UNDER BENT LIMB TREES

" Hush Arbor's new release Under Bent Limb Trees explores the many facets of nature - the warmth of a hazy sunny summer day, the angry tumult of a storm, and the enclosing menace of kudzu cover. Wood's Nature is not only worthy of our admiration but also our respect and awe. It is a beguiling mixture of delicate seductive sun-washed days and grim, steely, claustrophobic blackness. Under Bent Limb Trees is Hush Arbors' first non-CDR release. It seems that the move to a slightly more permanent medium has had an impact. Wood's vocals, which have wavered with frail beauty on previous efforts, are more assured and commanding here. The arrangements (all instruments are played by Wood himself with a few guest spots) provide sympathetic support and offer a muscular counterpoint to any remaining vocal frailty. Fans of Jewelled Antler releases will find themselves in familiar territory, but Wood tends to favor smaller and more enclosed spaces for his recordings. This gives Hush Arbors a more immediate and intimate sound than the signature reverberant chambers of Thuja. www.fakejazz.com