New Yorker John Pollard’s vocal style and poetry share the integral qualities that make Canadian Leonard Cohen so popular with generations of listeners around the world.

John writes: "In anticipation of selling the CD on line I composed the following description: intimate, yet non-invasive world pop sounds. Poetic lyrics, a temperamental voice, and the beautifully arranged work of world class musicians lead you on a journey resplendent with world rhythms and largely acoustical instrumentation. Songs explore the passion, poison, and politics that inform relationships across diverse cultural and historical settings."

John Pollard has been writing music for many years, but made his local performing debut in September 1997. Earlier travels to escape cold winters allowed him to experience the language, culture and people of Latin America, Spain, Portugal and Brazil - stirring an enthusiasm for rhythmic expression.

The musicianship and vocals are not enhanced by any extravagant treatments, but are precisely recorded and entertainingly arranged. There’s an aura of earnest honesty about the lyrics and plenty of "affinity, reality and communication" happening in the 12 piece band. John plays 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars accompanied by Elie Massias, with Frank Colon producing exquisite percussion. Each song is a self-contained ambient creation.

The literal elements of Passion, Poison & Politik are said to deliberately intertwine with the musical aspects, but there’s no need to sweat over those details. I particularly love "Quicksand (Disappear In Darkness)" which follows a loving relationship from an initial fumbling excuse to stay overnight, to an equally weak excuse to call it quits.

One listen has you convinced that you’d like to hear more - and there's a sample of Quicksand and most other tracks through John’s website at www.johnpollard.com

www.johnpollard.com