Jesse Winchester
b. 17 May 1944, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA. After receiving his draft papers from the US Forces, Winchester moved to Canada where he settled. His self-titled debut album, produced by Robbie Robertson, was thematically reminiscent of the work of the Band with its evocation of life in the deep south of the USA. The moving, bittersweet memories described in "Brand New Tennessee Waltz", plus its haunting melody line, persuaded a number of artists to cover the song, including the Everly Brothers. Winchester's Third Down, 110 To Go was produced by Todd Rundgren, but in spite of its solid quality failed to sell. On Learn To Love (1974), he commented on the Vietnam War in "Pharaoh's Army" and was assisted by several members of the Amazing Rhythm Aces. By 1976, Winchester was touring the USA, having received an amnesty from President Carter for his draft-dodging. He played low-key gigs abroad and released increasingly infrequent albums, which veered slightly towards the burgeoning country rock market. His narrative love songs are effective and the quality of his writing is evinced by the number of important artists who have covered his songs, a list that includes Elvis Costello, Tim Hardin and Joan Baez. Stoney Plain Records began a CD reissue programme in 1995.
Listen to Jesse Winchester
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Albums
- (2008) The Best Of Jesse Winchester
- (2008) Third Down, 110 To Go
- (2008) Talk Memphis
- (2008) Nothing But A Breeze
- (2008) Let The Rough Side Drag
- (2008) Learn To Love It
- (2008) A Touch On The Rainy Side
- (2006) Jesse Winchester
- (2006) Live At The Bijou Cafe, Philadelphia, May 26, 1977
- (2005) Gentleman of Leisure
- (1999) Gentleman of Leisure
- (1993) Humour Me
Top Tracks
- The Brand New Tennessee Waltz
- Yankee Lady
- Black Dog
- Freewheeler
- Rhumba Man (Live At The Bijou Cafe, Philadelphia, May 26, 1977)
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