Christian Gibbs (a.k.a. C. Gibbs, etc.) heads out to the woods with this new release. Literally. Much of the album was recorded with a few old friends at a place he has in Bethel, N.Y. (yes, close to the original Woodstock festival ground). These songs are largely twisty, introspective works, eschewing much in the way of bombast or even volume.

He Arrived By Helicopter The Shiny Hostel (Eastern Spurs/Very Special Recordings)

I rarely like such stuff. Most of the time, I find this sort of thing overly precious and kinda dull. But Gibbs isn't one to mince words--or use them unnecessarily. He is similarly economical with his music, no matter the volume or speed. That brings an intensity of focus that really draws in a listener.

And there's the fact that Gibbs can write some really pretty melodies. These often are expressed on an acoustic guitar, but occasionally they're sung. His laconic intricacies are almost a paradox, and they're simply lovely.

By any name, a Christian Gibbs album is worth hearing. No matter what is at the top of the album, the same players tend to come and go. And Gibbs's songs are there. He may have escaped into the woods for this one, but there's no way these songs will stay out in the cold.

Jon Worley