CD Reviews: Joe Henry

Producer, musician, songwriter and, on the evidence of his 13th album, a sublime poet of the heart, Joe Henry might have spent just four days recording Invisible Hour, yet the result is an unhurried, sometimes beautiful reflection on the ebb and flow of marriage.

Though previous recordings have bloomed with jazz-noir instrumental flourishes, Henry relies on a small clutch of musicians to provide a pared-back sonic palette; acoustic guitar is pushed high in the mix but not at the expense of his expert lyricism.

Deep rumination has rarely sounded so good.

• Joe Henry. Invisible Hour. Ear Music.

• Four and a half stars (out of five)

Single download: Sign
For those who like: Ron Sexsmith, Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks

- Shane Gilchrist