Album Review: Jess Wayne – Ancient Door
This Taos, New Mexico singer-songwriter describes his music as “electric bourbon folk.” There’s potentially a lot to unpack in such a description. Listening to Ancient Door, one hears a breezy, contemplative sound, with high lonesome pedal steel guitar, subtle yet assured brush-stroke drumming, even more subtle bass work, and Wayne’s impassioned and somewhat weedy vocal atop the whole thing.
“Supposed to be Flying” distills all of those sonic characteristics into a tune that’s both meditative and inviting. “Wasted Time” finds Wayne contemplating life and the choices that define it for each of us. Among the album’s more musically intriguing tracks is “Don’t Look Back,” with an understated jazzy feel and a bit of organ to add texture.
The song titles clearly telegraph Jess Wayne’s concerns: “Time and Love, “Living Small,” “Learn to Lover.” He’s not about making grand pronouncements; he’s just a man who spend time thinking about the close-to-home yet big questions that really matter. His friendly musical demeanor on tunes like “Come Join the Dance” encourages the listener to focus on the lyrics within. And doing so pays dividends.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.