Curtis McMurtry (album release), Zack Wiggs, Sydney Wright

Few songwriters in Austin prove as consistently provocative as Curtis McMurtry. Restless in style and adventurous in narrative, McMurtry’s work swivels through intricately composed Americana-pop, with jazz and classical flavors in exploration of complex characters wrapped in hedonism and redemption. Fourth LP The Pollen & the Rot delivers the first of a planned four-album cycle anchored in the seasons and aptly swirls a spring awakening of lust and yearning. Behind Diana Burgess’ cello and Paul Pinon’s percussion, McMurtry’s social critiques crackle with a lascivious and lurking electricity. Zack Wiggs and Sydney Wright provide bookending support for the release show. – Doug Freeman