Black Bear

Personnel: Andrew Belle (vocals); Taylor Johnson, Jarod Evans (guitar); Ryan Tedder (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Matt Leland (trumpet, trombone); Chad Copelin (piano, keyboards); James McAlister (drums); Dustin Paige (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Craig Alvin.
Recording information: BlackWatch Studios, Norman, OK; Paper Swan Studios, Nashville, TN.
Photographer: Denise Bovee.
Arranger: Chris Combs.
Chicago-based singer/songwriter Andrew Belle followed up his 2010 debut The Ladder three years later with Black Bear. Belle's music up to this point had been anchored more in the rootsy traditions of slightly alternative CCM singer/songwriter types, but Black Bear tends more toward indie sounds, with Belle citing acts like M83 and Beach House as influential on the project. The album's ten tracks are linked in a loosely conceptual way, with some references that call back to songs from The Ladder and continue a narrative about Belle's interpersonal relationships and faith.