Matt Bauer’s last album, The Island Moved in the Storm, was a captivating, haunting journey based on the story of a woman who was found dead, wrapped in a canvas tarp near a creek. His new one, The Jessamine County Book of the Living, is fleshed out with a bigger band, 14 different singers (lots of great female additions) and an 11-piece orchestra. It’s ambitious, but not overwhelming, and due out June 7 on Crossbill Records. “When I Was a Mockingbird” is the first video from Jessamine and a good window into Bauer’s oeuvre.

RIYL: The Letting Go version of Bonnie “Prince” Billy, The Black Swans, Lost in the Trees. Also perfect rainy-day music…

Another upcoming show at Stuart’s Opera House that’s worth mentioning: Jolie Holland (above) will play the historic theater on Saturday, 10/17. You’re probably familiar with Holland’s jazzy folk, but opener Matt Bauer is a folkie who’s not as well-known but would be worth the drive to Nelsonville on his own. The Black Swans labelmate came to Columbus last October in support of The Island Moved in the Storm, a haunting, stirring album of gently plucked guitar and banjo. Yes, the dude has a big beard and sings in a whisper, but writing him off as just another Iron & Wine would be a mistake.

We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away for this show. To enter the contest, send a blank e-mail to contest@donewaiting.com with the subject JOLIE HOLLAND. Winners will be randomly chosen on Oct. 16. You can also purchase tickets here.

mp3: Jolie Holland – Mexico City

mp3: Matt Bauer – Don’t Let Me Out

Bauer’s video for “As She Came Out of the Water” after the jump.

Here’s some Bauer music/video to get you prepared. Full show details here.

MP3: As She Came out of the Water