on for whatever reason. Always a sad thing. Always, to my mind, something that is filled with regrets when it becomes too late. Fortunately my family are/where lovely people and I cherish that thought. </p>
<p>I’m putting together a tour in England for August – Covid Permitting – and details will be uploaded here and my website once they are all confirmed. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Cracks </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah walks down streets and avenues, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>figuring she had nothing to lose </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>and made her way to the port </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lost her job down at the Woolworths store, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Too many cigarette breaks and boys who called </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>and one day the till was found short </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Her Mother took the phone call, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Her Father drank more booze </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah wasn’t even asked if it was true </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>I guess they thought their little girl was way beyond rescue </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Just another crack she had fallen through </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah walks down streets and avenues </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Uncertain which one she’ll choose </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>So much a thing as nought </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Now she sits in her car out of view; </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The curtains look shabby in the old bedroom </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>And the house she thought was big now looks small </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Many years since they closed the Woolworths store, </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>But the sky looks the same as the day she walked </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Distressed, lifeless and bruised </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>She sees her Mother weeding flower beds </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Her Father died from booze </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah doesn’t even know what’s true </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>They gave up on their little girl </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah gave up on them too </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Just cracks that people can fall through </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hannah walks down streets and avenues </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Does it really matter which one she’ll choose </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>So much a thing as nought </strong></p>
<p>This week’s listening at home has been the usual eclectic mix, ranging from: </p>
<p>Love – Forever Changes, Courtney Marie Andrews – Old Flowers and “Hunter” by Christina Alden & Alex Patterson. All recommended. </p>
<p>TV – A German film called “Victoria” which was 2 Hours and 10 minutes long, nothing unusual about that i know except from the 1st second to the last it was filmed in 1 take and has about 20 different locations and tons of actors in it . Other films “Let the Sunshine in. Saw “Unforgotten” Series 4 with one of my favourite Actresses “Nicola Walker” as well – love her to bits </p>
<p>Reading “The Dig” by John Preston and a fabulous Fanzine called “Maccazine” which covers Paul McCartney & Wings tour in 1972. </p>
<p>Ok –That’s it for me this week. </p>
<p>Take care and stay safe xx </p>
<p>#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </p>
<p>#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </p>
<p>, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </p>
<p>#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </p>
<p>#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </p>
<p>#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </p>
<p>#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksons farm</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6586625
2021-03-27T16:29:02+00:00
2021-03-27T16:29:02+00:00
Songs From My Front Room # 12 - The Wrong Side of Sadness (with Pippa Murdie)
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8AAq4nj8r5k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8AAq4nj8r5k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8AAq4nj8r5k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Songs From My Front Room" # 12 - The Wrong Side of Sadness” </p>
<p>Hi friends, Number 12 in my blog sessions. </p>
<p>It’s been a while from Number 11 to this – In the main because I released the “Desert Hearts” Single a few weeks ago and I have been bust promoting this plus I wanted to make sure that got the full attention. </p>
<p>I’m about 90% or more into the new album which will be called “If You Can’t Forgive You Can’t Love”. </p>
<p>I’ve a couple of tracking sessions to do then I’m onto the mixes. I’m really pleased with it. I I had in my head that it was quite mellow like the “Growing Old – Songs from My Front Porch” album but I’m surprised how many songs have ended up upbeat. This song is a prime example. I’d been playing it as a quite quiet guitar vocal song but the recording of it has turned into a Gospelly all out song! With Lee Shone’s Piano and Robert Vincent’s backing vocals it’s something else. </p>
<p>Here is a stripped back version with me and my mate Pippa Murdie playing some nice guitar bits. </p>
<p>Watch out for some tour dates I’m putting together in the Summer – Covid Permitting </p>
<p>This week’s listening at home has been the usual eclectic mix, ranging from the superb song “Straight Lines” from Only Child, PJ Harvey “Dry Demos”, Harmonia “Musik Von Harmonia” and the wonderful album “The Balladeer” by Lori McKenna </p>
<p>TV – Just finished the comedy “Hello Ladies” which made me want to watch from behind the cushion due to the embarrassing situations Stephen Merchant put himself into. Also watched a great Icelandic Film “Rams”. </p>
<p>Reading “The Bride of Lammermoor” the Sir Walter Scott Gothic novel. </p>
<p>Ok –That’s it for me this week. </p>
<p>Take care and stay safe xx </p>
<p>#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </p>
<p>#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </p>
<p>, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </p>
<p>#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </p>
<p>#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </p>
<p>#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </p>
<p>#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksons farm</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6567975
2021-03-08T16:43:14+00:00
2021-03-08T16:43:14+00:00
Nashville Songwriters Association International - One to Watch February 2021
<p>I sent a song of mine to the "NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL" - "The Last Train from Baltimore" and been earmarked as "ONE TO WATCH" - Fab hey - Totally made up!! </p>
<p>Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) </p>
<p>These writers are being recognized by our evaluators as writers who are on the rise! These members have gotten the attention of our evaluators for their unique and promising writing skills. Keep an eye on these folks… they just keep getting better! </p>
<p><strong>ONES TO WATCH </strong></p>
<p>John Jenkins: Meols, ENG<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/cff61ab9e46b1d46325e420a44715eeee2cb8774/original/nsai-ears.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6564508
2021-03-04T09:00:33+00:00
2021-03-07T08:31:13+00:00
John Jenkins - Desert Hearts - Official Video
<p><strong>Wed 3rd March 2021 - Official Video by Paul Avis hit YouTube yesterday -</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Here is what Americana UK had to say about it :</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Video Premiere: John Jenkins “Desert Hearts” </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">by Andrew Frolish </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Check out the video premiere of the epic new single from John Jenkins. With 'Desert Hearts' coming in at almost seven minutes, Jenkins clearly enjoys playing with song structure and departing from convention. He explains: "I’ve been a lover of all kinds of music all my life and occasionally when writing my own songs I’ll veer off in a different direction rather than keep to a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus-middle 8-chorus song that songwriters including myself tend to do." Lyrically, Jenkins takes us on a journey through historical moments and tumultuous events, reflecting on the relentlessness of change. We begin with images of dustbowl America: "I'm watching the sand storms blow from my front porch," and by the end of the song Jenkins cleverly circles back, using the device of repeated phrasing to evoke the sense of restlessness and looking forward while holding on to dear the memories: "I'm watching the flowers grow from my front porch." After a delicate start, the song begins to pick up the pace and build up musical layers, creating a depth and texture. Over it all, Jenkins delivers a lovely vocal melody. </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">'Desert Hearts' is the Liverpool singer-songwriter's first single for Fretsore records, following last year's well-regarded album, 'Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch'. He certainly keeps good company, having shared stages with the likes of Elvis Costello and Echo and the Bunnymen, and the new single was co-produced with Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Two Black Sheep) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith). On the strength of this excellent single, the next album, which is due later this year, will be something to look forward to. Enjoy. </span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Andrew Frolish | March 3, 2021 at 9:01 am | Tags: John Jenkins | Categories: Videos | URL: https://wp.me/p7ZuH5-kw2 </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BhgAOhh9Wvk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/BhgAOhh9Wvk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BhgAOhh9Wvk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><a contents="Americana UK Link " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americana-uk.com/video-premiere-john-jenkins-desert-hearts"><span style="color:#2980b9;">Americana UK Link </span></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_small"><span style="color:#2980b9;">and AMAUK - Desert Hearts’ is the epic new single from Liverpool singer-songwriter John Jenkins. The track is the first since signing to Fretsore Records earlier this year and precedes a series of upcoming releases including a full studio album due later in 2021. </span></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6560374
2021-02-27T14:08:06+00:00
2021-02-27T14:10:46+00:00
John Jenkins and Pippa Murdie LIVESTREAM 26th Feb 2021
<p><span class="font_xl"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1886385191526997/?post_id=1890243164474533&view=permalink">https://www.facebook.com/events/1886385191526997/?post_id=1890243164474533&view=permalink</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Songs Played</strong></p>
<ol> <li><strong>The Last Train From Baltimore</strong></li> <li><strong>The Wrong Side Of Sadness</strong></li> <li><strong>Looking For That American Dream</strong></li> <li><strong>Daniel White</strong></li> <li><strong>It's Not That I'm Afraid of your Husband</strong></li> <li><strong>Bitter Harvest</strong></li> <li><strong>Moon and June</strong></li> <li><strong>Get Her Out Of My Mind</strong></li> <li><strong>Hearts and Minds</strong></li> <li><strong>Can You Hear Me?</strong></li>
</ol>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6560367
2021-02-27T13:36:54+00:00
2021-02-27T13:36:54+00:00
Desert Hearts - Single Review from Liverpool Acoustic 26th February 2021
<p><strong>Desert Hearts - Single Review from Liverpool Acoustic 26th February 2021</strong></p>
<p>Despite the challenges of lockdown, John Jenkins has been productive with the release of last year’s album Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch, which garnered excellent reviews. John has also continued to host The Garden Party for Vintage Radio. </p>
<p>Recorded with long-time collaborator Jon Lawton at Crosstown Studios, Desert Hearts is the brand new single release by the prolific Wirral singer-songwriter. Picking up where previous single Jackson’s Farm left off, Jenkins crafts a near seven-minute epic that’s been over a year in the making. </p>
<p>As with any John Jenkins release, the production is stellar with a committed performance that takes us on a wistful journey. The key line “Desert hearts in the wilderness, motions blowing in the wind” is apt in these uncertain times. The mellow vibe at the beginning builds to a triumphant call to arms. </p>
<p>This reflective piece on mortality considers that life is to be lived on its own terms; “Feel like I’ve lived more than one lifetime.” </p>
<p>Desert Hearts by John Jenkins is the first release on Fretsore Records and is a solid debut for the London based label. </p>
<p>Stuart Todd </p>
<p>Review © 2021 Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6556495
2021-02-23T16:41:44+00:00
2021-02-23T16:41:44+00:00
Live Facebook Stream - Friday 26th Feb 2021 - with Pippa Murdie
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/fa24252ada070a9569f3b4690851fb77372d0dad/original/jj-live-stream-7.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6553323
2021-02-19T00:00:00+00:00
2021-02-19T17:43:08+00:00
John Jenkins - Debut Single on Fretsore Records - Feb 26th 2021 - DESERT HEARTS
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/05001888a346fd5d408a5cf9d5f408e5f1a8e4e6/original/jj-81a-square-4k-with-text-002.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">https://linktr.ee/desertheartssingle</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">Liverpool Troubadour. New single "Desert Hearts" available via Fretsore Records on Feb 26th. Pre-save here</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6547564
2021-02-13T00:00:00+00:00
2021-02-13T16:02:45+00:00
Nashville Songwriters Association International - Song Evaluation on "The Last Train to Baltimore"
<p>Please see the evaluation for your NSAI song submission below. This <br>evaluation can also be found in your "Account" under “My Song <br>Evaluation”. If they are marked completed, that will link to a copy of the <br>full completed evaluation. </p>
<p>Song Title - The Last Train to Baltimore </p>
<p>Evaluator Number - 38451 </p>
<p>I am recognizing this writer as "One to Watch". </p>
<p>Evaluators Comments - <br>Hello, I’m Evaluator #38451. Thank you very much for using NSAI’s online <br>evaluation service. I know you’re excited to get down to the song <br>evaluation and, as we go through it, please remember that my suggestions are <br>purely my opinion. I will be focusing on the areas that need attention and <br>give you the absolute best advice and critique that I possibly can. Also, it <br>is important to remember that this evaluation service is designed to be a <br>process of your songwriting as a whole – these suggestions will be for <br>things to think about in ALL of your writing. I will be giving thoughts and <br>ideas that will make this particular song stronger but it still might not get <br>to a level ideal for publishers and the commercial market…remember it’s a <br>process of overall writing and not just a single song. So here we go - <br>let’s get started! <br>FORM/STRUCTURE: Nice folk structure, well done. <br>TITLE/HOOK: I love this title and hook, great thinking. <br>LYRIC: Feels like a classic folk song across the board. Very real <br>storytelling lyrics. You nailed it. <br>MELODY/METER (IF APPLICABLE): What a gorgeous and simple melody, with just <br>enough lift for the chorus to hit with a ton of emotional weight. <br>OVERALL THEME/IDEA: Glad to list you as One to Watch for a great modern folk <br>song written with grit and grace and sung beautifully.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6547561
2021-02-13T00:00:00+00:00
2021-02-13T16:09:21+00:00
Bluebird Cafe Nashville .... Here I Come!!! - Monday 15th Feb 2021
<p><strong>Sat 13th Feb 2021 - </strong></p>
<p>Absolutely chuffed to say that i'll be performing a song on Monday at the ICONIC BLUEBIRD CAFE IN NASHVILLE, well i know its only their "Bluebird Cafe Virtual Open Mic" but its the nearest anyone can get to playing the real cafe at present - I can not wait xxx </p>
<p>— feeling excited.</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6541318
2021-02-06T13:50:00+00:00
2021-02-06T13:51:54+00:00
February 2021 - News - Cambridge Folk Club & Desert Hearts
<p><strong>6th Feb 2021 </strong>- Busy recording tracks for my new Album entitled<strong> "Desert Hearts". </strong>Touchwood - its going well so far with most tracks started and only a couple to left to consider then i'll be thinking about additional instrumentation.</p>
<p>Songs i have started for album consideration as follows:</p>
<ul> <li><strong>Desert Hearts</strong></li> <li><strong>When the Morning Comes</strong></li> <li><strong>The Last Train to Baltimore</strong></li> <li>
