Paul Federici

Paul Federici's Relative Importance is nice. Really nice. Tender, even: there's tender guitar strumming, tender strings, with a tender chorus of Federici's angelic harmonies. Especially heartstring tugging are "True" and "Without You," a spare little ditty fingerpicked for some estranged love. "On My Mind" is the most upbeat track, but that's not saying much. Save this album for particularly introspective and/or nostalgic days. The Hamilton, ON native taught himself guitar in university, went on to play local pub gigs and eventually started writing his own music while earning a Master's Degree to become a clinical social worker. I'm not sure if he's quit his day job, but considering the honest quality of his music, chances are he will have that option soon.