This Canadian singer-songwriter's 5th solo album showcases the kind of mellow, hushed, romantic and ....erm .... hazy textures which Bob Harris and his Radio 2 audiences relish.
In other words, this is sophisticated easy listening folk music perfectly tailored to the tastes of mature audiences who appreciate the subtle nuances and the artist's low key quests for truth.
Overall, the songs display a brooding optimism driven by a belief that positivity will bring its own rewards.
One of the best tracks is Coke Machine Glow which hints at an uneasy relationship with the modern world while on Rudderless Day such problems are put into context by the thought that in the long run we'll all be dead anyway!
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Roy Orbison and Kris Kristofferson are cited among Ellsworth's influences and calling a track Harry Nilsson's Heart gives notice of another.
Delicate, laid-back arrangements mostly feature acoustic guitar, occasional violin and subdued percussion.
It's all very tastefully done although so sleepy and subdued that a little more variety in the mood would have been welcome.
Dennis Ellsworth's website
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