London based Fretstore Records last Friday (July 19th) delivered the new EP ‘Sharkey’s Parade’ from Scottish singer-songwriter Jack Henderson. The 5 track collection includes the lead single ‘Jesus and Jezebel’ which you can see the video for below. The track is a very clever song bringing an outlook and perspective on daytime television in the UK which I am sure we have all contemplated how it is so bizarre how it fascinates people.

The tempo and the vibe of the track along with the rest of the record just screams “trendy” to me in that it just sounds like it all belongs on a BBC Radio 6 Music playlist in how it is so modern and relevant whilst delivering these chilled out Americana vibes but still having a really strong indie feel in how the chilled out feel doesn’t make it sound mellow! There’s a lot of classic indie and alternate sounds or feels when you listen the record whilst still being an Americana album at heart which I really like. I hear a bit of Paul Weller, some Jarvis Cocker or Pulp, Stephen Fretwell, even some Elvis Costello and a lot of Bob Dylan particularly in the melodies. I love music that doesn’t just fit in to one box but draws from across the spectrum to bring a cool vibe like this but still staying true to what it is trying to be at heart which is pure rootsy Americana.

Also a skilled guitarist and producer, Henderson has performed and recorded extensively across North America, Europe and Australia, including multiple tours with Americana band Over The Rhine, rootsy Canadian outfit Cowboy Junkies and shared stages with the likes of Buddy Miller, Sarah Mclachlan and Ron Sexsmith. He has recorded in New York with Patti Smith’s producer and bass player, Tony Shanahan and worked with Marc Ribot, (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello), Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan, Paul Simon), Jon Graboff (Ryan Adams, Sheryl Crow), David Mansfield, (Bob Dylan, T-Bone Burnett, Bruce Hornsby).

 

‘There’s an ageless quality to Jack Henderson’s songwriting, reminiscent of Leonard Cohen’s wittier moments, or even early Tom Waits in his barfly-poet persona’ – Clash Magazine

‘Henderson is a crooner and a rocker, a romantic and a raconteur singing dark, moody songs’ – Maverick

 

‘Sharkey’s Parade’ Tracklisting:

Jesus and Jezebel, Difficult Girl, Hey Batman, Stars, Nobody Gets Hurt

The EP is available now and you can find out more about Jack Henderson on his site and socials below:

Website |Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud