Ry Jennings didn’t just make a debut album – he presents the world which he lives & has invited us to step inside. Whisperin’ Ry, out 9/5 on Nudie Records, feels like an open door into his corner of Nashville – quiet streets, soft light, & a tape machine humming in the background.
“This is a collection of songs starting from 2020, home recording on my tape machine at our decaying old house off of Music Row,” Jennings shares. “Then I went to mix with Jake Davis, and also recorded the other half at his home studio with Josh Halper on nylon string, and Michael Bordelon on drums. I played all the other instruments like organ, synth, flute, guitars, bass, harmonica, & all the vocals.”
Jennings may be known to most as a co-founder of Teddy & The Rough Riders or for his bass alongside Emily Nenni, or even as a fixture of those legendary Sunday nights at Santa’s Pub; but here, on Whisperin’ Ry, he steps forward – delicate, smooth, & straight to the point.
Named after Ry Cooder but carrying the velvety harmonies of Harry Nilsson & the plainspoken intimacy of Neil Young.. Songs like “Goodbye Galaxy” and “Headlight” are standout tracks – they’re anchors, & would slide nicely into – Tonight’s the Night; which in our opinion, remains the crown jewel of Neil Young albums.
What makes Whisperin’ Ry remarkable is how Jennings balances his dreamy approach – head-in-the-clouds but with two feet grounded in the grass below storytelling. These are songs of Nashville, of family, of heartbreak – but seen through the hazy lens of a subtle psychedelic shimmer. Jennings’ voice is warm & measured, inviting you to sit at the table he’s set, to take in the view exactly as he’s framed it.
And that’s part of the magic here – it feels handcrafted, tailored.. Each instrument & harmony feels purposefully placed. Listening once is unfair to yourself – because each turn reveals something you missed: a turn of phrase or flutter of flute. This is a record that grows roots with every listen & eases the soul in equal measure.
– @meanwhile_in_music
