She Is

Offering 10 new acoustic songs about life and love, Kyle Williams’ sophomore effort, She Is, is anything but sophomoric. Three years after releasing the five-song Shades of Grey demo, Chico resident Williams’ maturity, in life and song, is apparent in this pleasing collection of musical musings, excellently produced by renowned local music professor and guitarist Dave Elke. Williams’ thoughtful worldview is delivered with gentle, expressive articulations backed by crafty, understated arrangements, which include featured interludes by locals Elke (guitar), Jamie Hector (upright bass), Terry Smith (keyboards), Martha Boyle (fiddle) and Bob Littell (harmonica). On the title track, Williams—winner of Best Folk/Acoustic Act at this year’s CAMMIES—displays his optimism and humility when it comes to romance, singing, “Can’t believe I get to kiss her goodnight—and then again in the morning. … I can say without a doubt/ that anything she doesn’t have is something I can live without.” And “She"—Williams’ wife, Carrie—sings back-up on one of the tracks. If you like melodious modern crooners like Amos Lee, Jason Mraz or even local balladeer John Paul Gutierrez, you’ll surely enjoy She Is.

Kyle Williams’ CD-release party is Saturday, May 19, 7-10 p.m., at Paradox Fitness & Martial Arts, 986 East Ave.