Jeff Larson – Heart Of The Valley (Human Nature) I’ve reviewed a few Jeff Larson albums over the years, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. His Californian soft pop style has most definitely fallen out of favour over time, especially in the UK, but there’s no doubting both the quality of the material Larson has released and the musicians he’s attracted. Heart Of The Valley is produced by Gerry Beckley (one half of legendary folk popsters America), a name that regularly appears on Larson’s albums, and predominantly on this one. Described by the press release as “a singer-songwriter approaching another singer-songwriter’s (unreleased) work” this collection of Beckley’s songs (there are two co-writes with Larson) is more a full-on collaboration than anything the pair have been involved with in the past. Heart Of The Valley is a classic pop album, ideally suited to ‘70s FM radio, which might not be the perfect advertising slogan, but with special guests including Dewey Bunnell (the other half of America), Rusty Young (Poco) and Jeffrey Foskett (Beach Boys, McCartney, Everlys) on hand, anyone with an interest in any of the above would do well to track Larson and Heart Of The Valley down, pronto. www.jefflarson-music.com Rob F. Jeff Larson – Play Through America with Jeff Larson – Horse With No Name Next