Jeremy Dion – Bend in the Middle (self-released)

Jeremy Dion – Bend in the Middle (self-released)

27 August 2024

Reference points can say a lot about an artist. Sure, it may be a lame shortcut, or even lazy journalism (guilty), but they allow us to get to the point quickly when it comes to describing the scene. Names like James Taylor, Paul Simon, John Mayer, maybe even Neil Young (there is certainly something from “Harvest Moon” to “Sweet June”, …which happens to mention this celestial object in its heartfelt lyrics) as touchstones all help to paint the picture of Jeremy Dion‘s music.

Bend in the middlehis upcoming album, is the sound of Jeremy doing exactly what he has always done so brilliantly: writing deft and delicate songs that take folk music to such warm and intimate places. It has been said, admittedly by someone more eloquent than me, that if you listen to artists like Bob Dylan You learn about others; when you listen to Jeremy Dion, you learn about yourself. And that’s an excellent summary. He may write songs that come from a personal place, but you see and feel your own experiences and thoughts reflected back to you as they unfold.

“All I See Is You” opens things up nicely, a graceful yet buoyantly optimistic starting point, folk finesse is pushed forward on a wave of pop accessibility, roots strands are woven into an artful yet accessible melody. And that sets the tone perfectly. “Second Hand” feels like the kind of song that Deacon Blue would have reveled in, especially when the two voices mesh and inspire. And “You & I” is a cool country waltz reinterpreted for modern audiences.

Jeremy Dion is a bridge between worlds. He combines folk traditions and pop modernity. Gentle ballads with rockier melodies. The sound of the classic singer-songwriter with the more experimental sound troubadour. He explores the core areas of folk and also the realms of the mainstream. He speaks from the heart of intimate experiences, but tells the listener something about his own life.

A musical man for all seasons of sound? Yes, indeed.