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PIECE BY PIECE is Reed Waddle’s fourth release, and is perhaps a more reflective project than his previous work with his (now departed ) backing band, 13th Street Special. Waddle took his time with this project --- the songs included on PIECE BY PIECE have been percolating for over two years --- and the time and patience in crafting this work shows, and shows well.

Waddle mines to great effect the musical lode that The Fray, John Mayer, and (in their lighter moments) Maroon 5 have plumbed. His vocal range, while not wide, is comfortable and friendly. He’s not Sinatra, nor does he need to be; he treads that line --- so difficult to find --- between uniqueness and familiarity, so that it’s able to slip onto the listener like a comfortable shoe from the first time through. I’m not sure if Waddle is selling himself as an performing artist or as a songwriter on PIECE BY PIECE --- a compelling argument could be made for both, or either --- but at the very least an established act is missing something by not grabbing onto one or more of these tracks and covering them. Interestingly enough, “Good Night Los Angeles” from PIECE BY PIECE was co-written by Waddle and John Oates. Oates was apparently made aware of Waddle’s work by a mutual friend and invited Waddle to make a collaboration attempt. Oates, who is possessed of a well of talent that at this late date has yet to be fully plumbed, is adept at spotting the same in others, thus the collaboration.

There’s not a bad track on PIECE BY PIECE, and if it’s not quite ready for terrestrial radio it’s more than ready for network or cable television. The afore-mentioned “Good Night Los Angeles” could be featured on any of the television shows aiming at that 18 to 35 female demographic. It’s perfect, with Waddle’s warm vocal and a great, subtle hook that quietly breaks your heart with a light wistfulness. Waddle has a quiet but deep talent for writing great hooks that don’t rely on bombast but instead tug gently to get your attention. “The Beast Within,” “Piece By Piece,” “Love Ain’t Always On Time,” and the title track, among others, are standout examples of this.

PIECE BY PIECE reminds me of some of Boz Scaggs’ better work; it’s not that they sound alike (they don’t) but they have a similar relaxed soulfulness that at the end of the day, any day, sounds great. Waddle has flirted with commercial success several times in the past; PIECE BY PIECE may be the collection that seals the deal.