A total shocker.  Parts of this CD are straight out of the early 70s when bands like Byzantium and Rare Bird dabbled in the melodic and soft side of prog.  He even throws in a track reminiscent of early Illinois Speed Press (listen to the dual leads on the title track)!  So far, solidly entrenched in my Top Five of 2009, not moving down a bit and getting better with every listen.
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Sam Wilson's debut solo album, Green Gates, delivers a brand of soulful, guitar-driven folk rock that defies genre. Sam's tight guitar work and lyrical ability come as no surprise to fans of Virginia-based alt-country band Sons of Bill, where Sam regularly delivers blinding guitar solos with ease. His style, however, might. 

An even, rounded sound and sheer instrumental talent are the highlights of this album, which can best be described as 'absolute chill with a side of angst'. The best way to listen to this album is all the way through, but my favorite tracks are, 'Green Gates' and 'Behind the Night'.
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