Jeff Hanson: Madam Owl (Kill Rock Stars)

Jeff Hanson: Madam Owl (Kill Rock Stars) - Though press releases seem prefer a more PC term “Otherworldly”, singer/songwriter Jeff Hanson’s voice is very feminine sounding.  Regardless, once you move beyond this fascination, you’ll find some intriguing baroque folk.  Well phrased, whispered vocals entwine with detailed arrangements both lavish and sparse.  Good.

Horse Feathers: House with No Home (Kill Rock Stars)

Horse Feathers: House with No Home (Kill Rock Stars) - Charmingly haunted minimalist Americana from Portland, Oregon.  Leader Justin Ringle’s whispered vocals convey themes of love and loss with economy.  The instrumentation is gentle and airy, with varied layers of guitar, banjo, percussion, piano, musical saw and strings.  Despite the breadth of instrumentation, the arrangements don’t become bloated, allowing the purity of the emotion to come through clearly.  RIYL: Iron and Wine  Recommended.