Draw Them Near

On her second album Draw Them Near, Boston-area singer/songwriter Jess Klein has broken free from the comparisons to gypsy chanteuse Stevie Nicks. Backed by an alt-country all-star band featuring drummer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), bassist Brad Jones (Ron Sexsmith,Matthew Sweet), and guitarist Will Kimbrough (Kim Richey,Josh Rouse), Klein punches out tough, soulful songs while maintaining a sugar-sweet voice. Similar to folk heroine Lucinda Williams, her childlike singing style belies a sharp tongue that speaks of lost love and injustice as easily as it sings a lullaby. The only detraction from this little gem is the angry bump and grind of "I Sure Would," which seems out of place with its stark drum loop and barked lyrics. Aside from that, beautiful sleepers like "Song for an Angel" and the title track nestle in next to upbeat numbers like the stomper "Little White Dove" and the Stax-influenced "Love Is Where You Find It" for a moving and diverse listen. ~ Zac Johnson