David Wilcox

A Northeast Ohio native, singer-songwriter David Wilcox has a career that stretches back to the late ’80s when he released his debut, The Nightshift Watchman on a label run by dulcimer builder Jerry Read Smith. He’s maintained a steady schedule of touring and recording ever since. His latest album, Reverie, is another fine collection of Nick Drake-like acoustic songs that showcase Wilcox’s tender vocals and sharp songwriting skills. The album opener, “End of the World (again),” sounds a bit like a Nick Lowe tune as Wilcox croons, “It’s the end of the world again/I have my ticket and I’m standing in line.” The album’s other songs aren’t as sarcastic but they’re well-crafted tunes that should translate well for live performances. And Wilcox has been in the game long enough that you gotta imagine he’ll have some good stories to go along with his songs. (Jeff Niesel)