<strong>Kathleen </strong>(A Townes Van Zandt" song</li> <li><strong>Hearts and Minds</strong></li> <li><strong>A Stranger to your Heart</strong></li> <li><strong>Moon and June</strong></li> <li><strong>Strangers on a Train (with Alison Benson)</strong></li> <li><strong>Hannah</strong></li> <li><strong>Troubled Man</strong></li> <li><strong>Broken Rivers</strong></li> <li><strong>Time My Friend</strong></li> <li><strong>The Wrong Side of Sadness</strong></li> <li><strong>The End of Summer</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>In the meantime i have shot the video for the album's first Release - <strong>"Desert Hearts"</strong> which will be on Fretsore Records</p>
<p>Last night i got to play a couple of songs with Pippa Murdie on the "<strong>Cambridge Folk Club" </strong>Livestream which is an ambition fulfilled. We did<strong> "Bitter Harvest"</strong> and <strong>"Dying By Inches"</strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/94651455470817410bb12ddfeb932d29fb710c07/original/cambridge.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6534044
2021-01-29T16:24:22+00:00
2021-01-29T16:24:22+00:00
Songs From My Front Room #11 - A Stranger to Your Heart
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="EtyEPg8acBc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/EtyEPg8acBc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EtyEPg8acBc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Jan 25th 2021 - Songs From My Front Room" # 11 - “A Stranger to your Heart” </strong></p>
<p>Hi friends, </p>
<p>Number 11 in my blog sessions. </p>
<p>I started work on my new album last week although I do have a couple of tracks already mastered and mixed </p>
<p>The exciting news for me is that my first release on “Fretsore Records” will be released on February 26th 2021 and this is the title track called “Desert Hearts” </p>
<p>I shot a video when I was in the studio last week and this is being worked on at the moment </p>
<p>This week’s tune is another new song called”A Stranger to your Heart”. </p>
<p>The version I started with Jon Lawton last week has only bass/drums/a vocal and an acoustic guitar but it sounds really promising to me. Other songs started in the studio are: </p>
<p>The Last Train from Baltimore </p>
<p>Kathleen (a “Townes Van Zandt” song) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This week’s listening at home has a mixed bag of ”The Cure”, “Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons”, “Status Quo”. </p>
<p>Also the wonderful singer-songwriter “Nanci Griffith” </p>
<p>TV – Catching up on Series 8 onwards for “Not Going Out”, and a few films which escape my memory at this moment. </p>
<p>Still reading “Crime and Punishment” </p>
<p>Ok –That’s it for me this week. </p>
<p>Take care and stay safe xx </p>
<p>#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </p>
<p>#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </p>
<p>, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </p>
<p>#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </p>
<p>#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </p>
<p>#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </p>
<p>#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksons farm</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6534043
2021-01-29T16:21:10+00:00
2021-01-29T16:21:10+00:00
Songs From My Front Room # 10 - Moon and June
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7n48Pg7mkoU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7n48Pg7mkoU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7n48Pg7mkoU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Jan 18th 2021 - Songs From My Front Room" # 10 - “Moon and June” </strong></p>
<p>Hi friends, </p>
<p>Number 10 in my blog sessions. </p>
<p>I’m excited that at the end of this week </p>
<p>I start work on my new album. </p>
<p>I have a Zoom meeting later on today to discuss with my Record Label about the possibility of putting something out sooner than later. It’s very exciting times for me. I’m writing all the time so it’ll give me more options to pick the better songs. </p>
<p>This week’s tune is a new song called ”Moon and June” – I can hear it as quite a big sound and uptempo with miserable lyrics lol. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This week’s listening has been mainly the Wonderful Kelly Willis who is new to me but massive early 90’s. Just goes to show that there are some undiscovered gems out there waiting to be found. I also been playing early 70’s Folk band “Trees” and their album “On The Shore”. They have a Box set just released and boy is it hard to track down now at a reasonable price </p>
<p>Plus for my radio show on a Sunday I had a great time sourcing Lennon-McCartney songs in an American vein </p>
<p>TV – Nicola Walker one of my favourite TV Actresses did a series called “The Split” and we have binged watched 2 Series on the run and nothing else </p>
<p>Take care and stay safe xx </p>
<p>#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </p>
<p>#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </p>
<p>, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </p>
<p>#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </p>
<p>#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </p>
<p>#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </p>
<p>#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksons farm</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6534041
2021-01-29T16:18:21+00:00
2021-01-29T16:18:21+00:00
Songs From My Front Room # 9 - Am Not i a Man or Even a Brother
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="I2ViWwseESY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/I2ViWwseESY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2ViWwseESY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Jan 11th 2021 - Songs From My Front Room" # 9 - “Am Not I A Man or Even a Brother” </strong></p>
<p>Hi friends, </p>
<p>Number 9 on my blog. </p>
<p>Happy New Year to everyone, lets hope it’s a safe and happy one for us all. </p>
<p>Firstly the good news is that I can confirm I have signed to the Wonderful “Fretsore Records” Label. I am so happy to share this news and cannot wait to put some songs out with their team. They have a fabulous roster which reminds me of the “Stiff Record Label” back in the 70s. </p>
<p>I start work on my new album – Officially – On January 21st 2021 however I have about 6 songs already started or in the can. I have written that many new songs of late that I really want to see how the recordings go so I can decide what feel I am getting for the album. </p>
<p>This week’s tune is a new song – It was written for the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge and I’m quite proud of it. </p>
<p>It didn’t get me in the final this time but I’m not disappointed. That just gears me up to try harder next time. </p>
<p>If you are free on Saturday night (16th) do tune in to this years “Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge” – It’s a wonderful event and the songs are always quite diverse and very worthy to be finalists. </p>
<p>I always say this but we have so much great talent on Merseyside that events like this highlight how amazing the arts are locally. So give “the Voice” or “Strictly a Miss and watch it on catch up and support your local songwriters. </p>
<p>. </p>
<p>This week’s listening has been quite varied as usual, Nanci Griffith, Trees (70s Folk Band), Dwight Yoakam, and an obscure Jazz Album by Harry Beckett. </p>
<p>Classical music I’m listening to is Vaughan-Williams </p>
<p>TV – I had a Daniel Craig James Bond Film fest in my house this last week. </p>
<p>Reading – Currently reading two books – Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky and The Charles Dickens Christmas Books – A Christmas Carol has got to be my favourite story of all time </p>
<p>So that’s all this</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6534035
2021-01-29T16:14:27+00:00
2021-01-29T16:14:27+00:00
Songs From My Front Room #8 - Dying By Inches
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tqLM1_hAf9U" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/tqLM1_hAf9U/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tqLM1_hAf9U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>22nd Dec 2020 - Songs From My Front Room" # 8 - “Dying By Inches” </p>
<p>Hi friends, </p>
<p>Week number 8 on my weekly blog. </p>
<p>Hope everyone is keeping safe and well and looking forward to Christmas (if that’s possible with so many things going on?) </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This week’s tune is a song from my most recent album “Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch” </p>
<p>This is called “Dying By Inches” and also features Pippa Murdie on Backing Vocals and Mandolin. </p>
<p>This was taken from my first “Live stream” from 2 nights ago for House of Scouse – Scousefest. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy it </p>
<p>It’s been a couple of weeks since my last Blog. The main reason is that I have been waiting for a little mixing desk to arrive and had some pc problems as well. All now resolved (fingers crossed) </p>
<p>Great news to pass on is that my “funding” has come through from The Arts Council Lottery Fund. </p>
<p>This means work on my new album can start in January 2021 although I have a few tracks in the can and a few partly started. It’s a pretty exciting time at the moment. I also have an important announcement I’ll be making soon about who will be releasing the album. </p>
<p>This week’s listening has been quite varied as usual, Mary Chapin Carpenter, New Album by Paul McCartney, New Album by Bruce Springsteen and lots of Christmas Carol CD’s. </p>
<p>TV – Finally got to see “Twin Peaks – The Return” It’s only taken me 3 years to see Reading – Currently reading a biography about one of my favourite actors “John Thaw” by his wife Sheila Hancock. </p>
<p>So that’s all this week – I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best at Christmas and for the New Year – Thank you for your support and hope life treats you kindly in 2021. Take care and stay safe xx </p>
<p>#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </p>
<p>#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </p>
<p>#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </p>
<p>, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </p>
<p>#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </p>
<p>#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6517065
2021-01-09T15:21:07+00:00
2021-01-09T15:21:07+00:00
FRETSORE RECORDS WELCOMES JOHN JENKINS
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_xl"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fretsorerecords.com/2021/01/07/fretsore-records-welcomes-john-jenkins/">https://www.fretsorerecords.com/2021/01/07/fretsore-records-welcomes-john-jenkins/</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Fretsore Records has signed Liverpool singer-songwriter John Jenkins to its roster </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">The signing comes ahead of a series of new music releases that Jenkins has been working on in the recording studio. Fans can expect a first taste of the new material in the coming months with a full album due later in 2021. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">The upcoming release follows Jenkins 2020 album ‘Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch‘ which received critical acclaim in the likes of Maverick Magazine, RnR, Americana UK, Fatea and Liverpool Sound and Vision. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">On the signing Jenkins states; </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">“I met Ian at the AMAUK 2020 Conference and as he was talking about his label I thought “Wow, what a lovely label to be part of. Great artists & people running it”. Later on that year, as part of a radio show I was hosting each week, I’d be knocked out by the quality of the music that the label was sending to me and releasing. I can’t wait to start work on my release and be part of this quality label. It’s a great honour and privilege for me and very exciting to say the least.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Jenkins is the latest addition to Fretsore’s roster, which includes multiple acclaimed artists in the Americana genre. Label owner and fellow-Liverpudlian Ian Sephton adds; <br>“With an accomplished self-released back catalogue, culminating in last year’s very well received ‘Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch‘ album, John Jenkins just gets better and better. So I was delighted that he approached me to discuss releasing his next album on Fretsore, his addition to our roster gives us further credibility as a UK Americana label. 2021 is looking very exciting for John and the label!” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">As a member of his own James Street Band, along with performances with The Persuaders and Come in Tokio, John Jenkins has shared stages with the likes of Elvis Costello, Chris Difford (Squeeze), Echo and The Bunnymen, The Beat and Jarrod Dickenson. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Fans can be the first to hear the upcoming tracks by following John Jenkins on digital services: </span></p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6504590
2020-12-21T17:07:02+00:00
2020-12-21T17:07:58+00:00
Julia Fiebelkorn - The End of Summer - Official Video 2
<p>Here's Video 2 of a song i wrote that Julie Fiebelkorn (aka Dorothy Bird) sang - Its part of an EP of Songs i have written that i will be releasing next year sung by others. </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OKg61yeRiU8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/OKg61yeRiU8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OKg61yeRiU8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6504589
2020-12-21T17:05:43+00:00
2020-12-21T17:07:40+00:00
Julia Fiebelkorn - The End of Summer - Official Video 1
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KbIL0_dgFh4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KbIL0_dgFh4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KbIL0_dgFh4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's Video 1 of a song i wrote that Julie Fiebelkorn (aka Dorothy Bird) sang - Its part of an EP of Songs i have written that i will be releasing next year sung by others.</p>
<p>This version of the Video occasionally been pulled off YouTube for some copyright Image reasons which i have been trying to resolve</p>
<p>I will Post Version 2 as well</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6504580
2020-12-21T16:56:53+00:00
2020-12-21T16:57:33+00:00
Sunday 20th Dec 2020 - Scousefest Live Stream Set
<p>Sun 20th Dec 2020 - I have been doing quite a few open mics via Zoom but was asked to perform a short set of about 30 minutes via a livestream for the folks at "House of Scouse" as part of their Scousefest La Vida Festival. Pippa (Murdie) kindly helped me with the set and we did 8 songs together which was a lot of fun</p>
<ul> <li>Set List - Bitter Harvest</li> <li>Dying By Inches</li> <li>Have you ever seen paint peeling from old wood</li> <li>Daniel White</li> <li>Looking For That American Dream</li> <li>This Mountain Between Us</li> <li>I Miss You</li> <li>Can You Hear Me?</li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6492809
2020-12-06T14:27:06+00:00
2020-12-06T14:27:06+00:00
John Jenkins - Folk North West Review of "Growing Old - Songs From My Front Porch"
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/bac906b9fa780276f687388ebfcbe400e6e9fd56/original/capture-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/5c39dee146865f95539aaf0f0a7aaeb277718e16/original/capture-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/7e59be36441576522bce62b5bfcb18c609ca8378/original/capture-3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/fda2f9680bd52c6a0af78ddbe619c9537d5530af/original/capture-4.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6492807
2020-12-06T14:24:51+00:00
2021-08-26T15:36:01+01:00
Songs From My Front Room #7 - Daniel White
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>Songs From My Front Room" # 7 </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong> “Daniel White” </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hi friends, <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="N9c2bWt8DwE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/N9c2bWt8DwE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9c2bWt8DwE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Week number 7 on my weekly blog. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hope everyone is keeping safe and well </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week’s tune is a song from my most recent album “Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch” and one of my own particular favourite songs. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I hope you enjoy it </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It’s been a strange week – I’m still waiting for my funding to come through so I can contact people and get things moving pretty quickly. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I applied to play the AMAUK 2021 showcases in January but was unsuccessful (again). Very disappointed but these things are not very easy to be picked up for. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week’s listening has been quite varied – Been playing a lot of Nordic Folk Music to get a few tracks together for my Sunday Radio Show – Had to choose 14 tracks which was very difficult as there are so many brilliant tracks. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Enjoyed playing Lee Shone’s “Never Sing the Blues” a few more times this week. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">TV – As usual I’m way behind on catching up on TV shows so finally got to see “Chernobyl” which was very good and worrying </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Reading – Just finished reading a book about “Gods of Ancient Egypt” and now on to an Omnibus of 3 George Simenon tales </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ok thanks for reading this and listening to my song </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Till then take care and stay safe xx </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#jacksons farm</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6492805
