1979 certainly wasn’t the time for this
album to come out. Jemima James faced the unenviable timing of debuting during
a period when the value of singer/songwriters and folk-influenced performers
couldn’t have been at a lower commercial ebb. Her talents, as exhibited on the
ten song release At Longview Farm, are the equal of many of her much more
famous peers of the era and At Longview Farm is a complete listening experience
that touches on many American musical influences without ever ceding dominance
to one particular style. She is surrounded by a top shelf supporting cast of
musicians who know just what to add to her songs and when to temper their
talents. James has a fantastic voice for the material and it’s full of nuance
that helps her realize the dramatic potential of the arrangements and lyrical
content alike. The album is immaculately produced – the often layered
performances never sound cluttered and are juxtaposed perfectly against James’
vocal.
The song “Sensible Shoes” is an unique
and understated fusion of a few musical styles. Jemima James the folk performer
is visible and audible throughout, but there’s also a sharp commercial edge on
this song with its chorus and other attributes that will reappear from time to
time throughout the course of the album. The vocals are quite exceptional throughout
and the elegant simplicity of the musical accompaniment is a perfect match for
them. “Easy Come, Easy Go” continues with the commercial standard established
by the opener, but it is a much more natural sounding track. It plays more like
the result of a loose, good natured jam rather than a structured arrangement
and it’s a testament to the skill level of the players involved that they can
achieve that sort of atmosphere while keeping the performance disciplined and
inspired. “Esperate” brings a slightly more exotic feel than the other songs,
but it isn’t some overwrought stab into an uncomfortable style. James’
versatility is impressive and she glides vocally through the track with
free-flowing, relaxed strength.
“Book Me Back in Your Dreams” is one of
the most interesting pieces of songwriting on the album and, surprisingly, one
of the most traditionally minded efforts as well. The inclusion of instruments
like steel guitar and harmonica isn’t unique, but they do give this song its
own distinctive musical voice. “One More Rodeo” will reminds most listeners of
songs like the opener and “Easy Come, Easy Go”, but it’s the best of the
album’s more commercial tracks thanks to its compression and perfect unity of
vocals, lyrics, and musical content. The second to last song on the album,
“Billy Baloo”, features two lead vocals, but it’s by far the most rousing
singing that she does on this album.
Jemima James’ album At Longview Farm
has found an ideal time and avenue for its emergence. Team Love Records has
demonstrated a commitment to promoting and releasing some of the most
interesting music coming out today and shining a light on some forgotten
corners and performers of our time. This ten song collection stands proudly
among the label’s other releases and will likely stand the test of time.
9 out of 10 stars.
Michael Saulman
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