Matt Kanelos & the Smooth Maria: Silent Show

Classically trained pianist Matt Kanelos has made his living for years on New York City's jazz circuit, but more recently he picked up the guitar and started singing. The result is his gorgeous, uplifting debut with the Smooth Maria, Silent Show, which features elements of slowcore, jazz and rock. Tales of yearning, sadness and small triumphs slowly unwind on these deliberate, densely textured tracks. Most are five minutes or longer and feature subtle harmonies, airy piano solos and even, on final track "Sing," a coda borrowing from a Protestant hymn. "You know your image it still stands on my shelf," he sings on highlight "When You Walk It Makes No Sound." "You know that I always loved you more than myself, but I couldn't show you." Silent Show is the triumphant work of a craft-conscious musician who has quickly found his footing as a singer/songwriter. (Earthling Hello Music) 5 stars out of 5