2020-12-06T14:21:00+00:00
2020-12-06T14:25:25+00:00
Songs From My Front Room #6 - Someday We'll See Better Days
<p><strong><span class="font_xl"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MHHMGSzYOZA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/MHHMGSzYOZA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MHHMGSzYOZA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>Songs From My Front Room" # 6 </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_xl"> “Someday We’ll See Better Days” </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hi friends, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Week number 6 on my weekly blog. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">My goodness where does the time go to? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week’s tune is a song I originally wrote as a charity song with the idea of raising money for the “Whitechapel Homeless Centre” in Liverpool. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I had just done a gig at the “We Shall Overcome” events which were quite moving to be part of. Graham Holland from Liverpool Acoustic got everyone to sing “We Shall Overcome” and on the way home I thought wouldn’t it be nice to write something on similar lines. I had doubts at one point but the great Liverpool songwriter Alun Parry messaged a few supportive words and I finished it off and then got in touch with lots of Merseyside artists to see if they’d sing a line or two and most did that I invited. I was very grateful. Poor Jon Lawton my co-producer and engineer had to sit through 23 different singers singing the whole song several times over so we could get a line at least from everyone. He was demented and vowed never to listen to that song again lol. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I did a version for my “Trains” album and to be honest not played it for years – I think the last time was in Southport with the James Street Band and Megan-Louise singing it with me. Hope you can relate to it? With vaccines on the horizon, the possibility of a change of leaders in other country’s one can but hope. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week’s listening has been quite varied … I played a couple of new “Neil Young” albums .. “Homegrown” and “Colarado”. Taken a few plays to get in to them but it’s been worthwhile. Gone back to “John Prine’s” debut album with is stunning. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As my song “Jackson’s Farm” featured on the cover disc of this months “Rock’n’Reel” (R’N’R ) magazine – </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Un-herd 84 I have been spinning that a few times and it sits with some beautiful songs </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">TV – I don’t do reality TV shows I’m afraid so I’ve caught up on two series from a couple of years ago “Collateral” and “Capital”. Got to say that in “Capital” Rachel Stirling gave me a shock how much she looked like her mother “Diana Rigg” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Film wise – Kinda not seen anything that I’d say was memorable in the last week to be honest. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Finally – Just like to congratulate “Rob Vincent” and “Anna Corcoran” for their nominations in the AMAUK 2021 finals – well deserved. I didn’t expect my album to feature obviously. Despite the amazing reviews I have had it’s very difficult to self promote on a small budget .. maybe one day? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ok thanks for reading this and listening to my song – hopefully you’ll tune in to the next episode in a day or two? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Till then take care and stay safe xx </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#jacksons farm</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6478817
2020-11-16T16:51:05+00:00
2020-11-16T16:51:05+00:00
Tue 27th Oct 2020 - Songs From My Front Room # 4 - I Miss You - John Jenkins and Pippa Mudie
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<p><span class="font_large">Songs From My Front Room" # 4 “I Miss You” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hi friends, Week number 4 on this bloggy thing. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This song is an older song – I first recorded a version way back in 1989 with my band “The Persuaders” for Stings’ management company who had just signed us and wanted some new songs. They funded some recording sessions but not enough funding to mix the songs properly so it’s remained buried away in my music vaults. I dug it out for me to sing on my “Her Soldier Boy” EP a few years back and it’s one I play about once a year although I have a fondness for it. This version as you can see is not just me but my good friend “Pippa Murdie” who is part of the “Paris Wives” set up I had at the beginning of the year. Pippa and I have been working up a few songs so we can do the odd gig here and there when Covid-19 is hopefully over. We aim to do some live streams So for Episode 4 of “Songs from My Front Room”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">About the song This is called “I Miss You” It’s an imaginary story – I had this cinematic picture of a relationship gone wrong in somewhere like California with big open roads and beaches and a bloke driving up and down it pondering how much he missed his partner and reflecting how he had gone wrong. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As I said last week I’ve been pretty chuffed for my friend and singer “Sister Lee” with all the lovely comments she has had about “Who Took The Stars out of the Sky?” a song I wrote and recorded with her. Billy Butler even messaged me personally to say how much he enjoyed it – I was really touched. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I have a few more songs I’m working on in the studio at the moment so more to be revealed. I put this message out on Facebook this week … So pleased to be able to let people know that with the help of the arts council England and Lottery i can start planning to record my next album and put some musicians together to play some tour dates in 2021 (if possible). There's a lot of people that will be involved who will get paid such as recording studios/CD Pressing/Booking Agents/PR Companies/ Session musicians so i'm really happy to be able to pass on my good fortune to them too and they be part of this next stage in my musical journey. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Everything i have done so far has been self financed and paid either by several loans or my retirement lump sum that i had so for the first time i can hopefully relax about money for music without adding more debt to the ones i have lol x Before this project still got 2 EP's to finish out my own money. Hopefully 2021 will be a good year and the album will be something special xxx </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">ps thanks to Arts Council and Stevie Smith from AMAUK who kept us members in the loop about opportunities such as this x </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week’s listening has been very interesting – Eric Anderson ( a true lost album from 1971) and Vashti Bunyan Some Gabriel Faure classical stuff and Irma DeMent’s debut – The wonderful “Infamous Angel”. . </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ok thanks for reading this and listening to my song – hopefully you’ll tune in to the next episode? Till then take care and stay safe xx #deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins #nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold #jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders , #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , #newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK #UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk #Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting #NewAlbum #liverpoolmus</span>ic #growingold #jacksons farm</p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6460477
2020-10-21T18:05:13+01:00
2020-10-21T18:05:13+01:00
Songs From My Front Room" # 3 “It’s Not that I’m Afraid of your Husband (It’s Just that my Wife Scares Me More”
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="iggjDsDAYUE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/iggjDsDAYUE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iggjDsDAYUE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_xl">Songs From My Front Room" # 3 </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_xl">“It’s Not that I’m Afraid of your Husband (It’s Just that my Wife Scares Me More” </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hi friends, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Week number 3 on this bloggy thing. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Another new song – Apologies if you have seen this video before but it was one I prepared earlier a few weeks ago. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I’ve been quite full on this last week so rather than missing a week out I thought I’d include this little ditty as it’s a bit tongue in cheek and the last two songs where quite miserable in subject matter </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So for Episode 3 of “Songs from My Front Room”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">About the song </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is called “It’s not that I’m Afraid of your Husband (It’s Just that my Wife Scares Me More”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The problem with this song and revealing the title is you give the game away or punchline so it loses impact I imagine </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you didn’t know what it was called. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For live performance I’ll not introduce it. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I wrote quite a few Country songs in the last few weeks and from the books I have read about Songwriting in Nashville and songwriters the title can be nearly as important as the song itself. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Even if I say so myself I think the stars lined up or something when this line came to me. It was one of those moments if you are a songwriter when everything falls into place. Ok maybe I’m exaggerating? I play it quite slow in this video but when recorded it’ll be pure bluegrass and upbeat. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Additionally I’ve been pretty chuffed for my friend and singer “Sister Lee” with all the lovely comments she has had about “Who Took The Stars out of the Sky?” a song I wrote and recorded with her. One of my own fave songs of mine. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This week’s listening has been very diverse again – some Joshua Brunell (Folk Music), Some Aaron Copland classical stuff and still listening to my album of the week before last “Mary Chapin Carpenter’s” – The Dirt and The Stars” and loving it to bits </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Books – I was bought a book by someone called “Black Box Thinking” by Matthew Syed. It’s a non fiction book which is about how one can learn from one’s mistakes. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I initially was joking that someone bought me a book about being a failure and how to learn to live with it but it’s a bit more (thankfully). </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Telly wise – I’m still working my way through “Kavanagh QC” for the first time – I think John Thaw is/was one of my favourite British Actors. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Just got a biography of his life and an autobiography of his wife “Sheila Hancock “ looking forward to reading these. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ok thanks for reading this and listening to my song – hopefully you’ll tune in to the next episode? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Till then take care and stay safe xx </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#deserthearts #americanamusic #countrymusic #johnjenkins </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#nashvillemusic #liverpoolmusic #singersongwriter #growingold </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#jacksonsfarm #johnjenkinsandthejamesstreetband #thepersuaders </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">, #americanamusic, , #nashvillemusic, #singersongwriter, , </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#newalbum #Americana #AmericanaUK </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#UKAmericana #Roots #Rootsmusic #Folkmusic #EnglishFolk </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#Storytelling #storytellingsongs #Songwriter #Songwriting </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#NewAlbum #liverpoolmusic #growingold </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">#jacksons farm</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6454708
2020-10-13T18:42:34+01:00
2020-10-13T18:43:08+01:00
Songs From My Front Room" # 2 “The Last Train from Baltimore”
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Z_BYkULk1oc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Z_BYkULk1oc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z_BYkULk1oc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Songs From My Front Room" # 2 </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">“The Last Train from Baltimore” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Hi friends, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Week number 2 on this bloggy thing. As I said last week thought I’d start posting a few songs I had written over coming weeks with a little blog just keeping people up to date on things at this crazy time. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">So this is Episode 2 of “Songs from My Front Room”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">About the song – another new one. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">This is called “The Last Train from Baltimore” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">I have a friend whose nephew was killed on a railway line. Obviously very sad for the family but I always think about how the driver must feel in situations like this. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">And Newspapers always like a good story even if it’s wrong. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">This week’s listening has been very diverse as usual. I’m listening to “Bobbie Gentry” as I type this “The Delta Sweetie”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl"> Still playing my album of the week from last week ““Mary Chapin Carpenter’s” – The Dirt and The Stars. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">This weeks Album of the week is something a bit out of the box … “Jake Thackray” – Ideal. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Growing up Jake was always on the TV but I admit to not being able to grasp what he was about at such a young age. Now listening to the songs, I find a whit and humour that is exceptionally clever and the music is cool too. . </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Books - I am enjoying a 1920’s fiction book by EH Young called “William” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">I was collecting the old Penguin Books that came out from 1935 and this one I think is the 8th book they printed. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Telly wise – Saw the wonderful documentary about the Bluebird Café that was released last year </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">It must be a bucket list thing to play there. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">For those queuing up to see if they can play you have to play a verse and a chorus from one of your songs to try and impress the Bluebird folk. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">I wouldn’t have a clue which song I’d choose myself – It must be very difficult for anyone. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Ok thanks for reading this and listening to my song – hopefully you’ll tune in to the next episode? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Till then take care and stay safe xx </span></p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6450878
2020-10-07T16:03:48+01:00
2020-10-07T16:03:48+01:00
Wed 7th Oct 2020 - Another Fab Review - PennyBlackMusic
