Jonathan Wilson:"Gentle Spirit" (2011)

Warm, fuzzy and unashamedly long, this gloriously languid debut solo outing puffs into view seemingly all the way from the late Sixties, with little interest in breaking new ground. Wilson has learnt his craft impeccably, having previously played for Elvis Costello, Jenny Lewis and Jackson Browne amongst others, and 'Gentle Spirit' serves to unleash his own voice, even if it is a slightly stoned whisper.
Recorded sporadically over a long period of time, and very audibly unhurried, the title and pace of the album suggest that we could all do with taking stock once in a while, hazy guitar lines lulling the listener into a state of serene bliss. 'Can We Really Party Today?' aches beautifully over almost seven minutes, gently sashaying through the verses, before shifting down several gears for the sombre chorus. While the lyrics may be platitudinous at times - "When it's all said and done, we are just dust on the horizon" from 'Natural Rhapsody' - on occasion a little simplicity and sincerity is all we need.
Recorded to analogue tape, the sound is warm and earthy, Wilson professing that he envisages it as a double album designed for vinyl. As he suggests on album closer 'Valley Of The Silver Moon', his music is out of step with current trends. All of which is not to say that 'Gentle Spirit' is diluted pastiche; everything here is gorgeously sung and this woozy, gently uplifting collection of songs is pretty close to perfect.

Posted in: Cult,Music