SINGLE OUT NOW ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS VIA BEHIND THE BEAT RECORDS
“To put it simply, this song is a masterpiece.”
Claire Anne Taylor
Jethro Pickett’s world turns mysteriously beneath vast constellations of songwriting greats. With ‘Jolene (not a cover)’ he’s put up a telescope in the garden, spotted Dolly, invited you over and said, “LOOK”!
The single, released today via Phill Calvert’s Behind The Beat Records, is another masterpiece from the southern lutruwita / Tasmanian singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist. ‘Jolene (not a cover)’ is a heartfelt composition influenced by the storytelling prowess of the legendary Dolly Parton. Drawing inspiration from Dolly’s ability to create deep, relatable characters, Jethro wistfully weaves a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impact. Of ‘Jolene (not a cover)’, Jethro says:
“The song, well, it’s trouble.
Regarding Dolly Parton’s genius and my own attempt to tap into it… The song Jolene (Dolly’s) is about a woman who actually is an amalgamation of two women that Dolly had observed. How can a story that leaves me so gutted with fear, desire and heartbreak be not strictly a personal tale? Also, Dolly wrote “I will Always Love You” on the same day as she penned “Jolene”. What the actual f…? And then there’s the recording session…!
Anyway, I found the closet of much admiration and many infatuations in my mind and tried to put together such a character. Of course in ‘Jolene (not a cover)’, the challenge is real and I can’t help but make it personal. A classic tale from the depths of self- despair interspersed with bits of self-policing where I assure our protagonist I’m the perfect guy who doesn’t want to own anyone. Bloody hell.
The autoharp and dulcimer heard on the track are an extra nod to DP and all she can master.
The all-star band heard on ‘Jolene (not a cover)’ consists of: Julia Johnson (autoharp and vocals), Georgia Mooney (appalachian dulcimer and vocals), Cathy Diver, Kate Whorl, Alyx Dennison & Louis Gill (vocals) and Beau Thomas (drums). It’s me playing everything else.”
The song, paired with a retro-inspired film clip directed by Ursula Woods, is out now on Bandcamp all streaming platforms.
ABOUT JETHRO PICKETT
Jethro Pickett is a session musician and multi-instrumentalist who operates a recording studio in southern lutruwita (Tasmania) on poles in the Huon river. He’s been a gun musician for hire, and through his work has had the good fortune to have shared the stage with many artists, including Liz Stringer, Ben Salter, Tim Rogers, Chris Wilson, Rebecca Barnard, Ronnie Burns, Claire Anne Taylor, Emily Wurramara, Christopher Coleman, Denni, Glenn Richards, Jean Stafford, Shane Howard (Goanna Band), Joe Camilleri, Lisa Miller, and many more…
FOLLOW JETHRO PICKETT:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
