Jabberwockies
Crids, 2022
9/10
The North Carolina artist Wes Collins may have gotten a late start on being a songwriter (he penned his first tune at age 44), but he’s quickly making up for lost time with very honest and rich music that finds a cozy spot to reside between folk, roots, Americana and pop.
“Jenny And James” gets the listen off to a very fluid, roots friendly start, where Collins’ smooth vocals and breezy melodies make an immediate impression, and “Under My Fingers” follows with a warm, folk-rock demeanor that’s lyrically insightful and vocally harmonic.
“Look Out” lands in the middle and flows with sublime beauty in its intimate spirit, as does the cautious and eloquent “Grease Fire”, where Collins’ brings a very poetic appeal to the sparseness.
Deeper still, the rugged and louder “Sugar Skull” shows us a more firm vision of his timeless song craft, and the title track exits the listen with a very dreamy and gorgeous meshing of vocal harmonies and bowed strings.
Collins is accompanied by Chris Rosser (keyboards), River Guerguerian (drums, percussion), FJ Ventre (bass), and Scott Dameron. Backing vocals were contributed by Jaimee Harris, Crystal Hariu-Damore and Pete Damore, of Ordinary Elephant, and together it makes for a very moving and wise body of work that resonates with much grace.
Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; Bill Scorzari- Now I’m Free