P.E.I.-based poet and songwriter Bob Jensen has released For the Sake of the Song.
Jensen, who had not produced an album of music since 1985, says he recorded two songs just for fun and enjoyed the process so much that he decided to release a full album.
The new project features 10 mostly obscure cover songs that have been favourites of his for many years, from songwriters such as Leonard Cohen, Woody Guthrie, Townes Van Zandt and Tom Waits.
“Some of these songs have been with me since I was a kid,” says Jensen, “and for many different reasons, mean a great deal to me.”
One of the highlights is a duet with James Keelaghan on Keelaghan’s song, My Skies, says Jensen.
The album was produced and engineered by ECMA winner Chris Corrigan and features Emma LeBlanc (Vishtèn), James Keelaghan, dobro virtuoso Doug Cox, Modabos’ Jon Weaver and former Oysterband cellist, Ray Cooper.
All acoustic guitar work was done by Corrigan at his home studio in Charlottetown while the other musicians were spread out from Sweden to Vancouver Island.
“Sometimes I wonder if people fully appreciate what a great talent and a great resource Chris is,” says Jensen. “He is both a gifted musician and a fantastic producer who brings a lifetime of experience to the table.”
The first single, Who by Fire, has already received airplay in Canada, Australia and Europe. All of Jensen’s music and poetry are distributed worldwide by CD Baby and are available directly from the artist at firsttimesinceaugust.com.
