11/10/24
LTD RECYCLED VINYL
4AD welcomes Belgium-based American singer-songwriter Tucker Zimmerman to the family. His label debut and eleventh career studio record is entitled Dance Of Love. A collaboration with labelmates Big Thief (who produced and performed on the album).
“It was an extreme honor to make a record with one of the greatest songwriters of all time,” explains Big Thief. “We believe in this music with all of our hearts, and we hope it brings you joy.” The song tells the story of a resurfaced message in a bottle from a sea captain of yore, and closely parallel’s Zimmerman’s musical experience; words written long ago have the power to resonate for years to come, transcending time and place.
Over a career that spans half a century, Zimmerman’s discography is a sonic memoir. A sprawling collection of records that have explored folk, 12-bar blues, full-band rock concertos and classical piano compositions, his work is also a tribute to the people, experiences and sounds that have shaped his life, amassing in a deeply personal and resonating songbook.
“After years of writing and filling a box with over 500 song sheets, I had finally found my path, my originality, my voice. It had become clear to me that songs of only one kind were worth spending time on: those which had a positive message and a peaceful vibration [...] Just poetry. Little hums that perhaps might lift us all above our daily worries and fears, little hums that try to make the world a better place to live in.” – Tucker Zimmerman
Despite sailing under the radar throughout most of his storied and multi-layered career, the 83-year-old native Californian has received praise from contemporaries like Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker (“Tucker Zimmerman is one of the greatest songwriters of all time,”) and even from one of the greats (David Bowie called Zimmerman, “too qualified for folk.”). Inspired by Lenker’s appreciation for his work, Zimmerman was brought to the States to record the album, with Big Thief (and collaborators Mat Davidson and Zach Burba) serving as his backing band. On many tracks, Lenker meets Zimmerman half-way, their vocals fusing together in a soothing harmony; Zimmerman’s beloved wife, Marie-Claire, who graces the album’s cover also joined the chorus line.
With Dance Of Love, listeners will find a multi-faceted and heartfelt record from a songwriter who has had a full and exciting life decorated with meaningful friendships, hard but valuable lessons, worldly experience, and ultimately, lots of love.