Josienne Clarke, Ben Walker – Seedlings All (2018) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

Josienne Clarke, Ben Walker – Seedlings All (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 39:19 minutes | 400 MB | Genre: Folk
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Rough Trade

British folk duo Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker began their musical partnership in 2010. Expanding both their sound and approach, 2018’s Seedlings All introduced light jazzy elements into the tonal mix and was the first of the duo’s releases to be made up entirely of Clarke’s original material. This is songwriter Clarke’s most autobiographical work to date.

Josienne Clarke is a fine singer. Sandy Denny is clearly an influence, notably on All Is Myth, and Clarke’s traditional folk roots are evident throughout in her clearly annunciated, tightly wound voice. But then there is the light-fingered after-hours jazz, à la Norah Jones, of Tender Heart or the complicated construction of Ghost Light. Clarke’s writing is heartfelt, vulnerable, melancholic, expressive, her stark reflection on motherhood, Maybe I Won’t, a case in point. Equally, however, there is something resilient, ambitious, undaunted about her and her work: she spices up the obvious with the daring. Ben Walker adds the thoughtful musical touches that shape the songs, such as the signature guitar in the shimmering Janice Ian-ish Bathed in Light.

Tracklist:

1-01. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Chicago (04:40)
1-02. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Bells Ring (04:02)
1-03. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Seedlings All (03:35)
1-04. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Maybe I Won’t (02:26)
1-05. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Tender Heart (04:14)
1-06. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – All Is Myth (03:11)
1-07. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Ghost Light (03:56)
1-08. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Sad Day (03:00)
1-09. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Things of No Use (03:17)
1-10. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Bathed In Light (04:01)
1-11. Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker – Only Me Only (02:53)

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