The name of this album – or rather, it's foundational concept – is meant to express appreciation. It's a collection of eleven songs (plus a twelfth bonus sing-along track pulled directly from the studio room floor) delivered to you, the listener; a token of Jon Janes's humble appreciation for the opportunity to devote his energy to the careful packaging, polishing, and subsequent sharing of his music. Unlike much of the music in the folk-alt-country bracket, Janes' songs don't seem to stray heavily into sombre or forlorn thematic territory. Rather, his instrumental arrangements and vocal melodies carry a distinct warmth, an ever-present sunniness that helps to beautifully deliver the sense of appreciation that exists at the core of this album.
Guided by such sentiments, I Made This For You by The Mountains & the Trees (the moniker adopted by St John's, Newfoundland's Jon Janes) goes down like a candy apple: it's warm, homely folk music coloured with diverse instrumental flourishes that provide a sort of orchestral quality. This musical depth makes what could have been a fairly quaint and honest acoustic record feel more vibrant, more living. Still, songs like "Good Little Town" are strong enough to stand up without multiple layers of horns, percussion, and piano accompaniment, giving the album room to breath and the listener time to reflect on the sentiments aroused by the sound.
With it's extensive list of contributors that complement it's folk-based acoustic palette, I Made This For You does indeed come across as a gift. It may not provide a life-changing musical experience, but the sincerity in the songs undoubtedly leaves the listener with a warm feeling in their chest, smiling quietly as images of helping hands and loving arms flicker between their sounding headphones.
It's like Thanksgiving without the dead turkey or filthy tablecloth.
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