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Review/11615/R/John-Jenkins-CD-Growing-Old--Songs-From-My-Front-Porch" style="">http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Review/11615/R/John-Jenkins-CD-Growing-Old--Songs-From-My-Front-Porch</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Band:John Jenkins <br>Title:Growing Old - Songs From My Front Porch <br>Reviewed By:Steve Kinrade <br>Date Published:06/10/2020 </span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins' latest musical offering sees him not only consolidating himself as one of Merseyside’s finest songwriters, but also that, like a fine single malt, he is maturing just nicely with age. 'Growing Old' presents us with twelve songs which see Jenkins muse about the life events and the effect the ageing process has on your environment, relationships and self. And as a result, he has successfully evoked - through musical alchemy - an atmosphere of melancholy, hope and benign perspective. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It has to be said that Jenkins is at his most successful when he creates an aural intimacy between himself and his listener, like he is sitting beside you, singing softly, to you and only you. It is at this moment that an emotional bond is created that transforms you to remember those life events that shaped all of us. Hence this scene is set with the opening composition 'Growing Old', and consolidated by the songs that come after - the Larkinesque 'Daniel White', 'Heartlands' and the achingly beautiful 'A Mother’s Devotion' This intimacy is, however, broken by Jenkins' duet with Siobhan Maher-Kennedy - 'This Mountain Between Us' - which although a good song, sadly manages to momentarily break this sense of intimacy Jenkins has created. This other voice breaks the spell…. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The production is top notch, with very fine performances by the guest musicians. A <br>particular doffing of the cap should be directed towards the guest musicians, especially John Lawton for some majestic guitar work, Andy Connolly for his outstanding flute creativity and Amy Chalmers for her violin and string arrangements - her work on 'Jackson’s Farm', which evokes the ghost of Nick Drake collaborator Richard Kirkby, is simply superb. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">'Growing Old' is an album which reveals different aspects of itself through repeated <br>listenings. It possesses a richness of life experience and emotion, which, given the title, you would expect. In his previous work Jenkins seems fascinated by the hope and potential that the wide-open spaces of America seems to offer. Yet he has the instinct to recognise that the authentic insights happen close to home, within us, and to those who.share the space around us. A rare skill indeed. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is a collection of songs that succinctly encapsulate the feelings and experiences of a life lived. And through Jenkins shrewd and nuanced observations, he gives us an emotional blueprint to take on those challenges that the ageing process makes us all face. A real gem of an album.</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6450255
2020-10-06T18:51:55+01:00
2020-10-06T18:51:55+01:00
"Songs From My Front Room" # 1 - 43 and Counting
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>Tuesday 6th Oct 2020</strong></span></p>
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<p><span class="font_xl">Hi friends, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Thought I’d start posting a few songs I had written over coming weeks with a little blog just keeping people up to date on things at this crazy time. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Over the next few weeks hopefully it’ll build a picture of what I’m writing at the moment and what I have been doing and not doing. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">So this is Episode 1 of “Songs from My Front Room”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">About the song – New one ( I consider anything I have written since my last album as being new). This is called “43 and Counting”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">I had a part time job (as well as my full time job) for many years. It was at a catalogue company called Littlewoods and I was on telephones most of the time dealing with queries. “Where’s my order?”, “Have you received my payment”? etc. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">One of the women I worked with was terribly upset because her partner had left her for someone younger. She explained that it wasn’t so much him leaving that upset her but the fact he had persuaded her not to have children when they had been together and now she was at an age where she was on her own and unlikely to have a family. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">So the song came from that memory of that conversation. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Away from the song I have been listening to a lot of diverse music at home. I’m on a discovery trail of Americana music or early country music. As I write this I’m listening to a guy called “Paul Siebel” and two albums from around 1970/1971 on the famous Elektra Record label. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">I’m also discovering “Iris DeMent” who is a wonderful artist. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">My album of the week however is “Mary Chapin Carpenter’s” – The Dirt and The Stars. Its really wonderful. Think I have played this more times than any other new album this year and I’m getting a reward on each play, things I hadn’t heard before . Produced by Ethan Johns who produced my dear friend “Robert Vincent’s wonderful album “In This Town You’re Owned”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">I have also been listening to some Krautrock as well believe it or not but that’s another story. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">looking for a great read? I am enjoying the new Robert Galbraith Strike Novel “Troubled Blood”. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">It’s over 900 pages long which I thought may be off putting however it feels just right and with different inter locking stories throughout I’d say it was the best of the STRIKE novels so far. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Telly wise – I kind of got a good collection of old stuff that I think when I watch it’ll probably be for the very last time so I’m rewatching UFO from 1970 – haven’t seen this since then so its 50 years! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">More up to date wise I enjoyed the Gemma Arterton film “The Escape” from 2017. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Ok thanks for reading this and listening to my song – hopefully you’ll tune in to the next epsisode? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Till then take care and stay safe xx</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6443903
2020-09-27T13:30:21+01:00
2020-09-27T13:30:21+01:00
Dancing About Architecture Album Review - Growing Old Song from my Front Porch Sept 26th 2020
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://dancing-about-architecture.com/growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch-john-jenkins-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/" style="">https://dancing-about-architecture.com/growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch-john-jenkins-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch) – John Jenkins (reviewed by Dave Franklin) </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We’ve all been a bit over whelmed with events over the last few months and the fact that I was forced to navigate my way through a few tough times in non-musical, non-scribbly ways to keep the wolf from the door means that I have returned to the writing desk way behind the musical curve. Also, given the monumental size of the review pile, I was faced with two options – either get down to some serious writing or apply for planning permission for the stack of CDs. So here we are. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ironically John Jenkins most recent solo album is just the sort of music that I should have been playing through those times to help reduce stress levels and relax. Growing Old is a collection of wonderful reflections and insightful narratives put to gentle acoustica and adorned deftly and sparingly only when truly needed. The first thing which strikes you is just how wonderful John’s voice is, soft and seductive for the most part, any drama or power coming from his ability with delivery, turn of phrase, lingering anticipation and atmospherics rather than resorting to anything as pedestrian as raising his voice. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But right behind it is a series of majestic and cleverly woven musical backdrops, again more about textures than impact. But even with the sparse sonic palette he has chosen to work with there is a fantastic range of sounds and styles, from the hushed and drifting A Wiser Man Than Me to the rolling country groove of Bear Lake County. The title track, which opens proceedings, is a lovely balance of acoustic intimacy and shimmering folk tones, Jackson’s Farm is driven by banks of cinematic strings, romantic and reflective and The Last Song is a blend of emotive, Celtic-infused sounds and heart-tugging sentiment, not to mention no small amount of James Taylor delicacy hanging above it. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">There is a real art to writing songs which are romantic rather than slushy, truly emotive rather than merely a string of hollow sentiments, which have real longevity, which feel honest and full of integrity, which go straight to the heart because they come from the heart. John Jenkins has that art in no small amount.</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6443357
2020-09-26T09:36:42+01:00
2020-09-26T09:39:45+01:00
Who Took The Stars Out Of The Sky? by Sister Lee
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Sat 26th Sept 2020 </strong>- I have been working on a couple of EP.s over the last few months . One is a 5 track EP called "Desert Hearts" which will be a John Jenkins release. The second is a 5 track EP which are songs i have written and i have asked 5 different female singers to sing my songs. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The first song to be released is this song "Who Took The Stars Out Of The Sky" which is sung by Sister Lee (aka Eileen Bridges) a 67 local singer songwriter - Here is some information about her</span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Sister Lee releases her debut single “Who Took The Stars Out Of The Sky” on October 2nd 2020 at the age of 67 </span></strong></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">Sister Lee is Liverpool born Eileen Bridges Aka as Lee / The Lee taken from her Christian name, and the Sister with reference to her Catholic School, were Eileen was taught be Convent Nuns (Sisters of Mercy). </span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">Sister Lee's music journey began from the cradle. Living in a poor Liverpool seaport, Music was a great strength to support all the local community and family especially the occasional Family get together listening to Gospel , Jim Reeves / Ink Spots / Hank Williams, and old Sea Shanties , she says “how could she not become obsessed with music”. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">Sister Lee’s take on is influenced greatly by the likes of Nina Simone / Bob Dylan / Beatles / The Everly. Eileen plays locally at various open mics around the Merseyside area and the occasional Busk in Liverpool. She hosts the occasional event and a member of a local group called “Melody Makers”</span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="font_large"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="XV-rZh9H-NE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/XV-rZh9H-NE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XV-rZh9H-NE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is now available from this websight or Bandcamp at present</span></p>
2:33
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6442727
2020-09-25T14:46:40+01:00
2020-09-25T14:46:40+01:00
Rock'n'Reel Magazine Review of "Growing Old - Songs from My Front Porch Sept 2020
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/f195eee924015cca903de2f7d39a7105e6b3af56/original/rnr-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/47e75845b713b6a751fafed74070a505e14c1047/original/rnr2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6442696
2020-09-25T14:38:15+01:00
2020-09-25T14:38:15+01:00
The Rockin' Magpie Review of Growing Old - Songs From My Front Porch
<p><span class="font_regular"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://rockingmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-the-porch/" style="">https://rockingmagpie.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-the-porch/</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Review Sept 17th 2020</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Destined to Linger Long in The Memory </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">One of the biggest problems at RMHQ is trying to keep up to date with all of the new releases that find their way to our little Nissen Hut in the North of England (South of Heaven!) and inadvertently some beauties fall by the wayside; which is what happened here; until my trusty IPhone re-discovered it last week on a car journey around the Yorkshire Dales. <br>The song in question was the opening track, Growing Old which was the perfect soundtrack to the day in question. <br>Very easy on the ear and with a ‘warm’ production and in Jenkins we have a singer cut from the same cloth as such disparate singers as Roger Whitaker, Graham Nash, Chris Difford and; dare I say it John Lennon? <br>While coming from Merseyside like Lennon, John Jenkins also has a soft enunciation to his words that owes more to the South side of the River Mersey than the North. <br>Jenkins appears to have ‘been around a bit’ and that comes across in his mature songwriting style and, just like the opener; in the subject matter he sings about. <br>Erring on the Americana side of Folk; This Mountain Between Us, I’m Almost Over You and, more especially the tender A Mother’s Devotion are all stateless in such a way the listener has no idea as to where the singer is singing about; be it Merseyside or deepest Arkansas; it matters not ……. all are wonderful songs from an all encompassing idiom. <br>There’s even a gentle Celtic lilt to Heartlands; a song that isn’t especially Irish but certainly Irish in it’s deep sensibilities and harmonies too. <br>The album title says it all really; this is a collection of laid-back and Grown Up observational tales that are generally very well constructed; all though one or two songs could do with a bit of editing, maybe losing one or two words in the stanzas? <br>This is music after all and not a bodice ripper novel. <br>Which brings us to my choice of Favourite Song; which hasn’t been easy; as the title track is very easy on the ear and heart too; as is A Wiser Man Than Me which just aches with longing. <br>Then there is Daniel White; a tragically beautiful epic condensed into two and a half melancholic minutes; and then the song that I’m making my actual Favourite Song; Jackson’s Farm which starts with a clap of thunder and Jenkins’ acoustic guitar is accompanied by a rainstorm for the next couple of minutes on a heart crushing song of lost love. <br>Sometimes I have to look back, to see that I haven’t missed anything of great importance and I’m glad I did this time; as while this album probably won’t win any National Awards it will linger long in the memory of all who buy it</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">.</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6426902
2020-09-07T16:09:08+01:00
2020-09-07T16:10:05+01:00
John Jenkins - Growing Old (Official Video)
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="15y77LLoXoU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/15y77LLoXoU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/15y77LLoXoU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6411320
2020-08-17T18:53:03+01:00
2020-08-17T18:53:26+01:00
Liverpool Live 24/7 Radio with Ethan Allen - Live appearance
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>Sun 16th Aug 2020</strong> - i was kindly invited by Ethan Allen to perform 3 songs during his weekly Country show . He played "This Mountain Between us" from my Growing Old CD and me and Pippa Murdie played 3 songs live in the studio. These were:</span></p>
<ul> <li><span class="font_xl">Bitter Harvest</span></li> <li><span class="font_xl">Looking For that American Dream</span></li> <li><span class="font_xl">Same Thing Every Night </span></li>
</ul>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6408493
2020-08-13T12:42:31+01:00
2020-08-13T12:42:31+01:00
Siobhan Maher Kennedy - Podcast - This Mountain Between Us
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://iwishiwrotethatsong.co.uk/episode-7-siobhan-maher-kennedy/" style="">https://iwishiwrotethatsong.co.uk/episode-7-siobhan-maher-kennedy/</a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">My good old Friend and ex-Persuader <strong>Siobhan Maher Kennedy </strong>was interviewed for a fabulous podcast called <strong>"I Wish I Wrote that Song"</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It's a great listen and the interviewer kindly played part of our duet <strong>"This Mountain Between us"</strong> from my new album. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is the brief ... </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For this episode we spoke to Siobhan Maher Kennedy. Siobhan is possibly best known as the singer with Liverpool band, River City People, as well as being a Children’s TV presenter and actress. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">River City People released two albums in the late 80s and early 90s; Say Something Good and This Is The World. They had their biggest chart success with a cover of California Dreamin’, originally released by Mamas and Papas. After the band split, Siobhan joined Kindred Spirit with Debbie Peterson of the Bangles. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For the last 26 years, Siobhan has lived in Nashville, USA where she is married to record producer, Ray Kennedy. Her first solo album, Immigrant Flower, co-produced by Ray and Steve Earle, was released to critical acclaim in 2002. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We spoke to Siobhan about the loss of her friend and songwriting legend, John Prine, her Liver Girls project supporting young breakthrough artists in Liverpool and of course, the song she wish she wrote, a song by Tom Paxton released in 1964. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Enjoy listening!</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6391385
