Belgium-based, American-born singer-songwriter Tucker Zimmerman has released his label debut and eleventh career studio record Dance Of Love.
Earlier in the week Tucker shared focus track ‘Lorelei’. Opening with a sing-alongworthy guitar lead, Zimmerman’s earthy vocals blend perfectly with Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker as they trade off verses and harmonies. Zimmerman explains, “I’m turning Lorelei on her head in this song. Enough luring sailors on the river to their destruction. Time to head for the hills with a silver harp and bring some peace into the world.”
Over a career that spans half a century, Zimmerman’s discography is a sonic memoir. A sprawling collection of records that have explored folk, 12-bar blues, full-band rock concertos and classical piano compositions, his work is also a tribute to the people, experiences and sounds that have shaped his life, amassing in a deeply personal and resonating songbook.
Despite sailing under the radar throughout most of his storied and multi-layered career, the native Californian has received praise from contemporaries like Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker (“Tucker Zimmerman is one of the greatest songwriters of all time,”) and even from one of the greats (David Bowie called Zimmerman, “too qualified for folk,” and included Tucker’s 1969 debut album Ten Songs among his 25 favourite records). Inspired by Lenker’s appreciation for his work, Zimmerman was brought to the States to record the album, with Big Thief, Zach Burba and Mat Davidson serving as his backing band. On many tracks, Lenker meets Zimmerman half-way, their vocals fusing together in a soothing harmony; Zimmerman’s beloved wife Marie-Claire, who graces the album’s cover, also joined the chorus line.
With Dance Of Love, listeners will find a multi-faceted and heartfelt record from a songwriter who has had a full and exciting life decorated with meaningful friendships, hard but valuable lessons, worldly experience, and ultimately, lots of love.
Praise for Tucker Zimmerman
“It’s an album that resounds with a charming sense of optimism.” – Uncut, 9/10“One of the Great Lost Singer-Songwriters has his day at last.” – MOJO, 4/5
“A comfort listen and a laidback intergenerational triumph.” – Shindig!, 5/5
Tucker Zimmerman – Dance Of Love is out now
via 4AD
Listen / Download Dance Of Love: https://tuckerzimmerman.
2. Idiot’s Maze
3. Lorelei
4. The Season
5. Burial At Sea
6. They Don’t Say It (But It’s True)
7. Leave It On The Porch Outside
8. The Ram-a-lama-ding-dong Song
9. Don’t Go Crazy (Go In Peace)
10. Nobody Knows