Rooted in wistful remembrances, Jesi Jones’ heartbreaking ballad “Neverland” is a sobering tribute to a loved one battling a terminal illness.  “Neverland” emerges as a highlight on the Nashville singer-songwriter’s latest reflective piano pop release Ohio.

As she pleads for her friend to hold on, Jones grapples with grief,  fear and faith. With Jones’ achingly pure voice  set against a backdrop of lush strings, the song’s narrator vainly searches for an explanation for her friend’s condition: “Why can’t you stay/There’s got to be a reason,” she cries.  There are not any late miracles in sight; both Jones and her friend realize that what has already been set in motion will ultimately come to pass.  However, when Jones movingly sings of meeting her friend again in a place of renewed innocence and wonder, a bit of the audience’s own faith is restored.

Ohio is the follow-up to Jones’ 2010 EP Full Circle. A free download of the album’s title track is available on Soundcloud.

Thanks to Stacy Lantz for the recommendation.