Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese practice of repairing broken pottery with gold. It’s also the name of the title track from the 2022 album from multi-instrumentalist John Holden.
The song is about a fractured heart and shattered dreams. We are all not the same as we used to be. We can look at our broken parts and upon finding love make ourselves whole again. Always surrounded by a stellar list of collaborators this track is no different. Vocals from the UK’s Peter Jones (Camel, Tiger Moth Tales).
Beautifully measured and expressive guitar work of Michel St. – Pere from the Canadian band Mystery.
Strings from Dutch violin/viola player Frank Van Essen formerly of the dearly departed Celtic Christian band Iona make the track a truly international affair. Holden contributes on bass, guitar, keyboards and percussion. He also creates the lyrics with his wife, Elizabeth. If I must attach a label to describe this track I would say it’s progressive in its’ most purely classical form.
The track concludes with these vocals:
Fragile still
But stronger now
Flaws are real, this is true
A part of me
And witness of
My broken life made new …
With gold … Pure Gold
I found a love as good as gold
And love can always make you whole
More fitting lyrics for a love song can be found elsewhere but these, inspired by an ancient Japanese art form are truly introspective. Take what you will from them. As each of us races headlong into the future I hope you find “a love as good as gold” that can make you whole. Included here is the song. No video to speak of. Just the studio recording. Enjoy.
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