You may not expect to discover an incredible voice in a pub named after a cat, but after arriving only  to miss the first act, “hairball(ish)” is certainly the least likely way to describe Aaron Espe’s voice. Coming from a small town, Espe has managed to reach a much larger crowd (perhaps the size of a couple large towns) with his stunning acoustics in Songs from a Small Town.

I didn’t know what to expect upon deciding to go to the show at the campus “pub”, but after hearing just a few songs, I was glad I went. It was refreshing to hear a new voice, a voice that is not muddled like all of the other voices of the pop age that seem to blend together. His voice is intriguingly raspy, enough to bring it flare, but not enough to make it feel like sandpaper. But now that I think about it, “raspy” may not be the best choice of words, in light of how well he sings, but maybe “bark like” (tree bark) with a weathered and worn sound on top of vibrant and youthful budding would be better.

I would recommend checking this guy out. He may not be recognized by the celebrities of today, but Chester (the cat the pub is named after) certainly approves (and he’s one classy cat). Espe’s music has prompted me to rummage through the music sources I have in order to find more acoustic gems like this one. If you are from a small town, you may get along with this guy quite well.

Aaron Espe’s website