Leif Vollebekk - North Americana (2013)

If you couldn't get enough of the intimate folk music recreated within the Coen Brothers' ''Inside Llewyn Davis,'' try a contemporary, soul-kissed spin on that sound from this Montreal-based bard. Vollebekk also openly borrows from Jeff Buckley, always a daring move. With a grit-and-honey voice and a way of opening up his own confessions until they become universal, Vollebekk pulls it off. Released in Canada last year, this debut adds to a rush of outstanding releases from freewheeling singer-songwriters this season. --Ann Powers, NPR 1/9/14

''(Vollebekk's voice) lingers...with a sort of devilish charm, reminiscent of 'Blood On The Tracks' era Dylan.'' ----Pop Matters

''(Recalls) the great sounds of the past while simultaneously carving out the future in one swift falsetto.'' ----Exclaim