Guitarist Steve Tibbetts is the living definition of quality over quantity. Each of his albums manifests years of inspiration and mental stewing. And while I usually reach for his grander assemblies (e.g.,The Fall Of Us All), this duo recording with percussionist Marc Anderson casts a spell all its own. Spanning 13 pieces, Natural Causes was originally conceived as one track—which should clue you in on its narrative cohesiveness. From the back-porch mood of “Sitavana” to the solo “Threnody,” it tells the story of one possible life among infinitely many finding their way in the world.

– Tyran Grillo