Folk artist Dave Nachmanoff‘s forthcoming album, Spinoza’s Dream, is a clever combination of thought-provoking philosophical themes told through his elegant songwriter sensibilities, a style that is uniquely informed by his uncommon pedigree… Nachmanoff holds a Ph.D in philosophy. Each track on the album pays homage to philosopher Benedict Spinoza, a great intellectual inspiration for Nachmanoff.

The majority of the album was recorded in July and August of 2015, with sound engineer Martin Levan working double duty as Nachmanoff’s vocal coach. The duo often worked 10-14 hour days because of their limited time-frame, but in the end, they got their result, the 11 track Spinoza’s Dream, including one song that he wrote the day he arrived in Wales.

In case the Ph.D wasn’t enough, Nachmanoff is a multi-instrumentalist, who plays the guitar, piano, violin, accordion and more. Nachmanoff has long served as the sideman for folk legend Al Stewart, and throughout his career, he’s shared stages with Cheryl Wheeler, Steve Forbert, The Pogues, America and Alison Krauss.

Today, Elmore is debuting the music video for title track, “Spinoza’s Dream.” Philosopher Benedict Spinoza’s life was the inspiration for the beautiful imagery in the video. Nachmanoff shares the inspiration and making of the video; “One of my favorite philosophers has always been Benedict Spinoza, and as far as I know, there are not a lot of songs about his views or his life. The video was shot in rural Wales (where the album was recorded) and also in Holland, at the house where Spinoza lived at the end of his life. I’d like to think that the music and images capture something of his spirit.”

Spinoza’s Dream will be available to purchase on May 6, Nachmanoff will head off on his first solo European tour this spring. Check out the music video for “Spinoza’s Dream” below.

– Emilee Gorshe