Jeremy Dion – ‘Bend in The Middle’ [Album Review]

Folk-rock singer-songwriter Jeremy Dion has released his fourth album Bend in The Middle, and first since 2021’s Sharpe & Dion, a collaboration with Peter Sharpe.

Speaking about the title track, Dion says, “The theme song to my life as a therapist. This song embodies so much of what I talk to clients about on a regular basis, learning how to love the parts of us that don’t seem to fit the mould, that we tried to hide or cut off in our upbringing. Healing and integration are one and the same and getting our eyes off of what others are doing and what they think about what we are doing is vital.”

Recorded in Longmont, Colorado at Cinder Sound Studios with Kyle Donovan, Bend in The Middle features a who’s who of Colorado musicians: Donovan (guitars), John McVey (guitars), Taylor Sims (guitars), Greg Schochet (guitars), Eric Moon (keyboards), Daniel Herman (piano), Christian Teele (percussion), Bradley Morse (bass), Peter Sharpe (mandolin), Enion Pelta-Tiller (fiddle), Beth Wilberger (fiddle), and cellist Courtlyn Carpenter from the band Sturtz.

“All I See Is You,” a duet with Kate Farmer, opens the album, rolling out on a soft, folk melody reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Dion’s smooth voice blends with Farmer’s velvety tones, forming delicious sonic concord.

Highlights on the album include “Lovin Our Friends,” which for some reason conjures up suggestions of Harry Chapin, probably because of Dion’s slightly raspy timbres and passionate delivery.

A personal favourite because of its gentle, upbeat melody, “Sweet June” features plush harmonies and an enchanting fiddle. Love and affection drip from the lyrics. “An honest love song for my daughter Avery, whom I have always called June,” explains Dion.

Jeremy Dion, photo by Kirsten Cohen

The poignant “Constant” travels on a low-slung rhythm as Dion’s evocative vocals give the lyrics tender, thoughtful weight, narrating the significance of fostering love in a relationship.

“This time I don’t mind if it leads into tender conversations / One way but I can’t say if at all / Don’t you worry, it’s constant.”

The final track, “The Haunting” is aptly titled, floating on dreamy, melancholic surfaces, revealing the ache and overwhelming woeful feeling of lost love under tragic circumstances. The depth of sorrow evoked by the song is simultaneously unbearable and cathartic.

Escorted by charming, creamy melodies, Jeremy Dion delivers reflective folk music across deeply emotional panoramas.

Bend in The Middle Track Listing:

1. All I See Is You
2. Bend in The Middle
3. Lovin Our Friends
4. Second Hand
5. Sweet June
6. It Happened So Fast
7. Avery
8. Constant
9. Better You Know My Name
10. You & I
11. The Haunting

Run Time: 44:24
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Record Label: Independent