Pioneers And Fragrant Flowers
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Pioneers And Fragrant Flowers
A singer-songwriter with a penchant for heartfelt song craft, Stephen Jacques has 13 albums to his credit now, and here he’s got some excellent help for 10 powerful tracks.
“Fragrant Flowers” starts with firm acoustic guitar and Jacques’ gritty pipes via the rugged version of folk-rock, and “Native American Sweetness” follows with Vijay Tellis-Novak’s warm keys that suit the eloquent storytelling and soft vocal harmonies.
Halfway through, “Smoking Trail” comes with strong attention to atmosphere via Chris Siebold’s aching pedal steel and Gerald Dowd’s thumping drums, while “Wheel Done Broke” is a swift alt-rocker that welcomes Jason Narducy’s sturdy guitar which aligns with Jacques’ raw pipes.
Further still, “Trailhead Fire” offers an intimate moment of poetic songwriting and emotive interplay, and “Sunset Horsey” exits with Jennifer Hall’s well timed backing vocals complementing the soulful qualities, sincere delivery, and meticulous guitar acrobatics.
A renaissance man who has lived many lives, Jacques possesses a knack for storytelling, and his multi-faceted version of rock is much appreciated.
Travels well with: Finick- Weekends In Purgatory; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway