From fresh, new personal songs that resonate with anyone who has loved and lost to full-bodied instrumental accompaniments, “Revolve” at once takes the listener back to Nikki Moddelmog’s early work and distinctive songwriting style, yet marks a new maturity as Nikki reaches far beyond the depths of those earlier songs and their presentations.

The most notable change here, besides her own journey in songwriting, is Nikki’s leap from solo-artist-with-guitar to lead singer with a killer backup band featuring cello, dobro, additional guitar, mandolin, keyboard, bass, fiddle and voices providing harmonic depth. The result is downright orchestral, with instruments lovingly wrapped around Nikki’s soulful melodies.

As with all of Nikki’s songs, her rich solo voice and thoughtful lyricism are standouts whether the band gets jazzy (“Juniper Coat,” “Why” and “Reprise”) or a little down-home (“The Good Life” and “Tricks and Treasures”). “The Good Life,” a happy tune that takes life down to basics, is one of my own favorites, as are the love songs “First to Leave” and “You and Me.” “Refined” is another favorite, a sadder song about the untimely death of a friend.

Don’t just buy one copy of “Revolve.” You’ll want to give this CD as a gift, too.
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