"It takes a little close listening to appreciate what Kolmar has done here, but it is well worth the extra effort." -- Indie-Music.com On AS IF I WAS ALMOST HERE, Kolmar worked with Josh Powell--who has also recorded neo-delta Bluesman, Samuel James and now Signature Sounds artist Moses Atwood, among others--to achieve a recording of intimate simplicity,and detail. The basic tracks were recorded live and maintain the intricate interplay of guitar and voice that one finds in Kolmar's performances, enhanced here and there with touches of electric guitar, bass, and violin (courtesy of Jamalieh Haley on NEW ENGLAND). The addition of Alan Dickson on mandolin for SAILOR SONG creates an appropriately rowdy sea-faring duet. Keeping the acoustic guitar and voice front and center provides a consistent focus, however the album covers a range of styles from the American Gothic roots/blues of THESE FOUR THINGS to the quasi-samba of MOVING TARGETS, and numerous jazzy and folky flavors in between. Like some of the best novels the lyrics manage to provide fresh, often unusual imagery that helps illuminate the humor and pathos in everyday life. But If you need a little extra time to ruminate on a new metaphor, 3 miniature guitar vignettes offer that space. Down-to-earth, but with a sense of enhanced reality, this CD is like a rainy-day walk with your favorite barroom philosopher.