Mike Gordon - The Green Sparrow

“The centerpiece of Gordon’s second solo album (and first since his old band Phish split in 2004) is undoubtedly “Andelman’s Yard,” a wondrous, well-constructed romp on which he handles all the instruments, including banjo, bass, keys and acoustic guitar. Showing the influence of sometime-collaborator Leo Kottke in its delicate, searching lines, Gordon’s dream-inflected mini-epic exudes a glowing warmth. The silly/ sweet “Pretend” and “Another Door” (which is reminiscent of the Allman Brothers) employ a similarly light, bouncy touch. Jam-oriented rockers ideal for Phish’s inevitable reunion also turn up: see “Traveled Too Far,” featuring two of his ex-bandmates. It all goes down smooth until Gordon introduces funk (”Radar Blip,” “Jaded”) and calypso (”Morphing Again”) to the mix, with the results sounding stiff or dated. But make no mistake: He’s got plenty to be proud of here. —Susan Visakowitz”