Tom Brosseau: Cavalier

On Tom Brosseau's latest album, Cavalier, the fuller arrangements of this year's Grand Forks have been replaced by a retreat to minimalism, as the retro-folkie relies on muted guitar strumming and his big, Jeff Buckley-esque voice. As a songwriter and vocalist, Brosseau has matured greatly since his first few records, and years of touring have taught him to hold a room spellbound. Taken one track at a time—especially songs like the profoundly wistful "Brass Ring Blues"—Cavalier can be mesmerizing. But a little of Brosseau's whispery-blues-in-the-night approach goes a long way, even with his finely honed lyrics. At this point in his career, Brosseau is still a talented singer-songwriter who's one brilliant arranger away from making a masterpiece.