2020-07-24T00:38:51+01:00
2020-07-24T00:38:51+01:00
Divide and Conquer Review USA 3.9 out of 5
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.divideandconquermusic.com/indie-music-album-reviews/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch" style="">https://www.divideandconquermusic.com/indie-music-album-reviews/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">John Jenkins </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Growing Old - Songs from my Front Porch <br>self-released; 2020 </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">3.9 out of 5 </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">By My Nguyen </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins is a Liverpool, UK singer/songwriter who performs either solo or with his band “John Jenkins and the James Street Band.” A favorite in the local music scene, the artist is releasing his latest album entitled Growing Old – Songs from my front porch. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In the singer/songwriter vein, the songs on this album are quieter imbued with a sense of stillness. From the soft cadence, listeners will be able to meditate on life’s many mysteries including aging itself, memory and impermanence. Revolving around the acoustic guitar, these numbers gives an introspective look on getting older. Jenkins shares his wisdom and insights in this array of songs and we really get to know the man behind the mic – his drive, his passions and his music. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Growing Old – Songs from my front porch opens with “Growing Old” where noodling on the acoustic guitar starts off this track. The sounds are warm and intimate. The interwoven sounds of electric and acoustic guitar also trace this song. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Following is “Daniel White,” where deft strumming on the acoustic guitar opens up this ballad. The acoustic guitar alone supports Jenkins’ vocals. A stripped-down song with a sparse sound, traces of lush strings also add a layer of embellishment to this mainly acoustic track. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">On “Heartlands,” wind instruments give off unique instrumentation to this song. Numerating on the acoustic guitar underscores the vocals. The sounds are relaxing and comforting. The closer “The Last Song” is aptly titled andthe flute add a searing layer and the acoustic guitar melodies are pleasing to the ear. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Taking audiences on an inward journey, Jenkins’ music breaks down barriers and we are left with melodies and harmonies that will be sure to stick in your head long after the record has stopped spinning. Jenkins takes the familiar sounds of country and folk and fastens within its perimeters a sound that is solely his own. With a nod to the past, as Jenkins numerates on the yesteryears, the album is also rooted in the present as more contemporary audiences can also appreciate the record. Growing Old – Song from my Front Porch sheds lights on a musician who shows his musical growth through his ever-evolving style and sound. </span></p>
<p> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6385652
2020-07-15T21:44:33+01:00
2020-07-16T12:46:02+01:00
Darren's Music Blog Album Review July 14th 2020
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://darrensmusicblog.com/2020/07/14/americana-singer-songwriter-album-review-john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch/" style="">https://darrensmusicblog.com/2020/07/14/americana-singer-songwriter-album-review-john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch/</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Americana/singer-songwriter: album review – John Jenkins ‘Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch)’ </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins is a well-known figure on the Liverpool music scene, once part of cult eighties band ‘The Persuaders’ but in recent years it’s been solo performances as a singer-songwriter or fronting his own band John Jenkins & the James Street Band. Two well-received independently-released albums ‘Window Shopping in Nashville’ and ‘Looking For That American Dream’ are now followed up with this latest release: ‘Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch)’. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Inspired to write a selection of songs that could be performed solo, Jenkins reveals in the sleeve-notes that the working title for the album was initially ‘Songs for the Open Mic’. Thankfully, someone else suggested the slightly more Nashville, slightly less Norris Green title of ‘Songs From The Front Porch’. I don’t really care whether he’s got a porch or not to be honest – even if it’s only a metaphorical one it suits the feel of the album. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“I really wanted to record a selection of intimate songs that could resonate with the listener,” he says. “Stories of life, family, friends, good times, sad times, loss and happiness..” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">All self-composed (bar one co-written with LA-based Kendra Boardman that emerged out of a songwriting retreat) the songs on the album explore those familiar themes of love, ageing, loss and loneliness. Jenkins’ lyrics have a nice turn of phrase to them and he can clearly turn out some really, strong memorable melodies, too. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Highlights include opening track (and the song that gives the album its name) ‘Growing Old’. Its contemplative mood and laid-back Americana feel sets the tone for the rest of the album rather nicely. Other highlights include the melancholic ‘Heartlands’ and the aforementioned co-write ‘This Mountain Between Us’ – performed here as a gorgeous duet with old friend Siobhan Maher-Kennedy taking us into classic country territory. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">While the music might have a strong Americana feel to it Jenkins eschews a faux-American delivery and sings resolutely in his own voice. While I wouldn’t say he’s necessarily got the most distinctive of voices there’s a warm, engaging honesty about it that just works so perfectly for material like this. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Since Growing Old popped through my letterbox the other week I’ve been growing more and more fond of it. A fine album.</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6383856
2020-07-12T20:52:22+01:00
2020-07-12T20:52:22+01:00
Northern Sky Review - Growing Old - July 8th 2020
<p><strong><span class="font_xl">John Jenkins – Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch) </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_xl">8TH JUL 2020/ ALLAN WILKINSON </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_xl">Album Review | Self Release | Review by Allan Wilkinson | Stars: 3/5 </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If the general theme of John Jenkins’ new album is perhaps lost youth, the ageing process and mortality, then the songs are delivered in a deceivingly youthful voice. The immediate expectation, judging by the cover shot, is of old time fiddle tunes from the Appalachian Mountains, yet Growing Old, subtitled Songs From My Front Porch, is far from this. Each of the dozen songs are accompanied by a simple guitar-led arrangement, with an emphasis on people, locations and time; the lonely war hero in “Daniel White” for instance, or the dark backwoods of the Townes Van Zandt influenced “Bear Lake County” to the highly personal temporal meditation embedded in the title song. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Liverpool singer songwriter is joined by one or two additional singers and musicians, each of whom help to lift the already strong arrangements. There’s a Celtic feel to “Heartlands”, emphasised through the fiddle and flute accompaniment, courtesy of Amy Chalmers and Andy Connolly respectively. Then there’s a rich vocal duet with Siobhan Maher-Kennedy on the tender “The Mountain Between Us”, whilst the elements are on hand to help give “Jackson’s Farm” all the necessary atmosphere. Good songs, well played and delivered with humility. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Choice Track: Jackson’s Farm (NSV 505)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://northernskyreviews.com/2020/07/08/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch/">https://northernskyreviews.com/2020/07/08/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch/</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6373669
2020-07-02T17:53:52+01:00
2020-07-02T17:53:52+01:00
Growing Old - Songs from my Front Porch - Hope it's Country Review
<h2><span class="font_large">John Jenkins - Growing Old, Songs from my Front Porch </span></h2>
<h3><span class="font_large">I was recently sent a copy of the latest album by John Jenkins, another name that I had heard of, but yet had the chance to check out his music. You know, life gets in the way, and I tend to spend most of my music listening time playing music from artists who I am due to go and see live in the near future (not that that’s happening anytime soon) I know a few people who have mentioned John to me, and told me how good his songwriting is. </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">Anyway, finally I have had the chance to check him out with his latest album ‘Growing Old, Songs from my Front Porch’ </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">The opening line ‘I’m growing old’ and the closing line ‘And I’m singing this song before I die’ frame this album perfectly. Everything in between is just sublime! </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">I don’t know if I’m just in a heightened emotional state recently, or it’s the fact that although not old, I’m certainly no youngster these days, but a number of the tracks on this album really hit me (Growing Old, Heartlands, This Mountain Between Us, A Wiser Man Than Me) </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">The album is a beautiful collection more intimate songs all but one written by John, the exception being ‘This Mountain Between Us’ which was co-written with Kendra Boardman. It’s full of nostalgia themed around time, ageing and living with regret. The stories are told through age and experience, some possibly from personal experience, others from observations of the world around us. John like most great songwriters always has pockets full of pieces of paper with song lyric ideas scribbled on them. </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">Beautifully produced and just as beautifully presented, the album has Country/folk/Americana by the bucket load. There is stunning acoustic guitar, backed up with strings, harmonica, flute, gentle rhythm and the occasional electric guitar. John’s vocals are soft, comforting and the harmonies are just stunning. </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">‘This Mountain Between Us’ is a duet with </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">Siobhan Maher Kennedy </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">, another Liverpudlian who now resides in Nashville and is possibly my favourite song of the album, although trust me it is not an easy decision. </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">I for one will be checking out Johns other music in the very very near future! </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">To use a quote from someone else, John is a ‘songwriters songwriter’ from Liverpool, he has a wealth of experience, having played in a number of bands, and written songs for numerous artists. He has appeared with Elvis Costello and Echo and the Bunnymen to name just a couple. </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">John also hosts </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">The Garden Party - Vintage Radio Birkenhead with Ian Boyle & John Jenkins </span></h3>
<h3><span class="font_large">an Americana, Blues, Country & Folk show which is well worth checking out. I managed to catch it for the first time today, and it certainly introduced me to a couple of new names!</span></h3>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/hopeitscountry/posts/272240274212692"><span class="font_large">https://www.facebook.com/hopeitscountry/posts/272240274212692</span></a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6369906
2020-06-29T14:42:18+01:00
2020-06-29T14:42:18+01:00
Americana UK Review
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://americana-uk.com/john-jenkins-growing-old-independent-2020#more-47151" style="">https://americana-uk.com/john-jenkins-growing-old-independent-2020#more-47151</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">John Jenkins “Growing Old” (Independent, 2020) </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“I’m growing old” is the first, uncompromising, line of the first song on Liverpool-based John Jenkins’ latest album, and “I’m singing this song before I die” is – in theory – the last line of the last track, so it’s maybe not surprising that the bulk of what comes between also dwells, heavily, on life in our twilight years. The most powerful of all of these age-themed numbers is undoubtedly the title track, which maintains its utter honesty about growing old throughout, all backed up by a series of gently growling, shimmering guitars. Lines like “I don’t like it, but sometimes I feel the need to thank it, because I’m still here as you can see,” capture perfectly the spirit of that old saying that if you don’t like having another birthday roll round, then just consider the alternative. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Rather than stadium rockers, as the sub-title ‘Songs From My Front Porch’ suggests, nearly all of the 12 listed songs are gently paced, well-structured meditations with a clear personal, homespun, touch. But just because the album mostly dwells quietly on having one foot in the grave, or a couple of toes at least, it’s not all doom and gloom. On ‘I’m Coming Home’, a couple celebrate staying together over the years with some freshly-made coffee and “holding you close, like I used to do when we first met way back in school.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Yet while the series of rootsy ballads move along smoothly enough and with an appealing enough degree of diverse styles – dipping into more Celtic-sounding territory on ‘Heartlands’ or veering into classic country and life as a solitary drifter with a murky past on ‘Bear Lake Country’ – the lyrics just don’t have the same degree of consistent interest as the music, and the album is, at times, badly let down by that. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">To be fair, some of the imagery is stunningly vivid, like when Jenkins is describing the plight of an old, lonely war veteran, “his single bed no larger than a tomb,” on ‘Daniel White’. But on other tracks it is so plain and/or clichéd the words barely register, one prime example arguably being ‘The Last Song’. Inspired by a type of North American bird that keeps returning to the same patch of woodland in a fruitless search of a mate as the years go by, lines like “I’m singing this song before I fly and I say goodbye”, or “I’m singing this song before I die”, are begging out for some colourful, original imagery in between if they don’t want to end up sounding like music-hall melodrama. But unfortunately that’s pretty much as good, and as forgettable, as it gets. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In fact the straightforwardness of Jenkins’ lyrics, which can be stunningly direct, at other times proves to be a two-edged sword. On ‘I’m almost over you’ observations like “Time has the power to make things fade away” don’t exactly linger in the memory, either, particularly when followed up by a line as cringe-worthily cheesy as “for every saddest hour I’ll try to make the brightest day.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Telling it ‘how it is’ doesn’t automatically equate with being interesting, in other words, but fortunately Jenkins ends the album with a refreshingly unpredictable number, right down to its being the bonus, ‘secret’ track at the end of the lp. Boosted by some very lively backing from Amy Chambers on violin, ‘I Just Don’t Care Any More’– to give it a title based on the chorus – is a drily humorous take on the precariousness of life, financial and otherwise, as a modern-day musician. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“Spotify just played my song, another million hits [and] I can get a taxi home,” Jenkins all but snarls before adding “Maybe I could do something better: buy some brushes, clean some lavatories…” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">‘I Just Don’t Care Any More’ has got an utterly different, irreverent tenor to the rest of the previous tracks and one which you wish he’d adopted more on an album which, if sometimes over-reliant on mawkish truisms in the lyrics, musically is definitely worth a listen. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Heart-felt, well constructed, if sometimes maudlin, meditation on life (almost) over the hill </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">6/10</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6364637
