Catching Leaves
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The Philadelphia songwriter Avi Wisnia returns with his sophomore album, and it comes after the tragedy of losing his brother, which had Wisnia walking away from music.
After being inspired by his grandfather, who he was invited to play with, a reinvention of sorts took place, which provided the catalyst for this very well thought out body of work.
The title track starts the listen with warm piano and Wisnia’s soft, poetic singing and elegant strings making for a very mature opening, and “Heat Lightning” continues that formula with more firm drumming and a soulful quality that embraces some folk-pop ideas,
There’s 14 tracks included and each one is precisely delivered, including the upbeat and melodic “You’re Wrong”, while “Make Me Cry” is actually a swift and flowing peek at jazz pop fun that welcomes light horns. “It’s Gonna Rain Today”, then brings some atmosphere to the intimate landscape of dreamy, absorbing song craft.
Close to the end, “Just Another Daydream” pairs piano and brass with Wisnia’s versatile pipes in the cozy climate, and “Sky Blue Sky” exits the listen with a frisky rhythm to the bossa nova flavored finish that’s quite charming in its execution.
Although he often lingers towards jazz sounds, Wisnia also embraces Americana, folk, pop and singer-songwriter ideas, as each track here shines in its own light. A decade between albums is a long time, but Wisnia has needed the space to process his feelings, and ultimately it’s made him a better musician, as evidenced by this eloquent and articulate effort.
Travels well with: Davy Knowles- What Happens Next; Eric Bibb- Dear America