Artist – John Jenkins
Single – Desert Hearts
Released – 26th February 2021
Reviewer – Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
Despite the challenges of lockdown, John Jenkins has been productive with the release of last year’s album Growing Old – Songs From My Front Porch, which garnered excellent reviews. John has also continued to host The Garden Party for Vintage Radio.
Recorded with long-time collaborator Jon Lawton at Crosstown Studios, Desert Hearts is the brand new single release by the prolific Wirral singer-songwriter. Picking up where previous single Jackson’s Farm left off, Jenkins crafts a near seven-minute epic that’s been over a year in the making.
As with any John Jenkins release, the production is stellar with a committed performance that takes us on a wistful journey. The key line “Desert hearts in the wilderness, motions blowing in the wind” is apt in these uncertain times. The mellow vibe at the beginning builds to a triumphant call to arms.
This reflective piece on mortality considers that life is to be lived on its own terms; “Feel like I’ve lived more than one lifetime.”
Desert Hearts by John Jenkins is the first release on Fretsore Records and is a solid debut for the London based label.
Stuart Todd
Review © 2021 Stuart Todd, Liverpool Acoustic
Desert Hearts is available on all major online platforms from Friday 26th February. You can follow the release on Linktree