M. Ward - Transfiguration of Vincent (CD)

This Portland-based songwriter's music bridges the gap between folk, country, blues and rock. Armed with a guitar, harmonica, sparse percussion and a tin pan alley-esque piano. Ward spins timeless classics that seem to flow effortlessly. Simple yet eloquent tales alive with metaphor and imagery, told in a raspy, sepia-toned croon. He's been compared to Tom Waits, Granddaddy, Sparklehorse and Howe Gelb.