Chris Richards ★★★★ Wisconsin River WHITE MARE. CD/DL/LP

Back in his childhood home of Sheboygan, Wisconsin during lockdown, Richards started exploring the characters and history that make up the 11 songs on his fine sixth album. Richards’ voice has the warmth and honesty to carry the songs alone, though sometimes there’s a light touch of harmonica, mandolin, fiddle or (on Moon Over Michigan) tender backing vocals. Other highlights: Don’t Let Me Die In Tennessee and opener Sawdust Town, the true tale of a lethal local firestorm.