On Reverie, this veteran singer/songwriter tackles subjects both lofty and commonplace with the melodic grace and fine-honed lyric sense that have long typified his work. In this live setting, Wilcox gives himself no room to hide — fortunately he’s ready to expose his thoughts and emotions without fear of disfavor. The playful “End of the World (again)” and the philosophical “Let the Wave Say” look at planetary change with a sagacious eye. More stinging are “Little Fish” (a sly commentary on the smugly religious) and “We Call It Freedom” (a warning against American xenophobia). Character sketches like “Shark Man” and “Angeline” are a touch unsettling. For the most part, Wilcox keeps his tone positive (if a bit melancholy) in songs like “Ireland” and the title tune. As usual, his acoustic guitar work is impeccable, with “One Way to Find Out” featuring some especially fine playing. Wilcox is a master at prodding the listener to think while surrounding him with a mellow aural atmosphere. Reverie ranks among his best efforts along these lines.