Jonathan Wilson - Gentle Spirit

(Bella Union)

It is tempting to go through Jonathan Wilson’s solo debut and point out influences. Wilson has a rich folk lineage, including production work with J Tillman of Fleet Foxes and Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and long-term residence in Laurel Canyon, so it is no surprise that this record is rustic, both in sound and imagery.

Presumably raised on a healthy diet of Neil Young, his warm, melodic sound relies on largely organic instrumentation and honey-laced vocals. Elliott Smith vibes slip in on ‘Can We Really Party Today?’, complimented by slatherings of strings, with jazzier, 70s sounds on ‘Desert Raven’ and ‘Natural Rhapsody’. A carefully crafted album likely to find favour with fans of Wilco or Crosby, Stills and Nash.