James Yorkston and The Second Hand Orchestra - The Wide, Wide River (2021) [Hi-Res]

The album came to be after the blossoming of a long-term friendship between James Yorkston and Karl-Jonas Winqvist, the Swedish music producer, leader and conductor of The Second Hand Orchestra. Recorded and mixed in Sweden over the course of three days with a selection of musicians Winqvist had brought together, including Peter Moren (Peter, Bjorn & John), Cecilia Osterholm (one of Sweden's best-known nyckelharpa players), Emma Nordenstam (piano & cello) and Ulrika Gyllenberg (violin). The studio approach with The Second Hand Orchestra was entirely improvised around Yorkston's songs, and the only song they heard in advance was "Ella Mary Leather"; Yorkston didn't want to direct anyone too much but instead, allowed for a welcoming, instinctive, free-spirited and joyful atmosphere. The Wide, Wide River is a soothing, warm and sublime listen, whilst also highlighting Yorkston's skills for songwriting, collaboration and as a musical conductor. The record takes in past loves, advancing age and friends, now gone, whilst also containing some of the most sanguine songs Yorkston has ever made.