LET THERE BE LIGHT

Recording music is all about capturing a particular moment. And sometimes there are moments during an album's creation that seemingly happen by themselves.

Matt Pond can't exactly recall when it was decided that he would produce Last Light (Altitude Records), the new album by Pond and his band, Matt Pond PA.

"I never made a conscious decision to take the reins -- the reins were gently placed in my hands, perhaps as a practical joke while I was asleep," the singer tells Sounding Off.

Last Light, most of which was recorded in Bearsville, N.Y., features a variety of guests, among them singer Neko Case. She sings with Pond on the track "Taught to Look Away."

"I wrote 'Taught' as result of listening to Neko's last record," he recalls. "I don't think I've ever been as directly inspired by anyone's music.

"It was all a dream, the way it came together. And with someone of her talent -- there was no 'producing' necessary. She came in, nailed her parts, gave me a hug and was gone.

"The experience -- that experience -- made the whole record worth the struggle (that's) inherent to these albums we all make."

Pond and his band have gigs scheduled for Friday (Nov. 2) at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, Sunday (Nov. 4) at Johnny Brenda's in Philadelphia and Monday (Nov. 5) at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

For more on Matt Pond PA, visit www.mattpondpa.com.