“Humble Heart”

Photo: Sarah DeShield

Singer-songwriter Jess Ray sings about her desire to walk in love in her single, one of 12 original tracks from her new, sophomore album, “Parallels and Meridians.”

Other memorable songs include “You and I,” about not wanting to lose someone special, “Morning Sing,” about her connection to the Lord, and “Gallows,” about not letting the devil win. Accompanying musicians on the CD include Jacob Early (drums, vocals), Mason Self (drums, perc), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello, upright bass), Taylor Leonhardt (vocals) and Everette and Caroline Hardin (strings).

“Humble Heart” has familiar elements such as textured acoustics, weepy pedal steel and smooth, subtle harmonies, but the sensibility-driven lyrics venture more deeply into the spaces between people. Jess’s signature alto and brand of “friendly folk” resonates of her heartbreak, hope and joy with real-life authenticity.