For a slice of cool and cultured Americana, you would be right on the mark if you choose the latest album from Jesse Terry. Of course this Connecticut-born singer-songwriter is no stranger to UK fans in recent times with tours and a presence. In the run up to the release of WHEN WE WANDER, he participated in one of the popular Green Note twice weekly streams and is using his contacts to reach multiple parts of the UK market. The key thing is the product is up to scratch, thus making it a convenient engagement and a pleasure for fans with smart ears to tap into another record awash with sharp songs delivered in a sweet and sincere manner.
The bright demeanour protracting out from the album cover reflects an artist at ease and one embedded in the positive light that the songs reach the listener's ear. Maybe the breezy image does belie a frantic process in steering an album release through the violent waters of a once-in-a century pandemic. Now that the seas have been navigated to such an extent that the record is here, one final hurdle is left of getting folks to buy it.
From the album credits, the names of Neilson Hubbard (producer) and Will Kimbrough (guitar) have precedence for adorning successful records. Likewise two associated artists keep cropping in the memory horizon at various intervals to bolster an impression. Both Jason Isbell and Slaid Cleaves come to mind on the momentum gathering 'Strangers in Our Town' in the number two slot, before the former evokes a further vision in the strong ballad 'In Spite of You' and the latter in the opening and closing parts of penultimate track 'Innocent Ones' and the string-laden 'Ghost Stories'.
Each of this quartet are noted as standout candidates, but ultimately have to shuffle along for promotional piece 'Hanging the Stars' to take centre stage on release day. Assisted by mini-anthem qualities and a building up buoyancy, you can quite visualise this track appearing on many playlists.
Across the twelve tracks that form this 7th full length release, family themes are prevalent alongside a touch of nostalgia in 'Hymn of a Summer Night' and a breath of personified romance on 'If I Were a Moon'. The team assembled by Terry utilise a wide instrumental spectrum to curate the soundtrack with steel and keys giving it a faint countrified feel in places.
The smooth journey from artist to listener makes this album a relatable listen. There is a level headed feel to the whole experience showing that not all fine records need to originate from the heart and gut. Terry comes across like a lot of singer-songwriters operating in the US north east and it was noted from his bio that a stint at the esteemed Berklee College of Music ensued. Suggestively the source of some of the album's panache.
WHEN WE WANDER is packed to the hilt of faith renewal qualities. Without doubt Jesse Terry has to pedal hard to bring his art to market, but the endeavour is worthwhile with a positive connective experience made. A triumph of the pandemic and a reminder that a light coating on a substantive base can lead to a winning formula.