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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)

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DISCLAIMER: Comments and reviews in the Ectophiles' Guide are excerpted from the ecto mailing list or volunteered by members of the list. They are the opinions of music enthusiasts, not professional music critics.

Entry last updated 2022-01-19 20:04:51.
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