Elijah Ocean comes from Maine the state sandwiched between Canada and US and is steeped in the music of Neil Young, the Band and Gene Clark. Excellent sessions on that abundant source for new music "Daytrotter" confirmed that Ocean was mining the classical highways and byways of country rock. His new album is chock full of songs underpinned by haunting piano, fiddle, and pedal steel. It is clear that Ocean has decided to eschew massive chart success and play a longer game based on accumulating a body of work which will grow in stature upon every release.

"Bring it all in" is a relatively short album but a perfect soundtrack to the season of falling leaves. The songs need to be listened to intent;y until they fully invade your consciousness. Once this is achieved they cannot be evicted. The opening single "Ride it out" rolls along beautifully and although Ocean doesn't have the strongest voice he works his songs to fit his limitations. "Savannah Blue" is more rockier (although the album never really breaks into a sweat) and again the track is full of the echoes of past greats like Parsons and Clark. The title track is a regretful country ballad which is punctuated by violin solos and a rousing crescendo. Perhaps best of all are the tracks which bring the album to a close particularly the sad lament of "Sapphire Blue" and the six minute plus "Rosa" that shows that Ocean can pen classic country that will stand the test of time.

Review by Red on Black