BK Special: Hope Springs (Self-Released)

Nostalgia generally refers to a yearning for past circumstances and a longing for home. Such emotions are at the center of the second CD by this local acoustic-music trio. Bobby Kimmel, Stefan George and Lavinia White use tasteful restraint with a bittersweet sensibility. The 14 tracks seem at first unassuming, but slowly reveal a rich depth.

Songwriters Kimmel and George bring backgrounds in jazz, bluegrass and blues to meet in the heart of acoustic folk-rock. Kimmel grew up in Tucson, but left in the early '60s to form The Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt in Los Angeles. George and White have anchored several local acts during the last 20-plus years, from Brain Damage Orchestra to Songtower.

George and Kimmel penned most of the tunes here; Kimmel generally takes the lead on his numbers, and George on his. Kimmel primarily plays upright bass (such as on the unaccompanied "I Could Write a Book"), and George has a killer reputation as a slide guitarist. The three harmonize in lovely fashion, the secret ingredient being White's vocals, which she expertly uses to always find a fresh perspective.

Highlights include Kimmel's "One Moment in Time," a wry look back at an old relationship, and George's "Things Are Different Today," which is almost a wistful response to his bandmate's tune. The three musicians also create a disarmingly beautiful cover of the classic "Sea of Heartbreak."