Jaki Whitren

„One of the greatest folk-rock and soul singers of her generation“ has recorded this album when she was only nineteen years old in 1973; now it has been re-released on CD with a twelve page colour booklet and text by Jaki. —— Dear readers, bear with me … I am a massive Jaki Whitren fan and this album is in my top five singer/songwriter albums of all time. Bravo to Sunbeam Records for re-releasing this overlooked gem. Anyone who loves great female singers and acoustic singer-songwriter albums must get this. From Jaki’s „count in“ on the first song you hear the calm authority of a woman far older than her eighteen years, who takes us through an intimate personal journey of love, spirituality and self growth. Lyrically this album embodies the most astounding level of lived experience and wisdom I have ever heard from such a young artist. This album is a collection of mostly autobiographical songs where she mines the depth of her own experience and sings from the centre of her life at that moment in time. Jaki’s rich soulful, strong, emotional and reassuring vocals, always right down the middle of the feeling, put her up there with the greats. She is accompanied by a terrific acoustic band including acclaimed Albert Lee on dobro. Fresh tight groovy playing and some lovely understated arrangements throughout. Jaki’s guitar playing is really neat and clear. The mix has allowed a lot of space around the vocals which I really appreciate on a singer-songwriter album. This is a beautifully warm and clear analogue recording. Hurray for two inch tape, and anyone who knows better please correct me if I’m wrong.