Sara K. - Closer Than They Appear (180g One-step Pressing Vinyl LP) Pre-order August 2026

As part of the Chesky Original Masters reissue series, Chesky Records is bringing back Sara K.’s Closer Than They Appear. Originally released in 1992 and long elusive to collectors, this timeless tour-de-force launched the international career of the acclaimed singer-songwriter. Backed by an incredible lineup of musicians assembled by musical director and second guitarist Bruce Dunlap, the album showcases Sara’s distinctive voice and unique 4-string acoustic guitar style. While her songwriting seamlessly weaves together elements of jazz and folk, the album poses a brilliant artistic statement: an intuitive, live dialogue that transitions effortlessly from sweet serenity to thunderous emotion.

Rather than standard acoustic arrangements, the world-class ensemble treats the material with deep empathy, subtle accents, and constant creative daring. The album yields fresh, surprising reinterpretations that showcase the incredible flexibility of Sara’s writing. Highlights include the spry, driving rhythm of “Miles Away,” the transcendent beauty of “Tecolote Eyes,” and a haunting, ritualistic rendition of “Jasmine” featuring Bill Moersch on hammered dulcimer. Most notably, the session captures a deeply touching version of “Trust Somebody” and the hopeful optimism of "What's a Little More Rain,” with Billy Drewes’ saxophone and David Finck’s double bass weaving seamlessly around Sara’s vocals.

Backed by the telepathic chemistry of the band, Closer Than They Appear delivers what remains a definitive high point of Sara K.'s storied career. Captured with Chesky's signature commitment to pristine, live acoustic sonics in a single-microphone space, the performance feels vivid, intimate, and completely alive. Closer Than They Appear will be reissued on 180g One-step Pressing Vinyl LP as part of the Chesky Original Masters series.