There are certain artists - visual, musical or otherwise - who herald the next phase of their visibility in a very particular manner: they present a vision or voice that is almost but not quite their own, yet so rich and diversified in its derivation that one cannot but note that a unique contribution to the pantheon of creative expression is but moments away. We often read critiques of how a new creative force reminds the viewer/listener of this or that revered "Great". The emerging artist will either remain stuck at this intersection of admirable yet oft-trod ground, or build from these many parts a quite original vehicle of artistry, and take us along a previously untrod route, affording us a new perspective on landscapes we had heretofore thought familiar. Jason Luckett is one such artist. His new album, "The Second Half of the Bet", holds whispers and twangs of Torcuato Mariano, Helio Delmiro, Prefab Sprout, Kenny Burrell, and others. The complex spectrum of influences suggests that he can weave a quite fascinating tapestry of original musicianship, especially given the fact that his lyrics are very much his own, and set him well on the course to establishing him as an intriguing and captivating voice for those of us that appreciate acoustic poetry, enjoyable as focal point or background accompaniment, depending on the mood.