Bella Union Schallplatten & CDs

Review: The LA-based troubadour here follows up his critically acclaimed Fanfare with a five song EP that mixes covers with originals, yet at all times deals out the artful and effortless Laurel Canyon-tinged sonic landscapes for which he's made his name; he shines whether re-inventing Arlo Guthrie's "Coming Into Los Angeles" as a violin-led ditty that is bound to bring Dylan's "Desire" to mind, essaying a lengthy, jammed-out and iridescent cover of Bob Welch's "Angel", or dishing out characteristically laidback originals like "Alpha Blondy Was King" and the title track. As ever it's a mercurial combination of flair and charm that elevates Wilson away from being simply a retro pleasure for '70s-slaves, rendering him a talent truly relevant in the here and now.

Review: The credits alone should make it clear where this one is coming from. Recorded over the course of six days in a Nashville studio, with Wilco's Pat Sansone on production and sessions musicians called in for services in pedal steel, bass and fiddle (the latter by hero of the instrument, Mark O'Connor), 'Dixie Blur' sees Jonathan Wilson add to an already burgeoning back catalogue of work something for the timeless folk and Americana section of your collection.

And he does this very well indeed. A reflective outing that deals with some relatively standard themes, albeit poignant nonetheless - youth, love, friendship and the loss of any or all of those things - this is a case in point for the power of paring things back and allowing what elements are there to fully shine.