Jack Henderson "Fragile Skin" (Independent 2007)

Jack Henderson has toured with Cowboy Junkies and Willard Grant, performed with Buddy and Julie Miller and Ron Sexsmith, and this his second solo release was recorded in "an old haybarn" in the "remote hills of Scotland". A strong Sexsmith influence is intermittently discernible thoroughout the nine originals, with Tom Waits, Neil Young and even Blue Nile (on the gorgeously seductive "Never Existed") also emerging as stylistic pointers. Assured, confident and tastefully restrained writing and playing are the hallmarks of an impressive set, with the achingly soulful "Feel Your Heart" the highlight, and the rather over long duration of "Sailing" (not the Gavin Sutherland tune popularised by R.Stewart!)tending to spoil the atmospheric impact of a potentially great song, being the only minus point of note.

Date review added:  Sunday, January 06, 2008
Reviewer:  John Hinshelwood
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Artist Website