Portland’s Nick Jaina is one of the better “new” singer-songwriters I’ve come across lately — a list that includes Bon Iver and Megafaun. But whereas those two examples are rooted in southern acoustics, Nick Jaina has his piano and childlike sense of wonder to share with us.

Jaina’s new album, Wool (Hush Records), reminds me of Son, Ambulance, the poppier cousin to Saddle Creek’s Bright Eyes, with its classical professionalism that’s as sincere as it is stirring.

What I enjoy about Jaina is his patience. His slow-burn tempos speed up my pulse waiting for the shoe to drop on almost every song.

Unlike most songs in this genre, the instrumentation on the tracks only enhance the intimacy of tracks like “Apple Seed,” where a simple egg shaker, foot tapping, flute and humming ebb and flow like waving apple tree blossoms.

Nick Jaina : “Power” (mp3)

Two upcoming local dates:

• Mar 14 Station 4 St. Paul, Minnesota
• Mar 15 Acadia Cafe Minneapolis, Minnesota