I first reviewed a Jim Lampos album more than 27 years ago. And while there are a few differences (which I'll get to), what strikes memost is that this set sounds just like Jim Lampos of yore. His voice and phrasing are utterly distinctive, and his arrangements are just as spare and luminous as ever.

Jim Lampos Occulations (self-released)

But to speak to that last bit first, Lampos does populate his sound with a bit more. There's organ, piano and other elements that complement his guitar and voice. Those are certainly way in the background, but their presence (or, really, enchanced presence) add just the right amount of support. It's a small evolution, but Lampos has found a few way to further enhance his songs.

And about those: for those who haven't scrolled the archives, Lampos speak-sings his way through modestly adulterated folk songs. Not like Johnny Cash or anyone else, but just like himself. These are largely comtemplative (even elegiac) pieces. Few can ruminate like Lampos.

I always imagined Lampos as being quite a bit older than me. I'm obviously wrong about that. His voice here is as clear as ever. He's always been an old soul. His sound is so distinctive that from almost the first note (even before the vocals begin) that each song is clearly his. I'm just as happy to write about this set as the first one I received way back in 1997. That's perhaps the most impressive thing. Resonant as always.

Jon Worley