Shindell has built up a reputation as a significant singer/songwriter over the past few years with 3 solo albums and the fantastic Cry Cry Cry collaboration. This, his debut album for the Signature Sounds label is the first big album release of 2000.
In keeping with his previous 3 albums, 'Somewhere Near Paterson' is full of subtle details paired with metaphors and imagery backed with some sublime acoustic guitar. He creates vivid scenes of the dramas of everyday life and brings the characters in his songs to the fore ('The Grocer's Broom' is a beautiful track that paints a picture of an aged and troubled shopkeeper; by the end of the song the listener understands his plight and has real empathy for the character). Richard has a strong sense of melody, and the album covers a wide range of musical influences - Celtic, Country and Eastern are amongst the styles that fit seamlessly together across the 11 tracks.
The production on the album is first class, the whole set has been handled with subtlety and care. The songs are never lost in too much sound, but they have enough intricate detail and touches to reward those willing to listen closer.
There are links to his previous work with Cry Cry Cry, in the shape of 'My Love Will Follow You' with Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky sharing the vocal, and the acoustic 'Calling the Moon', an as yet unrecorded Dar Williams track.
The disc runs at almost 50 minutes and every track reinforces what we already knew, that Shindell is an intelligent, thoughtful and eloquent songwriter who stands head and shoulders above the pack. A significant release by an important artist.

£12.99