Brooklyn singer/songwriter and composer Ben Lear recently released his debut album, "Lillian: A Folk Opera" on March 1st, through his own record label, Underwater Sounds. Lear is also a spokesman for plastic pollution and ocean conservation, themes that weave themselves in and out of his songs. These are tied together by a strongly optimistic feel, with tracks like “It’s A War” containing lyrics like “Still, my heart flew out to her/Like a bird in a glass cage.” Lear’s music, also thanks to the occasional contribution of gentle female voices, is an appropriate match for this season – it’s like flowers blooming and a fragrant breeze wafting over you. Getting yourself a copy of "Lillian: A Folk Opera" is a choice you certainly won’t regret. – Leah Tribett