Jon Redfern - May Be Some Time & What Else But Love? (2005/2008)

b. 1985, Brighton, East Sussex, England. Born to a Chinese mother and an English father, Redfern chose to express himself musically in the folk tradition. His singing first attracted attention when he was with Tarras, a band based in north-east England. Members of the band composed much of their repertoire and this gave Redfern the opportunity to develop his ideas as a songwriter. After Tarras disbanded, he continued to work in the north but also appeared occasionally in London where he collaborated with multi instrumentalist and arranger Patrick Durkan and bass player Joss Clapp.

Redfern's solo debut, 2007's May Be Some Time, attracted much attention and tracks were often played on BBC radio stations. His vocal sound is soft and introspective, bringing a plaintive quality to the lyrics of the songs he sings, and allowing many listeners to liken him to Nick Drake.

Although criticised for being Nick Drake-lite, Jon Redfern's work is full of almost whispered promise. What Else But Love? is his third offering, after May Be Sometime and Acoustic. He's played previously in the folk ensemble Tarras and I Love The Sun from May Be Sometime became something of a downtempo club smash.

What Else But Love? is a very low key, intimate work. You'd hardly say Redfern has a strong voice, but his fragile tones add fierce emotion to the understated work, full of finger-piano and minimalist guitar. Spark In The Sky evokes the mid-tempo grandeur of high-period Pink Floyd. Temporary goes off on a naive reverie. When it goes uptempo, say, on the icy Rowing Away it does so with some élan.

Although the album is not overly memorable it's certainly not dull. I have to say, however, when Becky Unthank - arguably the most astounding voice among her sister Rachel's group the Winterset - steps up for a bit of vocal on the closing Don't Worry, she succeeds in totally eclipsing Redfern.

With its faults being counterbalanced by its promise in almost equal measure, What Else But Love? is a soundtrack for the gathering gloom. --Daryl Easlea