John Roseboro - Fools (Public Confession Art House)

Roseboro started popping out some pretty idiosyncratic singer songwriting in 2021, which on quick appraisal is remarkable for its lack of polish and care free, acoustic approach which oozed disdain for today’s shiny, over produced mainstream music by numbers and a certain disregard for success.

He could have blown his cover with the new LP though. This time he’s invited his New York muso mates along for the ride, who variously add a bit of propulsion, vocal sweetness, as well as some string and wind flesh to the previously bare singer songwriter bones. There’s also a more cohesive album approach which is less easy to ditch, and a twisted Bossa thread that provides a nagging familiarity to the steadily jazz licked, pan-American freak folkiness.

Cohesiveness in no way means compromise though. There is still a singularity to proceedings, not the least of which is Roseboro’s quirky lyrical and stylistically meandering vocal approach which requires a buy in and perhaps similarly alternative world view, but those putting their hands in their pocket will be well rewarded as the curtains are finally pulled back to reveal an accomplished guitarist, natural band selector and leader, as well as a vulnerability to the louche swagger. Whether he wants to or not I think he’s going to make it.

Have a listen:

Playlist Companion

For more plucky troubadours and, albeit less jazz licked, singer songwriting head over to the Slow Folk Playlist.