Coming Home (Self-released, 2007)

It's been six years since one-time Two Dollar Pistol Greg Hawks released his solo debut backed by the roots rocking Tremblers, 2001's "Fool's Paradise" on Yep Roc. A variety of major life changes later, the Mount Airy, N.C.-native has returned with a bluegrass-flavored effort that pays fine tribute to his Blue Ridge beginnings.

Hawks, as he proved on "Fool's Paradise," is a distinguished done-me-wrong detailer, and he does right a few killer kiss-offs here, including "Sacred Vow" and "Just Because You Can (That Don't Mean You Should)."

But the reintroduction of faith in Hawks's life as well as a newfound appreciation of everyday living are at the core of songs such as "Simple Pleasures," "What's Your Hurry?" and the easy-going title track. His everyman voice, while limited in range, soulfully captures the honest, direct lyrics.

Hawks has again surrounded himself with superb supporting players, which here include 2005 Galax winning fiddler Steve Fraleigh and banjoist Rick LaFleur. This smile-producing, toe-tapping next chapter in Hawks's musical history is quite the nice surprise. (greghawksmusic.com)