Joe Jencks

Poets, Philosophers, Workers, & Wanderers

cover of Poets, Philosophers, Workers, & Wanderers

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released 2017   Turtle Bear Music

(c) (p) 2017, Joe Jencks, Turtle Bear Music, ASCAP - except where otherwise noted.

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  1. Let Me Sing You A Song (4:34)
  2. Let It Rain(5:11)
  3. The Lady Juliana(5:33)
  4. Best of Friends (4:11)
  5. Going Home (5:50)
  6. Wheelbarrow Johnny (7:55)
  7. One Piece At A Time (4:59)
  8. Children of Trochenbrod (4:30)
  9. Longest Night of The Year (4:39)
  10. Solidarity Forever (4:27)
  11. Hands (5:52)
  12. Alice-Anne (4:00)
  13. Given Myself To Love (4:31)
  14. Mercy (3:09)
  15. Everybody Sings The Blues (4:20)

Advance Reviews:

“If one can master a craft after investing 10,000 hours, Joe Jencks’ hours are showing! I am literally stunned by this new album. Poets, Philosopher, Workers & Wanders tells our stories, his story, and the untold stories, as an American folk master can - with heart and unfettered perfection. Add this one to the folk canon! ”
~ MarySue Twohy, SIRIUS XM Radio – The Village / The Bridge

Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers -is absolutely Joe Jencks’ finest effort thus far. Jencks’ captivating tenor voice, lofted by flawless production, demonstrates music of conscience and provides a feast for the ear as well as nourishment for the soul.”
~ Rich Warren, The Midnight Special – WFMT, Chicago, IL

"Beyond the fine selection of songs and the talented team assembled in the studio, what really shines through on Joe Jencks' new album are his resonant, honey-rich voice, his open-hearted humanity, and his commitment to social justice. We need artists who inspire our better selves more than ever, don't we?"
~ John Platt , Sunday Supper, WFUV, New York, NY

“Joe Jencks brings us moving and stunning songs of hope, redemption, connection and remembrance. Sung with passion and delivered in his rich tenor voice, the songs on Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers are a balm for the times.”
~ Laurie DesJardins – KVMR, Nevada City, CA

“Climb inside the songs of Joe Jencks, and you meet real people. His lilting melodies and warm, caramel tenor draw us closer to the stories he tells. Jencks finds the humanness that binds us to the people in his songs!”

~ Scott Alarik - author of Revival: A Folk Music Novel and host of Folk Tales, WUMB, Boston, MA

“Just an absolutely superb work by Joe Jencks on this new album. Smart. Joe’s about as intelligent a songwriter as there is out there. His songs are smart! Everything is extremely well crafted. From coal mines to the killing fields of 1940’s Germany, Joe’s images evoke interest and compassion. As I listen, I can’t wait for the nest song!! Highly recommended!"~ Steve Brockway - The Folk Show, KRFC - Fort Collins, CO


“You can expect many a gifted artist to move you deeply, but Joe Jencks will change who you are.”
~ Angela Page – WJFF, Radio Catskill, Jefferson, NY

“What a pleasure to hear such an incredible voice wrapped around such well written, socially conscientious songs. Well done!”
~ Sonny Ochs, WIOX, Roxbury, NY

"Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers is an emotional powerhouse. Joe Jencks provides us with much needed inspiration and hope and reminds us what "love" is really all about."
~Ron Olesdko, WFDU, Teaneck, NJ

Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers solidifies Joe Jencks’ place as one of Folk music’s most eloquent voices for social justice. Joe has put together a wonderful collection of original and cover-songs that speak to those who are concerned about the greater good, songs that touch the heart and strengthen the resolve. A real winner!” ~Jan Vanderhorst - Just Us Folk, 1380 CKPC - Brantford, Ontario

"Joe Jencks has created an exquisite musical journey, using his insightful writing as a vehicle and his extraordinary voice as the guide. The songs touch on a variety of poignant topics, and they're expertly arranged, allowing listeners to get the full effect. Truly a work of the heart."
~ Wanda Fischer - The Hudson River Sampler, WAMC-FM, Albany, NY

"It's rare to receive an album where every track is air-worthy, but that is definitely the case with "Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers." In all aspects it is truly a work of art." ~ Jim Rogers - FolkTime - WIUP FM, Indiana, PA

Produced by: Joe Jencks and Charlie Pilzer

Recorded by: Charlie Pilzer at Airshow Mastering, Takoma Park, MD

Mixed by Charlie Pilzer, Airshow Mastering

Mastered by Charlie Pilzer & Randy LeRoy, Airshow Mastering

Mobile Recording (Percussion, Harmonies, & Horns) by: Joe Jencks

Additional Harmonies recorded by John Abbey at Kingsize Sound Labs, Chicago, IL

Bass Recorded by: Jim Robeson

Production Consultant: Paul Mills

Art, Calligraphy, and Graphic Design: Moki Kokoris & Leslie Lee

Photography: Jayne Toohey – 2EPhoto

Publicity & Media Relations: Anna Ratliff

Radio Support: Lisa Grey, Blue River Promotions

Duplication: Andrew Ratshin - NW Discs

Musicians

Joe Jencks – Vocals, Bouzouki (Bayard), Guitar (Goodall)

Jon Carroll – Piano, Accordion

Jim Robeson – Electric Bass (Upright & Fretted)

Cheryl Prashker – Percussion

Harpeth Rising: Jordana Greenberg – Violin, Vocals

Maria Di Meglio - Cello, Vocals

Rebecca Reed-Lunn - Banjo, Vocals

Ysaye Barnwell – Vocals

Tret Fure – Vocals

Edie Carey – Vocals

Heather Styka - Vocals

Reggie Harris – Vocals

Charlie Bernhardt - Vocals

Cathy Fink – Banjo

Grace Jencks – French Horn

Charlie Pilzer – Acoustic Upright Bass

David Glaser – Mandolin