At his core, the introspective 47-year-old Montrey is the prototypical road-worn artist who has lived enough life to pour those experiences into his craft with uncompromising honesty. From passing family members, going through a divorce, having a child, and starting a business running music programs for adults with disabilities, adulthood’s joys and tests have all etched their marks into his soul over the last turbulent decade-plus.

In terms of legacy, Montrey has been a fixture in the music scene long enough to avoid clichés about musical journeys; his work speaks for itself. His previous collaborations with names like Grammy-winning producers Jim Scott and Marc Swersky brought different flavors to his music. However, with Love, Time & Mortality, Montrey brings us into his most personal songwriting yet.

Aided by an impeccable cast of musicians, like pedal steel wizard Jack Stanton and upright bassist Mike Noordzy, vocalist Jen Augustine, Santo Rizzolo on drums, violinist Nicole Scorsone, and John Ginty on Hammond B3 organ, Vintage Vibe, and piano, every passage hits with uncanny human warmth and intimacy. Just absorb the gorgeous closer “Emotionally Yours,” where Montrey’s gruff baritone wraps itself around Bob Dylan’s timeless melody like a long-lost relative sharing sage advice by the fireside.

In the end, Montrey emerges as that song’s namesake – an emotionally rich storyteller baring his soul and psyche in a brutally honest fashion. Love, Time & Mortality is his State of the Human Condition address, confronting our deepest strifes and joys without filter or copious arty pretense getting in the way.