The Wanting is an intriguing title for Glenn Jones’ fourth solo record, and first for the Thrill Jockey label. You expect to feel a deep yearning of sense of loss pouring from each song; instead, each track is completely satisfying and exudes feelings of contentment.
Jones comes from the John Fahey and Robbie Basho school of finger-style guitar players. He picks his way across the guitar (6 and 12 string varieties) on this record, but he also adds a bit of banjo to the mix on tracks like “The Great Swamp Way Rout” and “Menotomy River Blues”. The epic album closer, “The Orca Grande Cement Factory at Victorville” is a stunner. Here Jones is joined by drummer Chris Corsano for a collaboration that delivers a track-long struggle between guitar and drums. Jones guitar is sometimes pushed aside by Corsano’s percussion, only to rear up in a controlled frenzy, righting the balance until the skirmish begins again.
Like Jack Rose before him, Glenn Jones is hell-bent on taking this style of guitar playing on a long series of new adventures. These songs sound familiar and comforting but they are also new, fresh and inventive. The Wanting is a rewarding listen that’s refreshing, fulfilling and complete.
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