2020-06-24T11:17:58+01:00
2020-06-24T11:17:58+01:00
Maverick Music Magazine Review May/June 2020
<p><span class="font_large">Maverick Magazine May/June 2020 </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jenkins has put together a collection of songs here that really find a way of speaking to you. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A carefully constructed fine piece of work</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/18cbeaeb5305ffafc99604d6f79c466a86e9f095/original/maverick-album-review.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/be7fdbf76c230e0a3c90b000731f3cd21a6d27f9/original/maverick-this-mountain-between-us.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6352865
2020-06-14T12:53:55+01:00
2020-06-14T12:55:01+01:00
Liverpool Acoustic Review - John Jenkins - Growing Old - Songs from my Front Porch
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2020/06/album-review-john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch/" style="">http://liverpoolacoustic.co.uk/2020/06/album-review-john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>Album review: John Jenkins – Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch</strong> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Reviewer – Alan O’Hare, Liverpool Acoustic </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Albums are on a collision course with disaster. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">It’s not too hard to see into a future where ten or twelve songs, collected together by an artist and released with a theme in mind, no longer exists. That would be a massive shame, of course. But time and change stop for nothing. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">‘Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch’ is an album that asks you to stop for an hour and bask in its atmosphere. Veteran Liverpool songwriter John Jenkins has put together a record that looks back to a time when singer/songwriters such as James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Joni Mitchell roamed the earth and devoured all that came before them. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">This is a collection of songs centred on the self and filled with music dripping with sincerity and sensitivity. Sounding like a cup of black coffee tastes in the morning, with an aesthetic to match, it’s dominated by monochrome acoustic guitars, wounded strings and ethereal electric textures. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Jenkins’ latest is a reckoning with nostalgia, then, and lives and dies with its ability to keep listeners interested across eleven heartfelt songs of similar shapes and sounds. The tempos don’t change and colour is never allowed to seep in, as this black and white movie plays out over an hour of looking back. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">It’s an old-fashioned headphones record, in short, and one to be played looking through a window dripping with raindrops as you long for days that have passed you by. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Perfect for lockdown listening? Perhaps. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">The music (Amy Chalmers’ violin, Andrew Connally’s flutes and whistles in particular) is often beautiful and Jenkins’ best lyrics and melodies (‘Heartlands’, ‘Jackson’s Farm’, ‘I’m Almost Over You’) leave you <br>smiling wryly as another longing lament refuses to leave your brain. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">‘Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch’ is a defiant piece of work that stands out of time in a world changing with every turn. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Allan O’Hare </span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl">Review © 2020 Alan O’Hare, Liverpool A</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6330437
2020-05-26T11:59:07+01:00
2020-05-26T11:59:07+01:00
Fatea Magazine - Album Review 25th May 2020
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/JohnJenkins2/" style="">http://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/reviews/JohnJenkins2/</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Reviews - John Jenkins - Album: Growing Old - Songs From My Front Porch </strong></span><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Growing Old - Songs From My Front Porch" is the new album from celebrated Liverpool singer/songwriter John Jenkins and the follow-up to his well-received album [with The James Street Band ] "Looking For That American Dream". </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Songs From My Front Porch" is an apposite sub-title for the album as it is an intimate, reflective collection of songs about life, relationships , love, loneliness and happiness. The music matches John's excellent songwriting ,in that it warm , melodic ,immersive and immaculately played by some excellent musicians , principally Jon Lawton who also co-produced the album with John. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The album begins with the title song "Growing Old" which deals with coming to terms with , well, getting on in years. Like many of us do , the writer wonders "whatever happened to the youthful me ?" but realises that , in the end, "that's the way it has to be". </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Daniel White" is an empathetic song about a lonely old man and wonders what people would think of him if they had known him when he was young. The song has a country-ish feel courtesy of a fine violin solo by Amy Chalmers of the excellent duo Two Black Sheep. Amy's violin also features prominently on the lilting, Celtic-flavoured "Heartlands" song about leaving someone or somewhere to make a new start. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"A Mother's Devotion" takes the view of a mother who has a problem child but will defend him to the hilt. Phil Chisnall on mandolin and Jon Lawton on Spanish guitar provide a splendid musical backdrop. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The only co-write on the album is the lovely , evocative "This Mountain Between Us" which features a superb duet between John and "Nashville Liverbird" Siobahn Maher-Kennedy, formerly of River City People. John co-wrote the song with Kendra Boardman at Chris Difford's songwriting retreat in 2019 and this is clearly a successful combination. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Bear Lake County" is a pure country song which John says was clearly influenced by the Late Great Townes Van Zandt. The country feel is emphasised by Amy Chalmers' violin, John Armstrong's banjo and a Ghost-Riders-In-The-Sky-ish guitar riff. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Dying By Inches" is a telling reflection of the hardships endured in Trump's America where "nothing is sacred, nothing seems fair". David Nixon's harmonica echoes the mournful feel of the lyrics. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Perhaps my favourite track on the album is "Jackson's Farm" , a beautifully atmospheric piece about the loneliness and solitude of a prairie farmer. The gorgeous, sweeping string arrangement by Amy Chalmers evokes a vast , empty, endless landscape . A magical, stunning track and one which just gets better every time I listen to it , which is often. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"A Wiser Man Than Me" is companion piece to "Growing Old" in that it is a reflection on life and the choices that you have made. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"I'm Coming Home" also fits the "Growing Old" theme , as it celebrates the love of an elderly couple who have lived together all of their lives , since they first met way back in school. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"I'm Almost Over You" is a fine song , reflecting the dying embers of a relationship and similar in sentiment to 10 cc's "I'm Not In Love". </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"The Last Song" is a touching tribute to the lonely , last survivor of a species of bird, the Bachman Warbler , which lived in Virginia. The bird sang in vain to attract a non-existent mate and the bird's song is beautifully represented by the mellifluous flute of Andy Connally. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But wait , there's a surprise. "The Last Song" is not , in fact, the last song on the album as there is a hidden bonus track which may or may not be called "I Just Don't Care Any More". This a jaunty, upbeat, tongue-in-cheek romp about , well, just not caring which features a great duet between Amy on violin and Jon on guitar. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins says that his aim in making this album was "to record a selection of intimate songs that could resonate with the listener". Well , John , you have certainly achieved that aim , for here we have a collection of warm , empathetic, personal and resonant songs which are akin to having a deep conversation with an old friend , someone with whom you feel comfortable. Excellent album , highly recommended </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Peter Cowley</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6327523
2020-05-23T14:09:46+01:00
2020-05-23T14:14:17+01:00
Maximum Volume Music - REVIEW: JOHN JENKINS – GROWING OLD – SONGS FROM MY FRONT PORCH (2020) 9/10
<p><span class="font_large">“Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch” evoked two things to me, just from the title alone. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">First, it seemed reflective, and second it seemed as intimate as one of the house gigs John Jenkins often plays. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Time and time again the characters are living with their regrets. Whether it’s the ageing process in the title track: “Whatever happened to the youthful me?” he asks himself in the second line here, “A shadow of the man I used to be” he says by the fourth. And yet there’s an acceptance too. “I can’t fight it, it makes me frightened.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The whole record seems to be framed by that thought. Facing up to what scares you. Dealing with what you can’t change. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jenkins is a “songwriters songwriter” if you will, a favourite of John Peel he is often seen with his James Street Band, having been in bands like The Persuaders and Come in Tokio, and appearing with the likes of Elvis Costello and Echo And The Bunnymen. That lifetime of skill, craft and ability is all over this. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As someone who loves words and their use, their imagery, there is so much to get stuck into here. “Daniel White” has a quite stunning phrase. “His single bed is no larger than a tomb” he sings, as the acoustic, fragile accompaniment is perfect. Even here, though, the character is looking back: “if only people could see, the man he used to be…..” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“Heartlands” – as with a lot of music from the city of Liverpool, naturally I suppose – has a real Celtic folk feel, and “A Mothers Devotion” is such lovely, shimmering Americana, that there are bands all over the Heartland who would be proud to call it their own. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Except, this is resolutely Liverpudlian. Jenkins sings in his own voice, a thing sure to get bonus points on these pages and so it does here. “The Mountain Between Us” is a duet with Sibohan Maher-Kennedy and the dynamic between the two is beautiful, and the more country, if you will, “Bear Lake County” has superb harmonies and its violins from Amy Chambers give it a real mournful air. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">On his website it talks about playing with the brilliant Dean Owens, and you can see the synergy between the two. The class, the use of words, the dark, yet stoic melancholy, and the idea – that especially here for Jenkins – there is a real catharsis. The Harmonica link on “Dying By Inches” seem to match the misery in the words. “I think of these people,” he sings here, “who came to this port, with the belief they’d find hope and liberty.” Maybe he’s singing about the people so betrayed by the Windrush scandal, the truth is I don’t know, but I guess songs can mean whatever you want them to? Certainly when they are this good, they can. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“Jackson Farm” starts in the rain, with the guitar perhaps as a beacon of sunshine, “A Wiser Man Than Me” – again there is talk here about “being a memory of the man I used to be – as if he is searching still for answers – has some percussion from Jon Lawton, which takes it somewhere else altogether. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">“I Am Almost Over You” sounds to me like a British Elliot Smith, and it also sounds like he is never going to get over her, no matter: “good times stand for something” he suggests, “but good times seldom stay” and if “I’m Coming Home” is troubadour stuff in the classic mould, then the details, the small little things, suggest surely that this is personal, and “The Last Song” goes back again to the overt folk with its flute intro. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">On that one he tells us everything: “I feel like I’ve been singing all my life. Lonely, so lonely.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Then there’s a bonus track which suggests that wherever else he’s looking for a connection it isn’t online: After suggesting that: “Spotify just played my song, another million hits and I can get a taxi home”, comes this gem: “My Facebook page is getting on my tits, but you know what, I don’t care anymore…..” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">But he does. You know he does. That’s the point, and that’s why, “I Just Don’t Care” sounds like the happiest song here. Because he can’t give up, even if he wanted to. This 45 minutes is all you need to know about john Jenkins. These songs aren’t in from his front-porch at all. This music is from his heart, its in his blood. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Rating 9/10</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.maximumvolumemusic.com/review-john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch-2020/">http://www.maximumvolumemusic.com/review-john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch-2020/</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6319895
2020-05-17T14:48:16+01:00
2020-05-17T14:48:16+01:00
John Jenkins - Growing Old (Songs from my Front Porch) - Silverball Country Music Review
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Friday, May 15, 2020 - Album Review - Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch) - John Jenkins </span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins is releasing a new album with an old feel! Growing Old (Songs from My front porch) has a theme running through it of reminiscing, of memories. The whole feel of the album reflects this, including the choice of instruments, with piano, soft violin, brushes on drums and strummed acoustic guitar. In a modern world of Spotify and single-only releases an album such as this can be savoured as a whole piece of work, and allows the mood to flow through all of the tracks so that rather than being 12 songs (plus a bonus) it is essentially one piece telling a fuller story. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Opening with <strong>Growing Old</strong> the tone is immediately set, and the tone of this song is cleverly set by the gentle, brushed drums ad words “I’m growing old” sung slowly, drawn out. He’s looking back over his life; he doesn’t like growing old but he accepts it. <strong>Daniel White</strong> shows off John’s storytelling voice, continuing the theme of looking back, using an almost martial drumbeat to talk about Daniel White’s time in the military, the violin emphasising the emotion, as we are asked to consider looking at what used to be there. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Heartlands</strong> uses an old house for a metaphor for a life, a relationship and for moving on while <strong>A Mothers Devotion</strong> tells the story form a mother’s point of view wondering if she somehow has affected how her son turned out in a way she didn’t want. The haunting mandolin in the long intro to this song lends a real folk feel. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>The Mountain Between Us</strong> introduces the stunning voice of Siobhan Maher-Kennedy (River City People) as a couple discuss their relationship and the mountain that seems to be obstructing their happiness, with a wonderful upturn at the end as they agree to climb that mountain together. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Bear Lake County </strong>is a little more up-tempo, but about a guy with a past, a secret he is hiding from and a family he has lost – so he drinks, he works, and he hopes that someone will say a prayer “for his daddy’s son”. <strong>Dying By Inches</strong> is regretting a society where things always seemed better in the past and has a simply gorgeous harmonica solo, <strong>Jacksons Farm</strong> was the first single and the storyteller is looking back on a love, on a life, remembering how it was with memories all around him, while <strong>A Wiser Man Than Me</strong> sees our storyteller seeking advice from someone who has walked the same roads – but that man is himself in the mirror. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>I’m almost Over You</strong> is a simple arrangement of a tale of getting over someone – but still missing their presence in your life and by contrast <strong>I’m Coming Home</strong> is an everyday story of a love that has lasted many years, with many <strong>memories but they are still together. A reflective but uplifting song. The album’s story ends with The Last Song </strong> which, according to John’s sleeve notes, is actually inspired by a bird singing for its mate year after year – and yet it can so easily be about anyone who feels like they too are just whistling in the woods looking for whatever it is they are hoping for. The flute on this track is simply superb. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Finally, we get to <strong>I Just Don’t Care </strong>(Bonus Track) - quite bouncy compared to the rest of the album! A fun little song about not worrying about what’s happening in the wider music world, not poring over charts and festival listings and it makes for a fabulous encore on the album! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch), the new album from John Jenkins is available on all major platforms from 15 May</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://silverball-country.blogspot.com/2020/05/album-review-growing-old-songs-from-my.html">https://silverball-country.blogspot.com/2020/05/album-review-growing-old-songs-from-my.html</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6306364
