Nashville alt-folk artist Fairhazel’s music feels like a throwback to the days when Tim Buckley and Phil Ochs played NYC folk clubs in the pre-Beatles days. The artist, whose real name is Hugh Macdonald, has a new album called Brief Encounters out now that features the dulcet melody and nimble bass part of “Ava” (featuring your friend juniper).
“‘Ava’ was born out of a conversation I had with a stranger,” says the artist. “It’s an intimate portrait of isolation and longing – a cinematic track for late nights and the kind of loneliness that still feels alive.”
Fairhazel has built an international following by opening for Nell Mescal, Blanco White and others across North America and the UK. His music has the depth and melodic charm of Paul Simon’s heyday. Brief Encounters is the perfect album for late autumn – wistful and gently insightful.
Listen to “Ava” below, and find the new album Brief Encounters on the streaming services.

