A true renaissance man, in addition to playing many instruments, Jim Brunberg is also an activist and venue owner who pens three originals and interprets seven others with the help of Pete Thomas and the chamber music collective 45th Parallel.

The delicate “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” opens with Brunberg playing guitar, melodica, bass, celesta and violin in the gorgeous, sophisticated David Mann and Bob Hilliard original. “Nature Boy” arrives next and takes help from Lisa Lipton on clarinet and Dana Sparling on flute and piccolo amid the strong attention to mood.

Deeper into Side A, Brunberg’s warm banjo, guitar and trumpet are complemented by Pete Thomas' drums across the graceful “A Cottage For Sale,” while “That Lucky Old Sun (Rolls Around Heaven All Day)” is just Brunberg’s cozy piano and soft voice for the intimate delivery of the 1949 tune by Beasley Smith and Haven Gillespie.

“Crazy,” probably the most recognizable song on the record, arrives early in the back half. Clarinet is held down by Lipton and Ben Landsverk contributes bass to the rich Willie Nelson classic that has some really diverse singing from Brunberg’s pipes.

The originals are well done, too, where “Argument” welcomes Kevin Kunkel’s gorgeous cello to the dreamy climate, and “New Year's Song,” the best tune here, is a richly textured moment that embraces guitar, clarinet, flute and cello for an atypical, chamber-fueled New Year anthem.

Some of these songs are nearly 100 years old, but they still sound great now, and nods to Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell and Paul McCartney are present and accounted for. Brunberg’s lengthy resume includes film scoring, award winning podcasts and this excellent solo album that’s full of authenticity and maturity.

Rating: B+

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