2020-05-06T09:15:52+01:00
2020-05-06T09:15:52+01:00
John Jenkins and the James Street Band - Rock'n'Reel Review
<p><span class="font_large">I'm a bit late in posting this nice review of the "Looking for that American Dream" album review from the Rock'n'Reel magazine issue 79 (January/February 2020)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"The sounds of an outfit that has already found its American Dream"</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"A Man who has honed his craft well"</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/0827eabcb2c6d26ad8f7400b0305f3bc9543534e/original/rock-n-reel.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6302478
2020-05-02T13:17:57+01:00
2020-05-17T15:00:13+01:00
John Jenkins - Growing Old - Stereo Stickman Review 30th April 2020
<p><span class="font_xl">John Jenkins - Growing Old - Stereo Stickman Review 30th April 2020</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">This kind of reflective, ruminative country pop is a gentle treat in these trying times. Filled with carefully-crafted melodies and a careworn and gentle vocal, it feels like the chords have been as carefully-chosen as the lyrics. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I love to find context in art, and for me, the more succinct the better. For this collection, I’m plumping for the word ‘warm’. And so listening to this album is a warming delight. Dynamics may rise and fall on our journey through Growing Old, but the lynchpin that we cleave to throughout is the Jenkins vocal. Unhurried, unapologetic, present, focused and also (you guessed it) warm. It reminds me of a milder version of the vocalist from late 80s band Lovetrain. There’s an obscure reference for you! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So, we begin with title track Growing Old. And whilst it’s a relaxing listen, there’s a restlessness to it. Brushed drums, beautifully-played guitars and the kind of pensive lyric you’d expect from such a track. It’s a warm welcome. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Daniel White is a strongly narrative-driven gem, and it’s short and sweet and features some delightful accordion-like pad work, some terrific, organic percussion voices and bittersweet and lyrical violin. It seems our Daniel has grown old without noticing, too. And then the song ends very suddenly… </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Some Celtic-sounding whistles and violin feature heavily on Heartlands. Sympathetic piano pins down the track and Jenkins harmonises with his own lead vocal to warm things up even further. A slightly restless, sawing bridge part again seems to provide a metaphor for discontent and then enters into a beautiful breakdown section where strings harmonise to delicious effect. The whistles come back for the outro section and it’s a triumphant conclusion for the song. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">More delightful capture and clean separation begins A Mother’s Devotion, and a slightly rockier feeling announces itself, with complex unison guitar picking and a thin organ sound haunting the background. Jenkins moves in closer to the mic for this one and he seems to be speaking even more intently to the listener. There are some more exotic chord progressions, and the unison picking exploits them to maximise their sonic impact. ‘And I wish I wasn’t filled / With so much emotion’ opines the lyric towards the conclusion, where we end on a very bittersweet, unresolved note. Well, quite. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A duet arrives in the shape of This Mountain Between Us. It’s a really satisfying song, with chords (well-chosen, as seems the standard here) never quite changing where or when we might expect based on what has come before. When Jenkins’ vocal joins the female voice, an octave apart, it’s a wonderfully warm union where ‘Together we will climb’. Another short song, genuinely disappointing when it ends. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Bear Lake County is a different prospect entirely, with tremolo guitar, banjo and other guitar textures filling out the sound. The sound palette steps up with bigger drums and a sonorous bass part, too and we are only a short distance away from cracking whips here! Jenkins gentle vocal keeps the whole focussed on the overall project. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Dying By Inches allows us to focus on the quality of the Jenkins vocal in closer detail. It swoops and relaxes and enunciates with skill and care, and we are treated to some more close harmony work. A more complex lyric to deliver on this occasion, but it’s no problem for our narrator here. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The sound of rain welcomes in Jackson’s Farm, and these are some beautiful chords right here. There’s a cinematic use of violin in a wholly dramatic and exhilarating track. Unusual chord sequences abound and the use of strings is inspired. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Halfway through the track, the bass thrums in with its boots on and nails everything down. The production here is widescreen, and the vista it conjures is rich indeed. It’s nothing short of stunning, and the variety of techniques and textures is pretty darned impressive. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">From here, we go straight into the stark simplicity of the guitar and vocal of A Wiser Man Than Me. No less beautiful or considered – and perhaps is even more highlighted by comparison of the preceding production epic. Simple bass and brushed drums pick things up half way through. Unhurried and lovely. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I’m Almost Over You. Err, I don’t think you are, mate. A lovely classic arrangement, borrowing from The Beatles’ Dear Prudence in terms of chord arrangement. “Time has the power / To make things fade away’. True, but not for this love-lorn character. Very instant and timeless. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I’m Coming Home deals with a lot of very specific lyric details to paint its picture. Again harking back to memories past, it’s a wistful trip down memory lane to the lovers’ first meeting. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Last Song is, surprisingly, not (quite) the last song. Well, it is, there’s a bonus track. Anyway, around a hypnotic set of guitar chords, the lead vocal and a whistle part jockey for prominence, enjoying a musical dialogue about memory and the ways in which it works. And then the cicadas sound on the porch and it’s all over… …until the jaunty strains of the uptempo and joyful I Just Don’t Care kicks in. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It sounds like something Edwyn Collins would hide at the end of one of his albums. It’s conversational, fun, personal and engaging and unlike anything else on the album. It has swearing and contemporary references rolled in. It’s no less skillful and not in the least throwaway, whatever the lyric suggests, but it is different. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Growing Old isn’t the maudlin collection that you might expect from the title. What it is, is an appraisal of knowledge gained and lessons learned. An exploration of feelings and the sound of stock being taken. Best of all, it’s a wander through different soundscapes and states while all of the above is going on. I have to big up Jackson’s Farm again as a personal highlight – that feels expensive in every regard. What a lovely, warm album</span>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-the-front-porch/">https://stereostickman.com/music/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-the-front-porch/</a></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6302459
2020-05-02T13:13:40+01:00
2020-05-02T13:13:41+01:00
John Jenkins - Growing Old Review 9/10 Liverpool Sound and Vision
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>John Jenkins, Growing Old… Songs From My Front Porch. Album Review. </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10 </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It will be argued that in uncertain times we are never more acutely aware of the passing of the hours and days as we find ourselves fighting against the clock, against nature and the system which has somehow fostered the lie that we must be constantly be on the move, not just be productive, but to somehow have a schedule which is thirty hours a day long and ten days a week in breadth. It is the insanity of speculation which stops many of from dreaming about a future of reflection, looking back and understanding that growing old gives you the opportunity to tell all your stories in comfort and with a view. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In uncertain times we sing songs of soothing contemplation, the Muse that we have long chased after with little desire on its part to reciprocate the feelings placed at its heart and mind, no longer matters, for we have the sober melancholy, the deliberate pause in which to take stock and find that in the end we lived an extraordinary life, and when the clock ticks forward again, we have the fire burning ready to add to the stories, the tales, that have made our life complete. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It depends on how we look at our time, how many parts we have played, as Shakespeare observed, to feel how good our individual songs are. For John Jenkins, his latest album, Growing Old… Songs From My Front Porch, is something else instead, not just a reflection of time, but a dedication to continue, to forge forward with integrity and enjoyment. We may all grow old, but how we do it, from where we rest and make plans for more tales, that is the point, we can relate an old sad story inside a room with no window, or we can make the most of the open air and sing the songs of lament, of beauty and of time. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">To bring others into the chorus of this Merseyside rumination proves that we need others around us to bring out the best of those memories, and as always John Jenkins surrounds himself with the statement of the sublime and the vital, and with Jon Lawton, Amy Chalmers, Siobhan Maher Kennedy, Lee Shone, Phil Chisnell, Andy Connally, John Armstrong, Pippa Murdie, Mike Howarth, Apryl Harrison, Chris Hardman, Chris Jones and David Nixon all combining to make songs such as Daniel White, A Mother’s Devotion, the wonderful Bear Lake County, Jackson’s Farm, I’m Almost Over You and I’m Coming Home stand out with reverence, imagination and deep-rooted introspection and pleasure. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins needs no introduction as his music, his time, speaks for himself, and it is time in his company on that front porch which makes this latest album such a terrific listen. Growing Old…Songs From My Front Porch is a set of songs that captures our own feelings on the process of age elegantly and with style. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Ian D. Hall</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2020/05/02/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch-album-review/?fbclid=IwAR3h84o2qsjlzYu2ghvrTlHs23fe766OeRjUL_jw6BLGY8slZBtgImhNjnM">https://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2020/05/02/john-jenkins-growing-old-songs-from-my-front-porch-album-review/?fbclid=IwAR3h84o2qsjlzYu2ghvrTlHs23fe766OeRjUL_jw6BLGY8slZBtgImhNjnM</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6287972
2020-04-20T17:25:19+01:00
2020-04-20T17:25:19+01:00
Single Review - Jackson's Farm - John Jenkins - Silverball Country
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://silverball-country.blogspot.com/2020/04/single-review-jacksons-farm-john-jenkins.html?fbclid=IwAR2gqxaq02rxf3GoKU0TMCBqQQkTJA47eawUrBs24yBdjqTKM744rW4p5VA" style="">https://silverball-country.blogspot.com/2020/04/single-review-jacksons-farm-john-jenkins.html?fbclid=IwAR2gqxaq02rxf3GoKU0TMCBqQQkTJA47eawUrBs24yBdjqTKM744rW4p5VA</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Monday, April 20, 2020 - Single Review - Jackson's Farm - John Jenkins </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jackson’s Farm is the first single to be released from John Jenkins’ forthcoming album Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As the rain pours an acoustic guitar brings in the song which has a gentle and nostalgic feel. The vocals are soft, slow and measured, allowing the instruments to fill the pauses between words. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The string arrangement by Amy Chalmers is simply stunning, and it adds something special to the feel of the song </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The whole song is simple – in a good way. Primarily guitar, John’s voice and the soaring strings </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">(c) Andrew Wharton </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This whole style suits the story in the song. Our storyteller is looking back on a love, on a life, remembering how it was with memories all around him on Jackson’s Farm </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Stood by the window, I'm watching the rainfall and feeling nostalgic. Get out the old photos The rain represents my tears; the rain is hard, life can be too. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jackson's Farm, the new single from John Jenkins is available to download and stream now on all digital platforms </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">You can find John on facebook, his website, presenting his Americana Blues Country and Folk show at Vintage Radio Birkenhead or just sat by the window, watching the rain...</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6280860
2020-04-13T15:02:34+01:00
2020-04-13T15:02:34+01:00
John Jenkins and The James Street Band - Lonesome Highways Review April 2020
<p><span class="font_xl"><strong>John Jenkins and the James Street Band Looking For That American Dream Self Release </strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins is a singer-songwriter who resides in Liverpool and has a number of albums to his name. The James Street Band include Denis Parkinson (guitars and vocals), David Nixon (harmonica, percussion and vocals), Dave Orford (drums and vocals), Steve Atkinson (bass), Lee Warren Shone (keyboards), with Jenkins contributing guitar, keyboards and vocals. As a veteran of many years in the business and different bands, Jenkins knows his way around a studio and this release is testament to his writing skills and his co-production, with Jon Lawton, at the helm. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This release dates back to June 2019 but is only reaching me now – better late than never. The 13 songs are very engaging and the ensemble play with great colour and range, abetted by an additional eight musicians who visited the studio to augment the overall sound (four backing vocalists, plus added instruments like banjo, keyboards). </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Roundabout is a great song and instantly recognisable as a wry look at time-pressured couples, holding down two jobs and trying to get by. Ghost in the Bar rocks out in style and the Sam Cooke tribute is just that; a love letter to a golden voice of the past. Can You Hear Me? Is written in memory of his Dad and The Forgotten Man is something that I don’t believe could ever be said of this talented musician who creates easy on the ear, melodic music that never fails to please. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Review by Paul McGee</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.lonesomehighway.com/music-reviews/2020/4/12/new-album-reviews?fbclid=IwAR2bQVgifQyYnyYC5ms0LXMQgBxvLTEjQ3XcCv7a7FFkySWNefIGyjGRhMo">https://www.lonesomehighway.com/music-reviews/2020/4/12/new-album-reviews?fbclid=IwAR2bQVgifQyYnyYC5ms0LXMQgBxvLTEjQ3XcCv7a7FFkySWNefIGyjGRhMo</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6274269
2020-04-07T14:44:43+01:00
2020-04-07T14:44:43+01:00
John Jenkins - Growing Old - Songs from My Front Porch - Album Pre Orders
