OXFORD – Acclaimed folk singer/songwriter Joe Jencks will return to 6 On The Square in Oxford at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.
Event representatives said Jencks is a 20-year veteran of the international folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, they said he delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit.
He penned several songs that have been No. 1 in the folk charts, including “The Lady of the Harbor” with the harmony trio Brother Sun. From festivals such as Falcon Ridge, Kerrville, Mariposa and Old Songs to venues like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Jencks is noted for his baritone voice, social consciousness and spiritual exploration.
On the stage, in the studio or in the classroom, Jencks applies conservatory training to contemporary genres, bridging styles and techniques. He has won numerous songwriting awards and is also highly regarded as a song interpreter.
Jencks’ latest album, “Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers,” was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. It spent several weeks at No. 1 on Sirius XM's Americana Chart and was also the No. 1 album on the Folk DJ Chart for that month, with four songs in the top 10.
“Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers” honors Jencks’ mentor and friend Pete Seeger with the title track, and the songs explore human experiences from love and triumph to tragedy and transformation. The album features largely original songs influenced by Celtic, blues, jazz and traditional American folk styles, interspersed with a handful of carefully chosen covers.
In addition to his performance work, Jencks' skills as a vocal harmony arranger are in demand. With over 30 appearances as a guest vocalist and arranger on various studio recordings, he brings a rich sound to the work of other artists.
