With the release of his much anticipated new album Fanfare just over two weeks away on 14th October, JONATHAN WILSON has just unveiled a suitably far out video for lead track ‘Dear Friend’. Directed by fellow traveller Grant James, watch it below…
The eagerly-awaited follow-up, Fanfare, is an even more ambitious production that instantly conjures thoughts of Dennis Wilson’s Pacific Ocean Blue.
“Fanfare as a word represents a fanciful showing, a bodacious movement of energy, a celebration of sound,” Wilson explains. “Something to signify an arrival, a special occasion.” In this case, it’s also the immense opening song that builds into a multilayered cinematic poem from the artist to channel the perfect love song through his piano. As a declaration of intent, it’s a powerful statement.
“From the initial idea of the record, I knew I wanted a concert Steinway piano to be the centerpiece–the beating heart–of Fanfare. I was going for this sort of “widescreen” sound. I wanted strings, horns, vibes, voices, solos, improvisation and a full orchestra on some of the tunes… Having that 9-foot Steinway was central to achieving the sound that I wanted.”
Fanfare was made in Los Angeles over a 9-month period. Featuring vocal and instrumental contributions from heavy friends like Graham Nash, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Josh Tillman (aka Father John Misty), Wilco’s Patrick Sansone, Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith and Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, the album is a celebration of friends and family. Additionally, Wilson and British folk legend Roy Harper co-wrote several songs on the record.
Sometimes Wilson seems to need a pinch to believe his good fortune: “There are an awful lot of wizards on this album. Wizards of all ages and life experiences. All these amazing voices and musicians. There is a high degree of musical prowess and pedigree here. Cross-generational musical sharing and passing down traditions is very important to me and something that must continue. This is the way you keep the Fanfare’s blowing, this is how you keep the energies interacting.”
In other exciting news Jonathan Wilson will be opening for Bella Union labelmate ROY HARPER (read our review of Roy’s Man & Myth)on his UK tour in October, performing a rare solo acoustic set. Dates below…
Tour Dates
Opening for Roy Harper
Tuesday 22 October – LONDON – Royal Festival Hall
Friday 25 October – MANCHESTER – Bridgewater Hall
Sunday 27 October – BRISTOL – Colston Hall
Headline Tour
Wednesday 27 November – LEEDS – Brudenell Social Club
Thursday 28 November – MANCHESTER – Gorilla
Friday 29 November – LIVERPOOL – Kazimier
Saturday 30 November – BRISTOL – Thekla
Monday 2 December – NORWICH – Arts Centre
Tuesday 3 December – BRIGHTON – Studio Theatre (Brighton Dome)
Wednesday 4 December – LONDON – Islington Assembly Hall
