It’s only February, but I can already tell you that Jake Xerxes Fussell’s newest album Good and Green Again will be on my year-end favorites list.

Drawing from folk, American and even bits of Appalachian music, Fussell has created a beautiful, challenging and yet hopeful album. His incorporation of strings and horns (sometimes reminding me of Gregory Alan Isakov flourishes) brings a lushness to the music that’s comfortable in all the right ways.

Earlier this year, Fussell recorded his (at home) NPR Tiny Desk Concert. According to NPR: “Fussell recorded at a friend's home in Pittsboro, N.C., with Casey Toll on upright bass and Libby Rodenbough on violin, harmonium and backup vocals. The mantle behind them is adorned with a tiny desk surrounded by various vegetable-shaped candles.”

You’re not going to find much better things to do with 18 minutes. Give it a try:

1. Setlist:

2. “The River St. Johns"

3. "Have You Ever Seen Peaches Growing on a Sweet Potato Vine?"

4. "Breast of Glass"

Players:

• Jake Xerxes Fussell: guitar, vocals

• Libby Rodenbough: violin, harmonium, backing vocals

• Casey Toll: upright bass

• Visit Jake Xerxes Fussell’s website

• Follow Jake Xerxes Fussell at Facebook

• Support Jake Xerxes Fussell at Bandcamp

• Purchase Jake Xerxes Fussell’s music at Amazon