M.C. Taylor wasn't born in North Carolina, but he sure sounds like he was.
The California native moved to the Tar Heel state about seven years ago to continue making music as Hiss Golden Messenger.
The songs contain some of the basic ingredients of Appalachian music, but combine those elements in unpredictable ways, creating a sound that is both steeped in tradition and completely modern.
Taylor's new recording is called "Lateness of Dancers." He plays an album release show at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro Saturday night.