Album Review: Light For A Broken World

Christchurch born and bred, Jacquie Walters recorded her first song Bob Dylan’s Dream when she was six years old.  Singing Dylan and Joan Baez songs with her parents from an early age was her introduction to singer-songwriters. Jacquie is now based in Nelson and has just released her new album Light For A Broken World featuring James Wilkinson.

The back story to Jacquie’s musical career is a tapestry of rich and colourful moments performing in places such as London, Paris, Strasbourg and Sydney, Making a name for herself as a folk artist in the northeast of England, gaining an honourable mention in the Billboard World Song Contest and the Unisong International Song Competition.  She has recorded three CD’s and numerous EP’s as a solo artist and as a member of Pounamu and Freewheelin.
 

Jacquie and James, who have shared many musical moments together over the last 25 years, have both brought this album to life. Jacquie’s descriptive storytelling seems to effortlessly flow through her song writing, this is further enhanced by a beautifully lyrical voice.

James Wilkinson compliments Jacquie with his enchanting instrumental and vocal accompaniment. The sound of bass adding another layer of depth to a selection of tracks.

Perhaps I may describe Light For A Broken World as acoustic folk, it is a smooth blend of original material (all songs are written by Jacquie), strong vocals and impeccable guitar playing. Her voice has been described as “clear”. Clear, strong and well defined is a perfect way to describe it. 

The opening track, which is also the title for the album is based around a Japanese concept that flaws in objects are part of their beauty. “Hey light for a broken world. These cracks in the clay leave room for the light. These beautiful faults in this world of mine.” This was lovely introduction to this album, however I’ll wear yellow and you stayed were the two songs which I played repeatedly.

Jacquie shared with us through this album, some very personal moments in her life. Eloquently. Distinctly.

On the 11 track album is unquestionably some incredible song writing, faerie tales and the letter are two examples.  Look Up, which is the final track, also features several of Jacquie’s family members and that wonderful sound of the fretless bass coming through from James.

Listening to Light For A Broken World, has been an educational and beautiful journey.

The physical CD comes with a booklet and the lyrics. This on the back cover of the CD sleeve I rather appreciated.“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So, go love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.” - From “InHumanity: Letters from the Trenches’ by L.R.Knost.

_{Review written by Corinne Rutherford}