A multi-instrumentalist, world-class fiddler, and songwriter, the Virginia-based James Leva (formerly of the Jones & Leva team) is back with his first new solo recording in three years. Comprised entirely of recent Leva compositions, the music is a delightful and surprising mix of Appalachian and Cajun flavors. Sessions for the project were recorded in rural southwestern Virginia as well as Lafayette, Louisiana. The Louisiana sessions feature members of Steve Riley’s Mamou Playboys, a popular band from Cajun country. Co-producer David Greely notes, “Cajun and mountain musicians have always understood each other, sharing a deep love for groove and melody. We love modal tunes and crooked time. The Louisiana crew didn’t try to cajunize James Leva’s songs. All we did was play them, and join in with the heart that pours out of them. It was surprisingly easy, and immensely satisfying.” Sam Broussard adds wonderful praise for Leva’s songwriting ability by noting, “Few can tell stories like James can. He starts with tradition but he ends by putting you there... all of a sudden you are the child in “Family Again,” or the hopeful voice in “The Music’s Over,” both contained herein. The stories are wrapped within the wooden traditions that James the musician commands so well.”