John B. Mclemore was not a name widely known in the music world, but his posthumous release, “Tor Lundvall Presents: Witness Marks – The Works of John B. McLemore,” unveils a unique and introspective sound artist. This album, curated and presented by the esteemed ambient musician Tor Lundvall, offers a poignant glimpse into the creative mind of John B. McLemore, an individual whose life story resonated deeply after being featured in the popular “S-Town” podcast. “Witness Marks” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to McLemore’s artistic spirit, his profound connection with sound, and the quiet intensity of his inner world.
Tor Lundvall’s Serendipitous Discovery of John B. McLemore’s Music
The story of “Witness Marks” begins with an email in September 2012. Tor Lundvall received a message from John B. McLemore, who introduced himself as someone who had created an extensive remix of Lundvall’s music, incorporating his own original material. McLemore inquired about posting this creation on YouTube, a request Lundvall readily agreed to. Intrigued, Lundvall learned of a second, unfinished part to McLemore’s mix and requested to hear both.
What Lundvall received were two CD-Rs filled with hypnotic and haunting soundscapes. He described the recordings as evocative of “vast fields at twilight,” particularly drawn to the darker atmosphere of the second disc. This second part showcased McLemore’s original work, beginning with spectral clock chimes and culminating in a mysterious composition built from dried seed pods and other enigmatic sounds, creating an increasingly intense and almost claustrophobic sonic environment. This initial exchange marked the beginning of Lundvall’s appreciation for the distinctive artistry of John B. McLemore.
Lundvall and John B. McLemore corresponded for approximately two months. Their conversations touched upon McLemore’s appreciation for the loneliness he perceived in Lundvall’s paintings, his personal battles with depression, his responsibilities in caring for his aging mother, and anxieties about the future. Lundvall, recognizing a kindred spirit, encouraged McLemore to explore music as an outlet, a way to transform his feelings of loneliness into a more contemplative solitude. This encouragement, born from empathy and shared artistic sensibilities, highlights the connection Lundvall felt with John B. McLemore, even in their brief correspondence.
Their final communication occurred in late October 2012 when John B. McLemore sent Lundvall a slideshow of his fall flower beds and dogs. Lundvall, touched by the gesture, expressed how much the video brightened his day. Tragically, this was the last time Tor Lundvall heard from John B. McLemore.
Years later, revisiting John B. McLemore’s YouTube channel, Lundvall was saddened to discover comments indicating McLemore’s passing. These comments also alluded to recent national attention McLemore had received, which led Lundvall to the “S-Town” podcast. While acknowledging mixed reactions to the podcast, Lundvall recognized its role in illuminating aspects of John B. McLemore’s life. However, Lundvall struggled to reconcile the podcast’s portrayal with the private, somewhat melancholic individual he had corresponded with. It became clear that there were layers to John B. McLemore that extended beyond any single narrative.
Prompted by this renewed connection, Lundvall revisited the unreleased second CD-R of McLemore’s recordings. Listening to the “clock chimes ringing in the dark” after years, Lundvall experienced an “eerie and chilling moment.” It evoked a line from his own song, “29”: “I live with dreams and a lonely mind, my clock is set to a different time.” This moment of resonance solidified Lundvall’s conviction that John B. McLemore’s work deserved to be heard. Despite McLemore’s own dissatisfaction with the mix, Lundvall recognized its unique quality and felt compelled to share it with a wider audience.
John B. McLemore’s Notes: A Glimpse into the Artist’s Mind
John B. McLemore’s own notes, included with the album description, provide further insight into his artistic process and intentions. He describes the recordings as the intended second part of his “Tor Lundvall Remix series,” expressing dissatisfaction with the final product due to perceived “defects.” This self-critical perspective reveals a perfectionist streak in McLemore’s creative endeavors.
McLemore details the composition of each part of the mix. The first movement features “old clock bells and air turbulence mixed with Tor Lundvall and Field Recordings of rain, birds, cicadas, frogs and such,” highlighting his use of found sounds and environmental recordings. The second part is described as “My interpretation of Lundvall’s Dark Spring,” inspired by the music of Carl Michael von Hausswolff, indicating a clear influence and artistic lineage. The third part, “Very ambient Field Recordings inspired by the work of Francisco Lopez,” further emphasizes his engagement with the ambient and field recording genres. The fourth part, “A Very Quiet passage consisting of delicate Field Recordings,” underscores the subtle and nuanced nature of his sound explorations.
