I heard some good clips of this on NPR a week or so ago, and ordered it. Arrived from Amazon today. Wow. He's an excellent acoustic guitarist (his previous effort, All Kinds of You, is excellent, on the Tompkins Square label) and rapidly developing as a songwriter. His voice reminds me a lot of John Martyn, and this new disc is a lot jazzier than All Kinds of You, which has more acoustic guitar. There's a definite 60's/70's vibe, but it's not a tired replica in any way; this material sounds really fresh to me. Stunningly good the first time through. My favorite new music of the year so far, and likely to be at the top at the end of the year, too. Highly recommended if you're a fan of Tim Buckley, John Martyn, Tim Hardin, Bert Jansch -- and even if you're not.

Description
Ryley Walker is the reincarnation of the true True American guitar player. That’s as much a testament to his roving, rambling ways, or as to the fact that his Guild D-35 guitar has endured a few stints in the pawnshop. No one knows what the future holds for young Ryley Walker. Hardship and setbacks and dilapidated housing uncertainty only seem to spur him on creatively. Here, with this record, we risk limiting his access to personal disaster by flirting with success. Here, with Primrose Green, we risk limiting his access to personal disaster by flirting with success.

Tracklist
1. Primrose Green (4:08)
2. Summer Dress (5:09)
3. Same Minds (4:21)
4. Griffiths Bucks Blues (2:45)
5. Love Can Be Cruel (5:05)
6. On The Banks Of The Old Kishwaukee (4:58)
7. Sweet Satisfaction (6:23)
8. The High Road (4:48)
9. All Kinds Of You (4:32)
10. Hide In The Roses (2:41)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RUT38KS/?tag=imwan-20

Thanks, Linda.

Just found out he's opening tonight for Real Estate at the Englert Theater in Iowa City, about two miles from my residence. Somebody here at work was even giving away free tickets to the show. I can't go. (Insert your favorite swear word here.)

Thanks in advance for your cards and condolences.