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It's funny how many people compare themselves to Nick Drake since the popular VW commercial of a few years ago featuring his “Pink Moon.” Do not be surprised if 30 years from now similar comparisons are made with Chris Koza's work. His promo material claims comparisons with Nick Drake, Paul Simon, and Ryan Adams. Koza is one of the few artists in recent memory that can live up to the easy and peaceful style of these singer/songwriters.

The bookend tracks of this disc (1 and an ending unlisted track) begin and end the soundscape first with a plodding percussion track and finishing with a Salvador Dali string section draping Kosa's parting vocals. They are quite uncharacteristic of the rest of this delightful independent offering.

The remainder of this disc, starting at track 2, “Civil War Letters” starts off with an interesting word picture sung in a comfortable lilt:

Sugar cane winters, the machines hurt your fingers. Every year it's something else. Every year she's getting close.

Coupled with an easy, woody acoustic guitar; the mind begins to drift into Chris's world of sound and poetry. For the next 25 minutes or so, we are transported from our hectic day to day to an enchanting world that Chris has thankfully painted for us.

“Tired Eyes” makes use of one of the most inventive placements of a muted horn section heard in a folk/acoustic album.

The pleasures continue with two of the middle tracks, “Trip to Poughkeepsie” and “Winning the Lottery”; both evocative of Guster-like acoustic focused instrumentation mixed with charming vocals and harmonies.

The playful title track sits in the center of the disc; this one most suggestive of Paul Simon in early '70's sonic garb, accompanied now and then by voices from first the orient, and then girl backup singers from Harlem.

“Pheasants” and”South South Dakota” find us back with Koza primarily by himself with just his soothing voice, acoustic guitar, occasional cellos, and melancholy verse.

At the end of the 30 minutes, you will find yourself reaching for the 'repeat' button on your CD player and wanting for more. This disc will be in regular rotation in the car's CD player this fall.

A visit to Kozas' website reveals that he does regular solo gigs in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and also spends time as the frontman for the Channels. It's too bad his touring dates don't cover more area than just those two fortunate states. 

Kosa's album is distributed through CDBaby www.cdbaby.com, with plenty of clips for previewing available. It's worthwhile purchase for fans of Nick Drake, Guster, Wilco, Granddaddy and the like.

Scott Lake  (November 15, 2004)