Stephen Jacques – Pioneers & Fragrant Flowers
The chiming guitars, well-captured instrumentation & savory arrangements that dig into these pieces is well-conceived & showcased. “Fragrant Flowers” & “Native American Sweetness” are two delicately woven ballads – commendable efforts.
Still, Virginia-based Stephen Jacques (acoustic guitar) has low-pressure lead vocal delivery. It doesn’t compromise anything but doesn’t excite either. Even when projecting with a little aggression (“Dusty Danny”), the sound is not distinctive. No Neil Young nasally charm, no deep Fred Neil baritone. Stephen’s voice is pleasant in a moderate David Blue manner (“These 23 Days In September”).
The songs appeal but will be for selective tastes. The best piece is “Gunfire at Midnight” that has engaging music & a more dramatic Jacques vocal. With some vocal treatment the somber “Smoking Trail” a keeper. Jennifer Hall’s accompanying voice adds color. This is a more delightful piece despite its melancholy pace.
There are 10 numbers of Pioneers & Fragrant Flowers (Drops July 25/Independent/36:15) that are accessorized & produced in Chicago by Jason Narducy (bass/guitar/percussion). The showcase has a few hills & valleys, but it’s entertaining. “Wheel Done Broke” isn’t sung with vocal power, but the musicians add enthusiasm with lively playing, a good arrangement that keeps it together. Don’t expect a strong Elvis-like voice, a quirky Lyle Lovett treatment, a warm John Prine humor, country-crackling Willie Nelson, or a real pioneer tone like the legendary Roy Rogers.
The intonation isn’t going to shake dishes off the shelf. What Stephen does try to do is drag out storytelling sincerity from his well-written songs. And he does. There are no high notes, or propulsion to his tone. He seems to push his way through the music like one would in a crowd at rush hour. Is this bad form? No, not at all. It’s just that Stephen doesn’t have a commanding vocal, so he blends into the song like sugar in a hot cup of coffee.
The cover art is going to suggest songs of the prairie, midwestern country, cowboy tales. But the tunes aren’t going to sound like Roy Rogers’ “happy trails to you.” The lyrics are faithful to the themes, but the music isn’t deeply rural.
I’ll admit the material is creative. That may be Mr. Jacques’ true aim despite a limited vocal range (no pun intended). His lyrics are resourceful & oftentimes wonderful & the guitars are particularly good on “Campfire Daydream,” & “Sunset Horsey.” However, that’s the only spirit in the songs. A first-time listener should concentrate on the words & let the music carry it through. Like a blade of grass, they will grow on you.
Highlights – “Gunfire at Midnight,” “Smoking Trail,” “Wheel Done Broke,” “Campfire Daydream,” & “Sunset Horsey.”
Musicians – Chris Siebold (acoustic, steel & electric guitars), Vijay Tellis-Novak (piano/keys), & Gerrald Dowd (drums/percussion).
B&W image courtesy of Darin Back Photography. CD @ CDBaby & https://stephenjacques.com/home/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Stephen Jacques “Prayers For An Orange Cat”
