Tucker Zimmerman - Dance of Love

This is what early autumn sounds like.

In a career spanning over six decades, Tucker Zimmerman has established himself as a cornerstone of folk music, delivering profound storytelling across a series of albums. Now, with Dance of Love, his first release on the 4AD label, Zimmerman continues his legacy with a fresh twist. The backing ensemble for this album is none other than Big Thief, one of 4AD's brightest acts, providing a rich, immersive soundscape that complements Zimmerman's seasoned voice.

Adrianne Lenker, Big Thief's lead vocalist, lends her ethereal voice to nearly every track, enhancing the already tender atmosphere of the album. There's an undeniable warmth in their collaboration, as Lenker's harmonies intertwine with Zimmerman’s lyrics, weaving a delicate tapestry of emotion and intimacy. Also present is Zimmerman's wife Marie-Claire, a longtime collaborator whose involvement stretches back to the 1970s, further grounding the project in personal history.

Dance of Love feels like sitting by a campfire with your grandfather—someone with a lifetime of stories, filled with wisdom and wonder. The album doesn’t aim to overwhelm you. Instead, it wraps you in a comforting embrace, drawing you into its world slowly, with Zimmerman’s sharp yet playful lyrics offering deep reflections on love and life. There’s a captivating simplicity here, as if every song is a story passed down through generations, best savored in quiet contemplation.

The musical support from Big Thief, a band known for their own evocative folk sound, elevates the work without overshadowing Zimmerman’s voice. The group is careful to keep the focus on Zimmerman, letting the arrangements serve as a gentle, intricate backdrop. Lenker’s harmonies, in particular, add a layer of brilliance, making each track shimmer with authenticity.

Zimmerman’s knack for balancing profound insights with a certain lightheartedness is another highlight. His lyrics manage to be both thought-provoking and inviting, never pretentious, making you want to lean in closer, to listen a little more attentively.

This album won’t sweep you off your feet, but it doesn’t have to. It’s an invitation to slow down, to take a breath, and to appreciate the stories of a man who’s lived a life worth telling. And in that space, Dance of Love excels—leaving you with the warm feeling that only the best storytellers can provide.

7.9/10

Press materials provided by 4AD and Sonic Records.