Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You

Subject: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: maggie
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 07:25 AM

'Thank You' - Tim & Jenny Leaning

It's a difficult thing to do, write an honest critique of an album by a good friend.   In order to achieve an unbiased piece, I will have to pretend I don't know that Tim is one of the most gentle of men it has been my delight to meet, and that Jenny is his soul-mate.

I listened to this album in the cold grey light of dawn – actually the sun is streaming in through my window – away from the bustle of a busy room full of musicians.   Fifteen great songs, all of them originals, and I will not try to give an opinion of each – though I could! A lot of albums contain a number of 'good songs' and a few put in there to 'pad it out', but not this one, in my opinion, every track's a gem.

If the content of some of these songs were presented as 'short stories' they would stand up well as social commentary. Though the mirror they hold up to society does not always reflect well on us all.   Man's inhumanity to man has been commented upon over the last few centuries, but Tim often finds new ways to show just how cruel life can be, especially to those at the lower end of the scale. Other tracks simply describe the love between him and Jenny, without any slushy sentimentality.

He then goes and puts it all to music! Original tunes too!   All are played with an appropriate style, sometimes driving, sometimes gently flowing. Haunting accompaniment comes also from Jenny's wonderful whistle playing, and now and then some gentle piano-accordion played by Helen Bennett.   

If ever I was asked to pick out tracks, it would be a hard task.    However, if I must, I will draw your attention to "Circles" (track 7) which was the first song of Tim's I was aware of.   This song covers life from the cradle to the grave – to coin a phrase!   "Somebody's Missing Tonight" (track 12) is the perfect song when we remember loved ones who have moved off this mortal coil and has brought me to my own vale of tears, touching pain long suppressed.   "Belt, Buckle & Steel" (track 13) tells of a disturbed childhood, living with a violent father who returns from the fishing fleet with beer in his belly and fire in his arm! The last on this selection "The Screw" (track 15) is a comment on our judicial system, and the 'revolving door' it seems to achieve.

This is an album I would confidently recommend to anyone with an open ear and a thoughtful mind.   I bounce the title back to Tim & Jenny – Thank You !


Maggie Gee.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 09:03 AM

I have the honour and the pleasure of knowing Tim, Jen and the lovely Helen and look forward to hearing the CD myself..... I too love the songs Tim produces... they have a very down to earth feel and like you say they present as Social Commentaries. Look forward to hearing the album.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Sooz
Date: 07 Aug 09 - 09:48 AM

Where's my copy?

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 01:14 AM

Got a few left.
but most are propping up wonky tables etc.
Cheers for the kind comments and the review.
going away to blush quietly now.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Peace
Date: 10 Aug 09 - 08:06 PM

Looking forward to it, Tim. Many thanks.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 06:17 PM

Tap& Spile
Acoustic culture
Tuesday 29th September.
There will be a buffet
To Help Tim&Jen launch their CD
"Thank You!"
'Featuring Helen Bennett'
15 original tracks
£5.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Peace
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 06:20 PM

Tim and Jenny,

Take some CDs with you to sell. It's a darned good CD, good songs, well-performed and well-written. I have listened to it lots and I really like it.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 06:24 PM

You are a nice man and we loved hearing your music.
You opinion is valued over here Mate Thank You.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 12:42 PM

We had a great night at the Grimsby Tap & Spile acoustic culture night last night.
Many thanks to all who came and played and also bought acopy of the CD.
It made our anniversary an even more special time for us.
Cheers
XXX

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Nick
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 01:29 PM

We've always enjoyed your songs, performances and visits to Flaxton and look forward to others in the future. You were good when you first visited but you haven't half got better over the past few years.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 02:17 PM

Cheers Nick
and its clubs and gatherings like yours at Flaxton who are prepared to give their support,lend a kind ear,and tolerate us beginners and newcomers that help to keep music live in all parts of the country.
You do great job in that club mate I'm surprised you can still get a seat after all the folks we recommend to call in if they are in the area.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Banjiman
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 02:19 PM

When are you coming to KFFC Tim?

I hope the album goes well mate.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 05:20 PM

I am hoping that one day we will be over your way on the right night I know you have some cracking guests there Paul.
It would be nice to come for a listen.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Banjiman
Date: 30 Sep 09 - 05:52 PM

Tim, you can come and do a support slot for us next year if you like..... just let me know and we can work on when.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Sooz
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 03:33 AM

Bring some to Gainsborough, Tim. I forgot to ask you last week.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 03:50 AM

Would love to Paul but maybe when Wenders is over here she can have a listen and see if we are up to it?
We need to do those sets in public but its hardly fair to practice on your audience without you having an idea if we are up to standard.
it would be smashing if we could.

Subject: RE: Review: Tim & Jenny Leaning - Thank You
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 04:12 AM

Ok Sooz guess you running low on beer mats again?