The Graduation Ceremony marks the return of Joseph Arthur the solo artist, as this is his first solo effort in roughly five years. While this is not an album that is going to start a party anytime soon, this is certainly a superb effort as far as singer-songwriter fare goes. Joseph Arthur is hardly a household name and this album is not likely to make him one, but The Graduation Ceremony is an album that deserves everyone’s attention due to its warmth and accessibility. Tracks such as “Face in the Crowd” and “Gypsy Faded” are certainly worth your time.
This article appears in Nov 10-16, 2011.