about
Inspired by an article by Ian Macdonald about Nick Drake which said 'sensitive young people often have a horror of being understood for fear of losing their uniqueness, and in the process finding that they are not as unique as they like to think. The vocal was recorded in Catherine Hershey's Parisian home, and captured some wonderful notes of bird song coming through the open windows which Russ used and added to with morning blackbird recordings of his own.
lyrics.
Jeanes is a collective of the DIY artists below.
Russell Jeanes
Russ is a graphic designer, film maker & poet from Yorkshire and also a new music champion for Fresh On The Net.
Catherine Hershey
Catherine Hershey is a French-American artist, illustrator, songwriter and singer.
She is a long time friend of Kate Stables. Catherine illustrated 'this is the kit's' album for 'Bashed Out'.
Russ heard Catherine's songs and fell 'head over heels' with her work, sending her a message about his passion for her songs - Catherine responded saying she found Russell's songs 'warm and soothing'. This was the start of their recordings and friendship.
Scott Fraser
Scott is a guitarist and was enthusiastic about Russ' poems/songs from the first, and was absolutely fundamental in their development.
Scott crafted guitar patterns from Russell’s initial ideas.
Tom Sidebottom
Yorkshire based string arranger and music lecturer. Tom has patiently and skillfully developed and recorded arrangements developing Russ' ideas.
lyrics
I once met a girl,
she chose slowly
…what she told me
we talked for a while,
…she said something
but then nothing,
..lips moved no words came
hides in her thoughts,
what she feels, can’t be said,
they’re just her thoughts,
she’s frightened others feel the same,
then she won’t be unique again,
… just Simple Jayne.
with lapwing she plays
and hums slowly
….for him only …
whatever she plays the bird smothers,
with feathers ...no words can away
hides in wood groves,
with eyes never painted,
fringe grown past nose.
afraid if others hear her words,
her deepest thoughts wont be just hers
she’s hiding words
I once met a girl she chose slowly what she told me.
credits
from
Jeanes - Sleeping Leaves EP,
released June 16, 2017
credits
from Sleeping Leaves EP, releases June 16, 2017
words music and harp by Russell Jeanes,
performed by Catherine Hershey
French & English Blackbirds
license
all rights reserved