After seven years of record making, Bruce Cockburn finally reached American radio listeners with his effervescent 1979 hit “Wondering Where the Lions Are.” Those who connected with that tune’s bemused optimism found similar pleasures on Dancing In the Dragon’s Jaws, one of the singer/songwriter’s most engaging albums. Its music is an idiosyncratic blend of acoustic folk, jazz and Third World elements, built around rippling marimba, rhythmic piano and Cockburn’s always-impeccable guitar work. There’s a quality to tracks like “Creation Dream,” ”After the Rain” and “Hills of Morning” that suggests sunlight streaming down upon rolling plains — not surprising, considering many of the songs were written by Bruce while traveling across his native Canada. His flowing lyric lines — akin at times of Kerouac and the Beats — invoke the presence of God in the open country (“Northern Lights”) and within the human heart (“No Footprints”). Cockburn’s testimonies express a believer’s gratitude and awe. IDancing In the Dragon’s Jaws is a substantial achievement, musically captivating and infused with sincere spirituality.