Artist – John Jenkins
Album – Tuebrook
Released – 7th July 2023
Reviewer – Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Tuebrook is the latest solo album from local singer songwriter John Jenkins. Following the successful release of his 2021 album If You Can’t Forgive, You Can’t Love on Fretsore Records, Jenkins has now returned with a collection of soulful, nostalgia tinted songs. A critically acclaimed songwriter and one of the finest local artists in Liverpool, John Jenkins continues to write songs that tell a story, they speak to you straight from the heart.
The album features a number of local musicians including Pippa Murdie and Chris Howard, as well as Jon Lawton who also recorded and produced the album at Liverpool’s Crosstown Studios.
The opening track Shadows radiates warmth, there is a sense of nostalgia to it with the delicate acoustic guitar and piano paired with Jenkins’ vocals. In his own words, Shadows is an “intimate reflective song on towns and communities that have fallen by the wayside over the course of years.” – there is a sadness to it, a sense of longing in his voice.
Other highlights of the album are Maybe I Just Came Along for the Ride, an early stand out track. The gentle, wistful acoustic guitar paired with Jenkins’ compelling vocals make for a stripped back but powerful song. Passing Time is another stand out,featuring the staple acoustic guitar and beautifully placed harmonies.
There is something inherently ‘human’ about this album, it is moving and witty, emotive and rousing. It takes you on a journey of growing up, wondering what may have been and the many ‘what ifs’ you encounter throughout life. What is evident is that John Jenkins writes from the heart and through Tuebrook, he really reaches into the depths of his soul to tell his tales.
A seasoned artist, Jenkins proves time and time again that he is an songwriter who can mould into different genres, unlike his last album which used wider instrumentation, Jenkins shows that something more stripped back, like Tuebrook can have just as much impact, as it is the lyrics and the stories which lie at the heart of this album.
It is beautifully crafted, each song with its own meaning and theme but also coming together to create a snapshot, a glimpse into Tuebrook and growing up in the area. This is a fantastic album and solidifies Jenkins as a truly formidable songwriting talent.
Helen Maw
© 2022 Helen Maw, Liverpool Acoustic
Tuebrook is available now on all streaming platforms as well as Bandcamp. To mark the release, Jenkins will also be embarking on a UK tour with fellow musician Pippa Murdie starting on July 8th in York. Tickets are available via his website.