Jake Wilson

About All’s Well

Cambridge University Press Release

“Excellent folky tribute to ice-cold explorer Captain Scott. Jake Wilson’s self-recorded debut is a thoughtful tribute to the five British explorers who perished in the South Pole on Captain Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition in 1912. Set against a folky backdrop of acoustic guitar and vocals reminiscent of early John Fahey but with a tinge of Early Modern classical, the focus is squarely on the lyrics, with five songs, each dedicated to a different man. The pick is the title track, detailing the thoughts of Edward Wilson, while “Black was the Flag” is a contemplative, moving tribute to Scott himself. An unusual album, beautifully packaged with photographs from the expedition. 7/10” – Uncut

“Edgar Evans, Lawrence Oates, Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Robert Falcon Scott died just over a hundred years ago on their journey back from the South Pole. Hindsight tells us that there were mistaken decisions made before they set out, but in the end disappointment, bad luck and bad weather killed them. In this moving and beautifully composed CD Jake has written a song for each of them. These are the last thoughts before the final outcome that they all knew was inevitable. Superlative guitar accompaniment behind his gentle warm voice allied to sensitive and poetic lyrics make this a CD to treasure. There have been tributes this year to the loss of these brave men. This is far the most moving and truthful of them all.” – Folk London

“These are songs to be listened to and savoured, each morsel a piece of an evolving narrative jigsaw that grips the listener from beginning to end” – Irish Music Magazine

“Really stirring and very apt” – Sir Ranulph Fiennes, polar explorer

“Accomplished and imaginative … a very touching piece of work” – Maddy Prior, Steeleye Span

“Such an original idea, and the songs, arrangements and singing are sensitive, clear and intelligent” – Shirley Collins

“A fine, fine work … the guitar playing is outstanding” – Ashley Hutchings, founder member of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band

“A most fitting and appropriate tribute to the bravery and fortitude of Captain Scott and the members of the Antarctic Expedition” – Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, First Sea Lord

“Exquisite guitar playing, profound words, and a voice integrated with the appropriate emotion” – Anthony Rooley, lute pioneer

“Moving, poignant, lyrical, special and timely” – Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield

“A cultural masterpiece for the Scott centenary” – David Wilson, great-nephew of team member, Edward Wilson

“One of the most evocative responses to the story of Scott to have come out of the centenary” – Heather Lane, Scott Polar Research Institute

“Each of these five very different men … would surely recognise himself in ‘his’ song” – Anne Strathie, biographer of team member, Henry Bowers