Jeremy Dion - Bend in the Middle (self-released)

Reference points can tell you a lot about an artist. Sure, it might be checky shorthand, lazy journalism even (guilty), but it does enable us to quickly cut to the chase when it comes to setting the scene. Taking names such as James Taylor, Paul Simon, John Mayer, perhaps even Neil Young (there is certainly something of “Harvest Moon” about “Sweet June,” …which coincidently mentions that heavenly object in its heartfelt lyrics) as touchstones all help paint the picture of Jeremy Dion’s music.

Bend in the Middle, his forthcoming album, is the sound of Jeremy doing precisely what he has always done so brilliantly: write deft and delicate songs that take folk music into such heartfelt and intimate places. It has been said, admittedly by someone more eloquent than I, that when you listen to artists such as Bob Dylan you learn about others; when you listen to Jeremy Dion, you learn about yourself. And that is an excellent summation. He might write songs that come from a personal place, but you see and feel your own experiences and thoughts reflected back at you as they unfurl.

“All I See Is You” opens things up nicely, a graceful yet liltingly upbeat starting point, folk’s finesse being pushed along on a wave of pop accessibility, roots strands corralled into an ornate yet accessible tune. And that sets the tone perfectly. “Second Hand” feels like the sort of song that Deacon Blue would have reveled in, especially as the twin vocals intertwine and evoke. And “You & I” is a cool country waltz reimagined for the modern audience.

Jeremy Dion is a bridge between worlds. He connects folk traditions and pop modernity. Gentle balladry with more rock-infused tunes. The sound of the classic singer-songwriter with the more experimental sonic troubadour. He wanders the folk heartlands and too the mainstream realms. He speaks from the heart of intimate experiences but in doing so tells the listener something of their own lives.

A musical man for all sonic seasons? Yes, indeed.