"At a time when clearly Black Lives Matter so much, music also matters more than ever. Songwriters like Crys Matthews and Reggie Harris have found a voice to express what is happening. Now I’ve encountered another Reggie, Reggie Garrett, who makes a profound impression on his fifth album, York’s Lament & Other Stories.

The album’s title is a good indication of Reggie’s intention. A Williams College grad based in Seattle, Reggie shares stories about people, both historical figures and personal relations, who have endured the black experience in America. He does it with a wide musical palette using guitar, bass, violin, piano, and drums that encompasses acoustic folk, blues, gospel, jazz, Celtic, and Latin rhythms, in a blend he calls “urban acoustic Folk music.” And he sings in a mellifluous voice reminiscent of Bill Withers or Terry Callier that draws you into the song rather than putting you off."

• New Folk Initiative