Josh Jensen is a Seattle-based singer-songwriter whose work is inspired by much diversity in American musical heritage. Jensen whisks listeners away with honeyed vocals and literate lyricism through landscapes of folk, blues, country, and beyond.
Raised in eastern Washington, Jensen was raised on the country classics spat out by constant family plays by Hank Williams, Patsy Kline, and Charley Pride. These early sounds instilled in him a passion for songwriting and got him performing first with his cousins, and then in his bands.
Now, living in his adopted hometown of Seattle, Jensen puts those experiences to great use when hashing out his sound. With a new single like the impassioned "Wanderlust Highway," he's inviting listeners on a journey through richly-textured Americana visions. Jensen's songs portray the excitement of exploring new horizons with soulful melodies and warm tones that envelop the spirit.
Josh Jensen has just released his dynamic new single, "Wanderlust Highway". It's a track that brings together a rich vocal style with ace guitar work and a blend of American influences.
"Wanderlust Highway" was written and recorded in Seattle, locally, touting captivating vocals and meticulous guitar work by Jensen. On the track, he plays everything, but with the help of saxophonist Alex Capron from Cadre and Sweet Beets, he is aided. Famous Seattle producer Luke Rain handles the parts for drums and bass, recording it in his studio.
The song starts with a smooth, very slight guitar riff that sets the relaxed tone. Soon enough, some jazzy piano notes appear in the background and further make the track bluesy. By the time the powerful, signification vocals come in, you're already sunk into the mood, wanting to hit the open road.
Instrumental segments most definitely ring melodically in this work, allowing each artist to express himself. The steady beat brings forth visions of Sunday afternoons driving with the windows down and quiet nights in a jazz lounge. Talking about the creation of this track, Jensen mentioned he wanted to add some flavor of jazz organ. An accidental improvisation on the keyboard during a guitar solo ended up being a featured element. Its laid-back character takes one million miles away from the stresses of life.
In "Wanderlust Highway," Josh Jensen melds Americana, folk, blues, and soul in a sterling kind of way. To take a whole life of immense musical influence and put it into one satisfying, feel-good single is a task of wonder. The songwriting has a story to tell, but the performances speak of each artist's nuanced talent.
Of all the songs released this summer, Josh Jensen's new single "Wanderlust Highway" has been the one that hit me the hardest. There's just something about this bluesy folk Americana sound he brings to this track that's so viscerally pleasing. It never misses putting a smile on my face or boosting my mood when it comes on.
For those listeners looking to pop in a song as the sun begins heating those evening drives, "Wanderlust Highway" was tailored for that picturesque drive, so check it out on Spotify. Its easy-going Americana spirit is sure to strike a chord with, so many out cruising down dusty highways, where the open road stretches out ahead and adventures wait around the next bend.