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 siteJosienne 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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Contemporary Folk |
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