Singer/songwriter
Jesse Harris has carved out his own introspective niche in the modern music scene, nestling in between the languid, rootsy jazz of original cohort
Norah Jones and the avant-garde guitar noodlings of occasional colleague
Marc Ribot. On his last effort, 2016's
Seemed Like a Good Idea, he paired with singer/violinist
Petra Haden. For 2017's
Music for Chameleons,
Harris returns to his low-key solo vibe with an album of jazz-inflected, coffeehouse-friendly folk. Joining
Harris this time are members of Star Rover (who appeared on 2015's No Wrong No Right), as well as bassist
Jason Lader and
Maroon 5 keyboardist/guitarist
Jesse Carmichael. Needless to say, he put together a superb backing ensemble, and for longtime
Harris fans there is plenty to enjoy here. Cuts like the loungey "On My Way Back," the twangy "A Matter of Time," and the organ-steeped, reggae-ish "You Don't Have to Be Alone" showcase
Harris' knack for woody, organic sounds and enveloping melodies. The album's several high points also include his hypnotically buoyant, orchestral-tinged instrumental "Everybody Thinks You're a Movie Star," which coincidentally features wordless vocals from
Haden. Similarly,
Harris reveals his talent for writing poignant, inner-directed anthems like "Neither Old Nor Young" and the yearning, nervy "I Always Thought the World Would Catch Your Fall." ~ Matt Collar