Piers Faccini

This is the fourth solo outing from France-based singer-songwriter Faccini, and it richly deserves to boost his profile. My Wilderness was recorded at his home in the Cevennes, but there's nothing minimal or bed-sit about his production work. Trumpet, violin and cello play key roles, while such world music instruments as kora, balafon, n'goni and tampura are used in subtle and judicious ways. Layered backing vocals add further texture to such tunes as "Tribe" and "Drowning In My Sleep." Also an accomplished painter, Faccini's musical palette features such colours as Delta blues, West African rhythms and British folk, and he integrates them in vivid, original ways. Nick Drake is an occasional reference point, both in terms of the tender vocals and sophisticated instrumentation on display in songs like "My Wilderness" and "Say But Don't Say." Fuelled by strong trumpet and violin work, and insistent percussion, the jaunty "Dreamer" is a highlight on a gorgeous album devoid of lowlights.