The final movement, “Music performed entirely by me inspired by the Darker paintings of Tor Lundvall,” is particularly revealing. McLemore describes using “dried seed pods from the plant; Showy Rattlebox (Crotolaria Spectabilis)” as instruments, alongside “other sounds from my own environment.” This description showcases his resourcefulness and his ability to create music from unconventional materials, drawing inspiration from both nature and his surroundings.
McLemore notes that the mix was assembled in “Late Fall of 2003” and emphasizes the need for a specific listening environment: “After Midnight, in the Late Fall of the year,” requiring a “Very Long Attention span” and a “nearly Isolated listening environment.” This prescriptive listening context reinforces the introspective and immersive nature of his music, intended for focused and solitary listening experiences. The poignant detail that “this recording was done just days before my Father died, and there are many feelings of guilt associated with the time spent on it” adds a layer of personal emotion and complexity to the work, revealing the profound personal context surrounding its creation.
Exploring the Tracks of “Witness Marks”
“Witness Marks” comprises five tracks, each offering a distinct facet of John B. McLemore’s sonic vision:
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John B. McLemore & Tor Lundvall – Clock Chimes In The Mist (17:46): This opening track immediately immerses the listener in McLemore’s world of sound. The ethereal “clock chimes” resonate through a misty sonic landscape, blending field recordings with Lundvall’s signature ambient textures. It’s a lengthy and atmospheric piece that sets the tone for the album, inviting contemplation and introspection.
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John B. McLemore & Tor Lundvall – John B.’s Dark Spring (Inspired By Carl Michael Von Hausswolff) (21:21): Inspired by Carl Michael von Hausswolff, this track delves into darker sonic territories. “John B.’s Dark Spring” is a sprawling and evocative composition, likely exploring themes of melancholy and introspection, mirroring the “darker” aspects of spring, moving beyond typical representations of the season.
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John B. McLemore – Field Recordings (For Francisco Lopez) (00:55): A brief but potent interlude, “Field Recordings (For Francisco Lopez)” pays homage to the renowned sound artist Francisco Lopez. In its concise duration, it likely captures a raw and unadulterated soundscape, reflecting Lopez’s focus on pure environmental sound.
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John B. McLemore – Quiet Passage (04:35): True to its title, “Quiet Passage” offers a moment of sonic respite. This track emphasizes subtlety and delicate textures, likely constructed from minimal field recordings, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
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John B. McLemore – His Darker Paintings (22:13): The album’s longest track, “His Darker Paintings,” is inspired by Tor Lundvall’s visual art. Using instruments crafted from dried seed pods and environmental sounds, McLemore creates a unique sonic palette that reflects the mood and tone of Lundvall’s “darker paintings.” This track is a testament to McLemore’s ability to translate visual art into sound, showcasing his originality and creative vision.
The Enduring Legacy of John B. McLemore
“Tor Lundvall Presents: Witness Marks – The Works of John B. McLemore” is a significant release not only for fans of ambient and experimental music but also for those intrigued by the story of John B. McLemore. It provides a tangible artistic legacy for a man whose life and thoughts captivated listeners of “S-Town.” The album offers a deeper understanding of John B. McLemore beyond the podcast narrative, presenting him as a sensitive and innovative sound artist.
This collection serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden creativity that exists in unexpected places. John B. McLemore, though not a professional musician in the traditional sense, possessed a unique artistic voice that Tor Lundvall has respectfully brought to light. “Witness Marks” invites listeners to delve into the introspective soundscapes of John B. McLemore, to appreciate his singular approach to sound, and to reflect on the complexities of his life and artistic expression.
Experience “Witness Marks”
“Witness Marks” is available for streaming and download, offering listeners multiple ways to engage with John B. McLemore’s sonic world. The album is available in digital formats and as a Compact Disc (CD) edition, which includes a bonus track, available via Dais Records. By experiencing “Witness Marks,” listeners can connect with the artistic legacy of John B. McLemore and further explore the haunting beauty of his soundscapes.
Buy or listen to “Witness Marks” on Bandcamp. (Please replace xxxxx with the actual Bandcamp URL if available from the original context – if not, remove this line).
This album stands as a testament to the power of sound, the enduring impact of personal connection, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating unique artistic voices, wherever they may be found. “Witness Marks” ensures that the creative spirit of John B. McLemore resonates beyond his lifetime, offering a lasting glimpse into the mind of a truly original sound artist.
