Cali Shaw's second album, Under The Olive Tree, expands the Albuquerque-based singer-songwriter's concept of eclectic folk-rock to a sound that's at times as lush and orchestrated as it is foot-stomping and raw . Bolstered by rich vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation, Shaw's songwriting strengths are on full display as the album unfolds. From a rootsy, Earthy vibe to the almost magic and ethereal, his real-life lyrics and memorable choruses perfectly echo the spirit of the album. The olive tree has long been emblematic of peace, strength, and tranquility. Inspired by the time he spent living in Greece as a young boy, where an olive grove grew behind his house, the songs on Under The Olive Tree not only echo the peaceful symbolism of the tree itself, but recall the innocence of childhood and a fascination for the world around us. Shaw's compelling lyrics are brought to life via intriguing arrangements that pair vocal harmonies with whistles, vintage acoustic guitars, other-worldy vibraphones, some big fat upright bass, strings, accordion and horns. A longtime fixture on the Albuquerque music scene, Shaw has consistently pushed the folk music enve­ lope beyond its traditional realms . Working with some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the Southwest, he's taken instruments not normally associated with the genre and made them seem perfectly at home and in proper context within the boundaries of his songs.