So, a pop/rock/folk band walks into a bar in Long Beach California . . .

That's the beginning of the story between Good Citizen and Jazz/Hip-Hop producer/arranger Dave Williams. Williams, a classically trained musician, is at a place in his life where artistry and magic are learning to coexist. Good Citizen, a Long Beach Pop trio, has been playing edgy folk-pop for those who are willing to take a chance. Their challenge to Mr. Williams: Take four songs and have at it.

The results are equally lush, provocative and intelligent. This offering, "Good Citizen: the dave williams sessions", puts a jazz/hop spin on songwriters clearly from the Billy Bragg school of protest with an ear in R & B. It doesn't get any more Americana than this. You'll be laughing along with "Willmore City", clapping along to "So Amazed", and melting into "Well Oiled Machine" and "I Can't Wait".

The normally spared-down Good Citizen in Mr. Williams' hands leaves their usual sun-drenched world and goes to a darker corner of the bar.