Singer-songwriter Jenny Gillespie reveals beautiful jazzy folk-pop track "Part Potawatomi"

24 November 2015, 09:45 | Written by Cai Trefor

(Tracks)

Jenny Gillespie's "Part Potawatomi" is a soothing cut steeped strongly in the folk tradition. Catchy stripped-back guitars and expressive classical string sections work brilliantly with the piece and allow space for her vocals to shine, whilst the tender narrative becomes almost tangible.

Gillespie explains what the release from her achingly beautiful forthcoming album Cure For Dreaming is about: “It’s a portrait of a man who is very lovable but can't quite seem to love back, a man who needs other men and especially his ancestry to feel connected but can't quite connect with women."

Curiously, the San Francisco songwriter has up until now remained a little in the shadows of the music industry despite having such powerful lyrical narratives and great production skills. In true indie style, Gillespie self-produces and self-releases her music.

The musicians she collaborates with, however, come from a completely different background and have stood firmly in the limelight. Her last album saw her record with Emmett Kelly (Bonnie Prince Billie) and Joe Adamik (Iron and Wine).

Meanwhile, for her new record Gillespie has worked with musicians who've played with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, David Bowie, and Bon Iver, among others. Together they've crafted something great that deserves to be acknowledged.

Cure For Dreaming is released on 29 January via Gillespie's own label, Narooma Records.