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Jack Horton returns with Imperfections, his second EP in under a year, continuing his journey as a heartfelt storyteller and accomplished musician. This five-song collection dives deep into emotional reflection, transformation, and personal truth, featuring four original compositions and a striking reimagining of a Jim Croce classic. Each track stands alone, but together they weave a powerful narrative of growth, love, and resilience.
The rollout of Imperfections is intentionally paced, with Horton releasing one track per month beginning in April and concluding in August. Leading the EP is “Set Me Free,” a raw and liberating song born from a difficult chapter in Horton’s life. Inspired by the end of his marriage, the song explores the strength it takes to let go of someone you love.
Following that, “String Around My Finger” brings an entirely different energy. Upbeat and laced with a pop-country vibe, the track tells the story of a songwriter choosing love over the bright lights of Nashville. In clever lyrics, Horton gives nods to some of his musical heroes with the line, “I’m playin’ covers at ol’ Joe’s every Wednesday night / Elton John, Johnny Cash, and a little John Prine.” The track is both charming and grounded, showing Horton’s range not just as a pianist, but as a lyrical narrator with a keen sense for character and place.
The third track in the release lineup is a cover — a bold move for an artist known for his original compositions. Horton takes on Jim Croce’s 1972 hit “Operator,” offering a fresh interpretation that remains respectful to the original while exploring new emotional territory. “As a songwriter, I never thought I’d cover someone else,” Horton admits. “But I wanted to bring something new to this song. It felt like a conversation I needed to have.”
Next comes “Never Know Why,” a moving duet performed with Vesper Stockwell, Horton’s creative partner and musical collaborator. Their vocal chemistry brings added depth to this track, which explores the unanswerable questions that follow heartbreak and disconnection. It’s intimate, haunting, and quietly powerful — a true standout in the EP’s emotional arc.
The final song on Imperfections is a reworked version of Horton’s 2023 single, “Space and Time.” In this updated take, the song finds new texture and tone, amplifying the ache behind the lyrics. It captures the difficult reality of someone asking for “space” as a way to say goodbye. The fresh arrangement ties together the EP’s themes with poignancy and honesty, offering a fitting close to the project.
Jack Horton’s path to music has been anything but linear. Raised in Oregon and relocating to Tokyo as a teenager, he supported himself through piano bar gigs while attending Japanese law school. After building a successful career as an attorney, government official, and tech CEO, Horton returned to his musical roots — a decision that has clearly paid off. A classically trained pianist and bilingual songwriter, he continues to defy expectations with each new release. His previous EP, The Tokyo Sessions, featuring original songs written and performed in Japanese, is set for an official campaign in Japan in mid-2025.
Imperfections is a deeply personal and finely crafted project that showcases Jack Horton’s commitment to honest songwriting and polished musicianship. With thoughtful arrangements, vulnerable lyrics, and a voice that conveys both warmth and strength, Horton invites listeners into a world shaped by real experience and emotional depth. This EP is not just a collection of songs — it’s a portrait of an artist evolving in real time, one note at a time.
Listen here:open.spotify.com/track/2UOBE