Coming 25 Jan 2019, She Darks Me is Joe’s “lost” album by Joe Chester, virtually unheard since it’s original recording. Written during stolen moments in between collaborations in L.A with Gemma Hayes and touring with The Waterboys, this collection is among Joe’s most melodic and liberating work. Fewer overdubs and making courageous use of first takes where possible informed Joe’s renowned signature production style from that point on. A stellar range of musicians participated where opportunities to record could be grabbed, whether on the road with Steve Wickham and Trevor Hutchinson or on Willie Nelson’s tour bus with Mickey Raphael (Harmonica - Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris). The recordings have been recovered from the archives and given a masterful updated sheen by Joe from his self-built studio near his home in the south of France.
“She Darks Me is elegant, measured and all the better for it. High time the listening public caught up with Joe Chester. She Darks Me has all the makings of a sleeper hit.” - Hot Press Magazine
“Several tracks bear his hallmark attention to observant detail. Musically, it’s Chester’s usual mix of innate melody and carefully prepared arrangements.” - The Irish Times
“In short, this is elegant music. Josh Rouse and the Avalanches would kill for these hooks. A Dylan cover (“Most Of The Time”) almost slips past unnoticed, so strong are the tracks that surround it.” - groovelovesmelody.com
Listen to a radio edit of “Anything In The Long Run” below. Recently added to the RTE Radio 1 playlist.
