Trad Arr Jones

Released in 1999, Trad Arr Jones represents a significant pivot for John Wesley Harding. Known primarily for his Dylanesque folk-rock and sharp lyrical wit, Harding dedicated this entire project to the arrangements of Nic Jones, a titan of the 1970s British folk revival whose career was cut short by a car accident. The album is a meticulous recreation of Jones's unique percussive fingerstyle guitar technique, which treats the instrument as both a melodic and rhythmic engine. Recorded with a stark, minimalist approach, the album features traditional staples like 'Canadee-I-O' and 'Little Musgrave'. Critics, including those at Pitchfork, noted the surprising sincerity of the project, praising Harding for his technical mastery of a difficult style and his ability to inhabit these dark, historical narratives without his usual satirical shield. It stands as one of the most respected tribute albums in the folk canon, bridging the gap between 90s indie-folk and the revivalist traditions of the 70s.