Josienne Clarke

Country of origin:

England

Type of music generally:

Contemporary folk

Status:

Most recent release, A Small Unknowable Thing (2021)

See also:

Josienne Clarke's site

Josienne Clarke's bandcamp site

The Ectophiles' Guide's page for her work with Ben Walker

Comparisons:

Sandy Denny

Covers/own material:

Own and traditional

General comments:

Josienne Clarke is a contemporary folk singer with the most amazing voice I've heard since Sandy Denny—and indeed her voice resembles Sandy Denny's a lot—in range, power, intonation, and ability to bring songs to life. Her solo work is contemporary, but her work with Ben Clarke includes a lot of traditional covers. Truly a remarkable vocalist and her songwriting is strong as well. (Neile)

Recommended first album:

One Light is Gone

Recordings:

• One Light is Gone (2010)
• Such a Sky (with Kit Downes, 2017)
• Historical Record Vol. 1 & 2 (2020)
• Historical Record Vol. 3 & 4: Learning to Sail (2020)
• A Small Unknowable Thing (2021)

One Light is Gone

Release info:

2010—Hatfish—HATCD149875

Availability:

U.K.

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended

Group members:

Josienne Clarke—vocals, guitar
Ben Walker—guitars, mandolins

Guest artists:

Jo Silverston—cello (1, 2, 11, 14)
Anna Jenkins—violins (1, 3, 5, 14)
Gez Gerrard—double bass (3, 5, 10)
Nigel Powell—drums/percussion (5, 7 10)
Matt Masir—piano (8, 14)

Produced by:

Ben Lloyd

Comments:

This is an album of Josienne Clarke's own compositions (two tracks co-written with Ben Walker). I don't think it's only because of her vocals and her intonation, but even these songs remind me so strongly of Sandy Denny's compositions it's a little eerie. She's a strong songwriter, delicate and tough just like her voice. I'm glad the songs are good, but I don't really care. This is one of those voices I would listen to singing the phone book. It's that glorious. (Neile)