Here I Am and There You Are

Released in late 2020, 'Here I Am and There You Are' represents a peak in Jono McCleery's pursuit of 'hushed' music. While his previous work often flirted with more expansive electronic production (notably through his association with Ninja Tune), this album leans heavily into a stripped-back, organic aesthetic. The recording captures a specific sense of presence, likely influenced by the global period of isolation during which it was finalized. The track 'Promise of Spring' serves as the album's emotional and temporal anchor, stretching over six minutes and showcasing his ability to maintain tension through minimalism. Critically, the album was noted for its 'nu jazz' sensibilities, specifically how McCleery uses non-standard tunings and jazz voicings to elevate simple folk structures. It stands as his most cohesive and intimate statement to date, bridging the gap between the UK folk revival and contemporary downtempo soul.