From the recording John Jenkins and The James Street Band
‘Tell Me Joe’ marks the first release of 2025 from John Jenkins. This project is a collaboration with ‘John Jenkins and the James Street Band’ and follows his well-received solo album ‘Tuebrook’ and the solo EP ‘Weary.’
John shares: I am currently in the process of creating my next solo album, which is set to be released in July 2025, and I am quite enthusiastic about it. Additionally, I am halfway through recording the next project with ‘John Jenkins and the James Street Band’ and hope to return to the studio with them later this year.
The other band members have been quite active; Dave Orford (Drums) has been sought after over the past year, performing with the top ELO tribute band, while Chris Jones (Bass) has been playing with local favourites Cast, Visions of Albion, and Helen Maw. Pippa Murdie (Mandolin and Backing Vocals) has been collaborating with me on my more intimate performances. David Nixon (Harmonica/Percussion/Backing) has recently released his own album titled ‘Red Skies’ under the band name ‘David Nixon’s Navigation.’
This song is intended to be light-hearted. I typically compose songs for the band that differ from those on my solo albums. In the past, I focused on writing tracks that would resonate well in live performances with my former band ‘The Persuaders,’ and I have recently adopted a similar approach, incorporating some upbeat tunes into the mix. Tony Peers on Trumpet shines on this track.
With a release date of March 9th, 2025, ‘Tell me Joe’ is co-produced by John Jenkins and Jon Lawton (Sami Yusuf, Ian Prowse, Only Child) and mastered by Pete Maher (The Rolling Stones, U2, Patti Smith).
It will be available from the usual digital retailers.
More on John Jenkins
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.
Lyrics
Tell me Joe
The sun goes down and I’m still on the highway
We had words; you never see it my way
Parked in the cottonfields stars high in the sky
Falter in my words – should I even try?
It’s the same old thing, truth becomes lies
We can blame it on the booze
Or that dope that gets you high
Which you bought with that money I gave you for some shoes
That winning hand we thought we had now beginning to lose
Tell me Joe, why am I the last to know?
Are we seeds that don’t grow, blowing around?
Ann-Marie, what are you doing to me?
All these unpleasantries nailed to the ground
The sun comes up and I’m still on the highway
Passionate lovers but now you just lie there
I’d swear you were dead, but I can hear you breathe
And I guess you could say the same about me
Tell me Joe, why am I the last to know?
Are we seeds that don’t grow, blowing around?
Ann-Marie, what are you doing to me?
All these unpleasantries nailed to the ground
Tell me Joe, why am I the last to know?
Are we seeds that don’t grow, blowing around?
Ann-Marie, what are you doing to me?
All these unpleasantries nailed to the ground