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/121322e1f7452aa5439c339d570f67b18cf7633c/original/actual-cover-of-album.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" />I am now taking Pre-Orders for the forthcoming album <strong>“Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch” </strong>on CD </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Those that pre-order will get a free download of the album as soon as it becomes available (about 2 weeks prior to the physical CD). </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">I expect this to be towards the end of April 2020. The physical album I expect at the beginning of May 2020. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">With this pre-ordered album, as well as receiving the digital download I will include the "Exclusive Bonus" track not available on the CD called <strong>“I Just Don’t Care”</strong> (with backing vocals from <strong>Limerance</strong> and <strong>Thom Morecroft</strong>) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">With any orders I will also send a free download copy of my new single <strong>“Jackson’s Farm”</strong> just released </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">The Album contains 12 tracks as follows: </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Growing Old <br>Daniel White <br>Heartlands <br>A Mother’s Devotion </strong><br><strong>This Mountain Between Us</strong> <strong><span style="color:#e74c3c;">(A Duet with Siobhan Maher-Kennedy) </span></strong><br><strong>Bear Lake County <br>Dying By Inches <br>Jackson’s Farm <br>A Wiser Man Than Me <br>I’m Almost Over You <br>I’m Coming Home Soon <br>The Last Song</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><b>Pre-Order cost is £10.99 in UK which includes the cost and packaging -</b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.8px;"><b>Outside UK message me </b></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6268368
2020-04-01T16:20:10+01:00
2020-04-07T14:37:34+01:00
John Jenkins - Jackson's Farm - Official Video
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xJZ1EArfXf8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/xJZ1EArfXf8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xJZ1EArfXf8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6268160
2020-04-01T09:50:49+01:00
2020-04-01T09:50:49+01:00
Liverpool Sound and Vision John Jenkins, Jackson’s Farm. Single Review. Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_xl">Liverpool Sound and Vision </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_xl">John Jenkins, Jackson’s Farm. Single Review. </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_xl">Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10 </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">The songs we sing to ourselves when we find ourselves contemplating life, its boundless mystery, its significant wonder, and the times when we feel that the melancholic joy threatens to engulf us, those are the moments in which we look upon at whatever time they appear as the guiding lights, the soliloquys from the comfort of the idyll of the front porch. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">It is from the front porch that John Jenkins has seen the orange light that swings as the breeze hits the Wirral coast, that catches the waves upon the River Mersey as sends the flurry and the strength into the sound of every artist that lives either side of the great unitor. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Ahead of his forthcoming album, Growing Old (Songs From My Front Porch), John Jenkins takes the much needed stroll down memory lane, the one that we far too often take for granted and see the sights available through rose-tinted glasses and neglect the power that truth can have to keep the subject grounded, the crush on the soul which brings out the finest words, the poet and the reverential in the same sitting; this is the effect that Jackson’s Farm has on the listener, a song of whispering regret coupled with the pleasure of Mr. Jenkin’s eye for detail. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">True to the ethos of the new album, it is the elegance of the stripped back production, the timing of Amy Chalmers inflection on the strings, that make Jackson’s Farm a compelling single, a narrative of the times that underlays the feeling of a different, more personal and thought of time. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">If Jackson’s Farm is anything to go by, then the grasp of the delicate precision that is weaved in this bountiful song, will be a huge feature an insight of how someone looks upon their life in retrospect, a guide to which John Jenkins has always magnificently pushed and rewarded his fans with. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">A beautiful song, John Jenkins once more takes the hand of the listener and helps them find a way to their own soul. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Ian D. Hall</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6260198
2020-03-24T15:42:09+00:00
2020-03-24T16:02:57+00:00
New Single - Jackson's Farm
<p><strong><span class="font_large">New Single - Jackson's Farm</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I'm very pleased to announce my new single "Jackson's Farm" will be released on 3rd April 2020 from the usual Digital services although you can obtain a pre-release from now from my website store page. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I wrote this song (as well as I’m Almost over you) within a few days of each other using the same tuning - Double Drop Down D. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I asked Amy Chalmers to write some string parts to enhance the spacious sound – the briefing I gave was Bruce Springsteen. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I was absolutely over the moon with the arrangement – in fact she did another 2 songs on the same day for me that are on a future project which again are absolutely stunning to my ears. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is a song about hurt and loneliness and about a character who is living a solitary existence, working his farm throughout the year. I wanted the sound to be as stripped back as possible. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Just a mad fact for anyone remotely interested. I used the surname name “Jackson” before in an old Persuaders song that I wrote in the 1980’s called “Hunted”. This time around when I was thinking of a surname as my partner Lynn’s father surname was “Jackson” and he had barns and fields it was felt a natural choice. I also like the Johnny and June Cash song “Jackson” as well although to be honest it probably stems from my subconscious as I had a teacher in the infants school called “Miss Jackson” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Recorded at Crosstown Studios Liverpool, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Written by John Jenkins, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">String arrangements by Amy Chalmers, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">John Jenkins - Vocals, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jon Lawton - all instrumentation other than Violins, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Violins by Amy Chalmers ,</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Produced by John Jenkins and Jon Lawton, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">From the Forthcoming Album "Growing Old - Songs From My Front Porch"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/763c720fb6e46cf1ba245eb5e58cf1ffe8a3ab8b/original/this-is-the-cover-larger.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6242616
2020-03-09T16:53:15+00:00
2020-03-09T16:58:49+00:00
Friday 20th March 2020 - Thornton Hough Village Club
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Friday 6th March 2020</strong> - Had such a great night at Thornton Hough Village club as always </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Thank you so much Robert Shaw for the great photos of the night. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Anyone interested in my set choice tonight .. here it is ... </span></p>
<ul> <li><strong><span class="font_large">1.Looking for that American Dream </span></strong></li> <li><strong><span class="font_large">2. A Mother's Devotion (debut performance) </span></strong></li> <li><strong><span class="font_large">3. Bitter Harvest (with Dave and Pippa) </span></strong></li> <li><strong><span class="font_large">4. Get her out of my mind (with Dave and Pippa) </span></strong></li> <li><strong><span class="font_large">5. You've got a friend (Carol King cover </span></strong></li> <li><strong><span class="font_large">6. Good Company </span></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="font_large">Thanks to my amazing Jon Lawton for helping me out</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Photo by Robert Shaw<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/b213706e9b9fbe3ba8e27a4a96d6fe8fef8818a7/original/this-one-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YkQWakJQGB8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YkQWakJQGB8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YkQWakJQGB8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6204107
2020-02-05T08:01:23+00:00
2022-05-09T20:30:43+01:00
4th February 2020 - Siobhan Maher-Kennedy Duet
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>4th Feb 2020</strong> - Absolutely emotionally chuffed beyond words with this new. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I have nearly finished my new album and one of the very last recordings includes a duet with <strong>Siobhan Maher-Kennedy</strong> who was in England as part of the American Music Association Fest 2020. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Siobhan was part of my 1980's band "The Persuaders" and whom i wrote songs for back in those days. She's gone on to amazing things such as "River City People", "Kindred Spirit" and solo work. Now based in Nashville and one of the most sought after session singers and friends to everything Americana USA and UK.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This was the first time we had worked in the studio for 33 years <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/af21f6a491ab160efc7e82f186631ab2142613b0/original/me-and-siobhan.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6168007
2020-01-24T18:10:10+00:00
2020-01-24T18:10:10+00:00
John Jenkins - Live at Gigi's Hoxton London 23rd Jan 2020
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Jan 23rd 2020 </strong>- Just back from London after the first of 3 gigs i have booked. Accompanying me (and much thanks and love to) were Mike Howarth Pippa Murdie and her friend Johan Lindskog on an electronic double bass. Threw him in at the deep end as no rehearsals other than a bit of the set when we arrived. <br>Songs played ... <br><strong>Bitter Harvest <br>The Paris Wife <br>Looking for that American Dream <br>Get her out of my mind <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/35a7caa2342bb5513618d4bb6d9d58b831a6a952/original/london-1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Dying by inches <br>Can you hear me?</strong> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Some very positive messages received which is always nice to hear</span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6137917
2020-01-21T08:24:01+00:00
2020-01-21T08:24:01+00:00
Growing Old Album Launch Event April 25th 2020
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Tuesday 21st Jan 2020 </strong>- The New album <strong>“Growing Old – Songs from my Front Porch” </strong> will be released in April 2020 with the “Album Launch” gig at The Prohibition Recording Studios on April 25th 2020.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I am really looking forward to this event and obviously the release of the album itself. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I have been working behind the scenes at Crosstown Studios with the wonderful "Jon Lawton" over the last year and some of the songs I've recorded have specifically been chosen for their intimacy and stripped back sound. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jon has agreed to play with me at this "Album Launch" and we are hoping to reproduce this intimate sound at "The Prohibition Studio Music Room" with the help of Lee Shone and Chris Jones as part of our band. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Not only will I be debuting several new songs from the album I've chosen a selection of songs from all my albums that rarely have been performed live or may not have at all. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If that's not enough to tempt you I have the amazing "Alison Benson" doing a spot just before me. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Alison has just (again) won the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge on 2 nights ago - Audience and Judges votes.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">And opening for us all is a local lad Chris Lee who has just finished his album as well which should be something to get your teeth into. Chris's band is called "Chris & Co" </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It is an intimate venue and tickets are very limited. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you are unfamiliar with "The Prohibition Sessions" for the price of the ticket you will also be sent a professionally recorded download of everyone's set for free. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/a14617e78c92069014ba243b951db768aa81d4d8/original/cover-2-idea-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/dd8a6d3eb55bf9c77c8e76b14dc030148e3546fa/original/prohibition-april-2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">This is the link for ticket sales</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.prohibitionrecordingstudios.co.uk/events/the-prohibition-sessions-with-john-jenkins-alison-benson/">https://www.prohibitionrecordingstudios.co.uk/events/the-prohibition-sessions-with-john-jenkins-alison-benson/</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6099931
2020-01-14T22:04:15+00:00
2020-01-14T22:04:15+00:00
Rock'n'Reel Magazine Review of "Looking For That American Dream" Album
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/e82932086571a1ffdde43e8be97112c902f20229/original/jj.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6093754
2020-01-13T07:55:46+00:00
2020-01-13T07:55:46+00:00
Live Dates 2020 so far
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/d3105f8beeb9aff8f8d5b660bfe34135b4a808a5/original/2020-1-used-10th-jan-2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6081929
2020-01-10T19:19:23+00:00
2020-01-10T19:22:10+00:00
Bar Nine, Hell's Kitchen, New York USA - 5th January 2020
<p><strong>Sunday 5th January 2020 </strong>- Happy New Year - My New year got off to a great start with my debut "New York" appearance at the famous Bar Nine in Hell's Kitchen NY City . Solo performance </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/4af105ce9f82852e1d1ae90618241ad6bbca05e5/original/img-20200105-221045-475.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6040279
2019-12-23T13:23:49+00:00
2019-12-23T13:23:49+00:00
John Jenkins and the Paris Wives on Wirral Wave Radio Show Interview and Session
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Sun 22nd Dec 2019 - </strong>Many thanks to Ady Duffy on Wirral Wave Radio. Its a great show and we were very honoured to be guests and chat and play a couple of songs. This is now available to listen to - John Jenkins and the Paris Wives </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Songs in session... </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Bitter Harvest </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Dying by inches </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The latter song is a newbie on the new album if anyone is remotely interested in hearing new songs. There's also.an explanation on why i wrote it as well </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hope you get a chance to have a listen and support Wirral Wave Radio and Ady and his show xxx</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Link here <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/08f7807127fe16ae498ef4bc302d9d5e6b73e93d/original/wirral-wave-live.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://wirralwave.co.uk/programmes/americana-social/?fbclid=IwAR04RutBno7HEgcfqCT4kkPlO9r4GwYwLDL184FpXwYRH_keGcFUzpim7Y0">https://wirralwave.co.uk/programmes/americana-social/?fbclid=IwAR04RutBno7HEgcfqCT4kkPlO9r4GwYwLDL184FpXwYRH_keGcFUzpim7Y0</a></span></p>
John Jenkins
tag:johnjenkinsmusic.com,2005:Post/6040278
2019-12-23T13:16:53+00:00
2019-12-23T13:16:53+00:00
John Jenkins and The Paris Wife - 19th and 20th Dec 2019
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Thursday 19th Dec 2019</strong> - Couple of enjoyable small gigs with The Paris Wives (David Nixon, Pippa Murdie and Michael Howarth) - Supported Only Child at "The Handyman" in Smithdown Road, Liverpool - Set was </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/94941/75376de53a277254d22c40392b716acaa0d846d5/original/handyman.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><strong>Bitter Harvest <br>Dying by inches <br>This Mountain between us (duet with Pippa) <br>Get her out of my mind <br>The Paris Wife <br>What Did i have Before? (David Nixon vocals) <br>Can you hear me?</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Friday 20th Dec 2019 - St Anne's Parish Centre - Birkenhead (Charity Concert)</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Set was - </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Bitter Harvest <br>Dying by inches <br>This Mountain between us <br>Get her out of my mind <br>Is it love <br>Can you hear me? <br>The Paris Wife</strong></span></p>
John Jenkins