It's about time. On the heels of a self-released EP and a slew of national accolades, singer/songwriter Billy Redfield has just released his debut full lengther entitled "Two Steps Closer." It's a CD that builds on his reputation for breezy acoustic-based ballads and upbeat pop anthems delivered with equal parts earnesty AND urgency. Working with an uber- talented studio team that includes producer Chris Keup (Jason Mraz, Josh Kelly) and engineer Stewart Myers (Rachel Yamagata, Lifehouse) "Two Steps" is an impressive effort for the 26 year old Maryland-native;especially considering he's a relative newcomer to the art of songwriting. Full of tasteful guitar phrasings, shuffling beats and lilting Hammond B-3, Redfield's musical reference points clearly extend beyond his birth date. "Guys like David Gray and Dave Matthews really changed my way of approaching writing songs," Redfield admits. Redfield recently received honorable mention in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition for his track "Die for You" no easy feat considering the sheer number of entries and a panel of judges that includes Frank Black, Tom Waits, and the Strokes' Julian Casablancas. It's recognition like this that the soft-spoken Redfield doesn't take lightly. "It was pretty amazing [to win]. It was really validating." Redfield's continued evolution as a young songwriter continues lyrically, where on pensive numbers like "Miss Melissa" he sings, "And I'm trying to melt the pain/But each day goes/And I'm nailed to the ghost/The weight of it all keeps my face long/I Miss Melissa." "I write from a personal point of view;it's what I know best," admits Redfield. And it's clearly what his fans;who've cleverly dubbed themselves "redheads"relate to most. The coming months will look to see Redfield expand his flame-colored flocks and continue to hone his songwriting chops on the road in support of "Two Steps Closer." A title, which based on his current round of career success, could prove prescient. Scott Crawford - Harp Magazine