Murfreesboro multi-instrumentalist Julian Jennison and his Tree Climbers have released an interesting new collection of easygoing, minimalist hippie jams this summer, One Branch at a Time.
While on the surface many of the tracks first seem to display a carefree, peppy and feelgood vibe, Julian doesn’t shy away from exploring some deep and serious emotional territory on the album.
Much of the material possesses some similarities to communal jams in the vein of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, the ukulele strumming of Iz (Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) and the acoustic folk-rock of Bob Dylan or Peter, Paul and Mary.
A ska influence pairs with the uke strumming on the inspirational and creative “Ye Shall Overcome,” a creative message of positivity and encouragement. Something about the tone of a ukulele signifies joyful dancing on an island beach. Julian’s voice mimics the trombone slide during parts of this one.
A self-described “collective, ever-changing group of musicians playing a mish-mash of genres and styles” led by Jennison, the Tree Climbers show a little anger and frustration on the driving “Lonesome Joe,” the opener of the seven-song One Branch at a Time. This Joe character is someone who is not such a good friend, a hypocrite, a coward, a taker, Who’s a walking contradiction, and an incorrect depiction of himself, and all the things he swears he tries to be.
For purposes of this album, the Tree Climbers are Jaden Tabb on bass and Mike Chapman on drums, along with a couple of guest horn players.
“Love Song for the Self” (which opens with the striking line to set a pensive and melancholy tone: A cloudy morning on the onset of September) plays as an anthem of sorts for the singles out there, reminding listeners that they don’t have to find happiness and fulfillment in others, that they are not required to be in a serious relationship and that, despite the flaws that everyone has, it’s emotionally healthy to accept ourselves for who and what we are.
Love yourself and you’ll go far.
Other interesting characters on the album include Lucy, the subject of the upbeat track of the same name, and the individual discussed in the piano-led “To the Man of the Streets.” These may not be the most musically interesting songs on the album, but both display Julian’s heartfelt appreciation for the relationships in his life and a seemingly honest and genuine care for others.
He says that he visualized this album like the climbing of a tree, beginning with some frustration, in need of encouragement, struggling with some challenging parts here and there, but growing and learning and becoming a better person, and enjoying the journey and the view from the top.
Julian seems to do his own musical thing, having fun and singing passionately as he encourages us all to keep on climbing. Find One Branch at a Time on Bandcamp.
