Jeremy O'Bannon

Continuing a sound established on 2014 debut Olivia, Jeremy O'Bannon's contemporary folk falls squarely on the shoulders of James Taylor. The Austin-born Houstonian affects the Martha's Vineyard great's nasally sing-song cadence and bright instrumental accoutrements ("Come Back to Stay"), leaning heavily on fluid guitar picking and O'Bannon's assured delivery ("What Lies Beneath"). "Tuesday Afternoon" adds a slight synth warble to break up the folkiness, taking the tune into the territory of an island jam, albeit one boasting Taylor as sovereign.