UNSPEAKABLE: The Collected Lyrics of Joe Henry, 1985–2020

 Dear all, 

I don't know whether I'd call it exciting news, wonderful news, great,... . I find it definitely not 'just' news. I'll go for beautiful news. 

Joe has announced the release of a book collecting 182 of his Lyrics.

Unspeakable: The Collected Lyrics of Joe Henry, 1985–2020, is a compilation of lyrics that, when “raised by the waters of melody,” created a body of work that established the American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer as an American creative force. The volume features lyrics to 182 songs from Henry’s fifteen albums produced between 1985 and 2020, and nineteen additional songs written for, and with, other artists, such as Roseanne Cash, Mose Allison, and Billy Bragg. The volume also includes 18 black-and-white photographs made by the artist during this same time period. (source)

 

Beautiful news in terms of poetry, life's work, human-being, life, art, and so much more. Joe himself explains :

I found it surprisingly emotional to gather these songs ––to consider them now as a unified body of work. Every one of them, after all, and for a time in my life, was my all-consuming occupation, carrying within it not only my aspirations for it as a singular incantation, but standing each to represent a pilgrim’s progress: the state of my so-called artistry, for better and worse, richer and poorer. Until the next one came along.

The most startling thing for me to witness now from this vantage point is how uniformly these songs all grapple with the things I am still speaking to: our shared humanity as it is thrown into relief by both hope and suffering, and the redemptive power of love over every aspect of our lives. (Joe Henry via the official website) 

Besides the 'standard' version you can also purchase a limited edition (250 copies, signed and numbered) in a custom cloth slipcase. 
pre-order it at nazraeli press . At the same webpage you'll find also some more previewed pages. 

 

Everyone who has been following Joe's work over the years, knows that lyrics are only a portion of his creative writing. Besides wonderful interviews, written conversations there are wonderful essays, poems, and so much more. 

I, for one,  am pleased that his writing is getting the deserved spotlight, and I'm looking forward to more possible future publications. 

Much Love,
Stefan 

 

 

The Wexford Carols (Volume 2) Centuries reaching out to each other

Stange Wonders

The Wexford Carols Volume 2….

 

Photography on these 2 albums bu Laelia Milleri

In 2014 Caitriona O’leary recorded her first album of these Wexford Carols; Produced by Joe Henry, and featuring guests Rosanne Cash, Tom Jones, Rhiannon Giddens. The album consisted of 12 Carols. But there are 22 Carols, and so this second album completes the list …Volume 2.
(Some more info on these Carols you’ll find here)

I personally tend to call this album Chapter 2. In Chapter 1 we got to know the characters, and now it is time to dive deeper into their existence. I must say I was deeply moved in hearing these songs, and I hope in future times we can hear them sung live backed-up by a choir and the accompanying musical instruments relating to the 17th and 18t Century.  

For me, once more, music goes so much further than song. Immediately with the opening seconds of ‘Ye son of Men’, subtly carried by a harmonium drone I felt like entering sacred grounds; ... a strange tension, ‘Strange Wonders’....
The voices, the singing, the music, … it is all performed/sung with so much respect without trying to force it all. I am in deep respect for everyone involved in these songs.

Besides the musical beauty, these 2 albums have a much bigger importance. These songs are important Irish Heritage (And I’m not even Irish). Caitriona O’leary is historically examining these Wexford Carols. Giving us an understanding of them in its time, and at the same time, bringing these songs in our age back home. Centuries reaching out to each other. We must embrace this, and I can believe she is not finished in her quest yet. I have the greatest respect for your journey into this Caitriona.

I believe we will hear more about this, even after these 2 volumes with 23 songs.
Twenty-three ? I hear you oppose. You started saying there were only 22 Carols?
Indeed. But Both albums end with the same ‘The Enniscorthy Christmas Carol’.

I am looking forward to the future story of this all, and perhaps We are fortunate enough one time to enter that sacred ground in real life, and listen to the Choir, the musical history, the Carols, … performed by these wonderful artists.

Stay safe everyone,
Stefan