| CD REVIEW Jonathan Wilson |
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Band : Jonathan Wilson This relatively young (turns 37 in December) may originate from Forest Hill, North Carolina, but his heart and soul are in the soft California stylings of the West Coast Pop and Rock of the late '60s and early '70s. Over the years, he's not only gained a very nice knowledge of all string instruments, but also developed an ability to conceptualize instruments essential to giving songs the correct sound when in need for defining detail. This ability has come in extremely handy in his occupation as recording engineer, and did not go unnoticed, as he's already recorded two albums with upcoming act Dawes, worked with such celebrated contemporary artists as Erykah Badu and Elvis Costello, but also with such legendary people as Jackson Browne and Robbie Robertson (both inductees of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame). As a musician, Wilson founded the band Muscadine with Benji Hughes in 1995. The band released its debut album The Ballad Of Hope Nichols on Sire Records in October 2007. The full-lenght was followed by the EP Live From Studio East early in the following year, and apparently there's also a second album, tentatively titled LP2, to be released any time now (unless I misread my info). As producer, Wilson currently operates his own Five Star Studio from Echo Park, Los Angeles, having moved there from Laurel Canyon (place particularly known in the old days for having produced plenty of successful albums in the West Coast genre, and where Wilson frequently hosted jam sessions involving Andy Cabic, Pat Sansone and John Stirrat of Wilco, Gerald Johnson, Jonathan Rice, Gary Louris and Mar) in 2009 (that same year, Wilson was credited for revitalizing the Laurel Canyon music scene with the help of his many friends, and got featured in the 2009 book Canyon Of Dreams by Rock historian Harvey Kubernik). Among his credits (besides the ones already cited) are recordings/ productions for J. Tillman, Jonathan Rice, Chris Robertson (Black Crowes), and Phil Lesh (of Grateful Dead, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Bert Jansch repute). Currently, he's curating a collection of Roy Harper songs, and recordings with several artists (Will Oldham, Andy Cabic, Chris Robinson, Benji Hughes, Dawes, Jenny O., Jonathan Rice, and Josh Tillman) have already recorded versions of songs for the still to be released What You Need Is What You Have – The Songs of Roy Harper tribute compilation. As a musician, Wilson has not only contributed to other people's albums (2 J. Tillman albums, Dawes, A Fine Frenzy, Mia Doi Todd, Farmer Dave Scher, Shooter Jennings & Hierophant, Erykah Badu, Jason Boesel, Vetiver, Benji Hughes, The Shore, Maria Taylor, Jonathan Rice, barry Goldberg, Chris Robinson & Phil Lash, Big Eagle, Kevin Barker, Gerald Johnson & James Gadson, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and then some...), and had his band Muscadine (or do they actually still, or again, exist?), but also already wrote and recorded a full-length album entitled Frankie Ray in 2007, which was ever officially released. Listening to the gems on Gentle Spirit, we can only wallow in misery at the beautiful tunes that may have been on that album, indeed! Gentle Spirit is really a perfect title for this album, because it totally reflects the character of the music on it (as well as Wilson's character, so we are assured in the bio sheet), which is totally reminiscent of the calmer West Coast music of the late '60s and early '70s. Think the softer Neil Young, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and even The Eagles, but add an extra layer of atmospheric guitar to make for constant reverie possibilities. Now think the singer never shows any aggressive mood swings, but continues throughout the album in a semi-whispered style which nevertheless catches the listener's attention throughout. Put all of that together and you've got yourself a mental picture of what Jonathan Wilson (let's don't confuse with the former member of the band Eisley) is about. Of course Wilson could count on the help of many of his friends to come help him out, and help him out did drummer Otto Hauser (also basic tracking of the music – of the band Vetiver), Gary Louris (The Jayhawks) and Andy Cabic (of Vetiver) as backing singers, pedal steel guitarist Josh Grange, Hammond organist Adam McDougal (of Black Crowes), with further guest musician spots for keyboardist Barry Goldberg, bassist Gerald Johnson, and drummers Brian Geltner and Gary Mallabar (the latter formerly of Steve Miller Band and Van Morrison). The whole recorded through a 1972 analog console which used to belong to Shelter Records. There's definitely some history here...but more importantly there's warm and soothing sounds, with a simple underlaying complexity. But...words are just words, right? So, why don't I tell y'all where you can find a shitload of the songs on the Internet for some aural connection to this guy's music? You see, there's a link to SoundCloud.com on Wilson's own website (http://) songsofjonathanwilson.com, and that's where you'll find no less than 10 of the 13 tracks on the Gentle Spirit album (which, by the way, lasts a stunning 78 ½ minutes). For some audio-visuals (official video for the track “Natural Rhapsody” and acoustic versions of two other songs), check the “Video” section on that same website. Hey, maybe you'll also find it worth to check out Wilson's “Far Out B-sides Program” (old JW tracks, made available for free download). I love this guy! And his music is a reminder of a time when the world was at the same time more aggressive and more gentile (at least, the latter was what the whole Hippie movement, remember?). Yeah, let's put Gentle Spirit in our year-lists! With all the time I spent getting through the material (both historical – thank you, Wikipedia – and musical), it's safe to say that what we have here is music which needs multiple listening sessions in order to be fully enjoyed...with as inevitable result that it becomes stuck into your mind as part of all the other ageless tunes already stored in one's memory. 98/100 Tony. |
