Alt-rock troubadour Stephen Jacques returns in full bloom with “Fragrant Flowers,” the luminous lead single from his forthcoming 13th album, Pioneer and Fragrant Flowers, set for release on July 25, 2025. With this opening track, Jacques proves once again why he remains one of America’s most captivating and authentic singer-songwriters — a storyteller whose music is rooted in soul, experience, and a deep love for the craft.
Released on April 4, “Fragrant Flowers” captures listeners immediately with its bright guitar riffs, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and timeless. Jacques’ warm, resonant voice — at once weathered and inviting — channels the spirit of the classic singer-songwriter tradition while adding a fresh layer of Americana flair. It’s a song that calls to mind the melodic storytelling of Dire Straits, blended with the heartland spirit of Springsteen and the alt-rock richness of Wilco. Yet, it remains distinctly Jacques: poetic, personal, and powerful.
As the first taste of Pioneer and Fragrant Flowers, the track sets the tone for an album that promises to be one of Jacques’ finest yet. With credits that include producer Jason Narducy and a stellar lineup of musicians — including Chris Siebold on guitar, Vijay Tellis-Novak on piano, Gerald Dowd on drums, and the ethereal backing vocals of Jennifer Hall — the single boasts an exquisite arrangement. Taylor Hales (Electrical Audio, Chicago) engineered and mixed the track, while the final polish comes from Chicago Mastering. The result is a song that feels both grounded and elevated, raw yet refined.
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Lyrically, “Fragrant Flowers” invites listeners into a deeply emotional space, where love, memory, and longing intertwine. It’s the kind of song that lingers long after it ends, wrapping around the heart like a tender embrace. Jacques doesn’t just sing a song — he tells a story, drawing from a life richly lived.
That life is as fascinating as the music itself. A Renaissance man with roots in engineering, acting, TV hosting, and custom building, Stephen Jacques has channeled his vast experiences into a musical journey that spans more than a decade and 12 albums, including two produced by the late Steve Albini. Born of New Orleans and New York lineage, and currently living in Charlottesville, Virginia, Jacques carries within him a blend of cultural heritage and artistic drive that breathes life into every lyric.
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With Pioneer and Fragrant Flowers, Jacques offers ten new tracks, each poised to expand his legacy. Alongside “Fragrant Flowers,” titles like “Native American Sweetness,” “Dusty Danny,” “Smoking Trail,” and “Sunset Horsey” hint at the lyrical landscapes Jacques is known for — vivid, poetic, and deeply human. In a world where sincerity can feel scarce, Stephen Jacques offers a reminder of music’s most enduring power: connection. And with “Fragrant Flowers,” he’s not just connecting — he’s blooming anew.
Check the links below, discover more about Stephen Jacques and his music, and remember to add his songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.boxofmoxie.net
Spotify: Stephen Jacques
Facebook: boxofmoxie.net
Instagram: stephenjacquesmusic
Soundcloud: Stephen Jacques
