IT is Wimbledon, it is raining, so it must be summer. But what use is summer without graceful tunes for daydreamers?

So all hail Marjorie Fair, who have the most appalling name but are purveyors of totally convincing dream music.

The LA band is the creation of writer and singer and organist Evan Slamka, and with the help of the cream of the Smoggy City's session men plus the great Billy Preston, this album is impeccably crafted with an uncommon sense of unity.

Obvious sonic points of comparison are the Pernice Brothers and Josh Rouse, but the lyrics have a directness that aspires beyond both, to the likes of Jimmy Webb.

The distinctive West Coast vibe adds an ethereal touch but the unrelenting medium tempo can all get a bit much. This excellent debut is the musical equivalent of a gentle breeze through an open window.

Updated: 08:28 Thursday, July 01, 2004