Alumnus showcases third album

St. Thomas alumnus Luke Spehar performed at O’Shaughnessy Auditorium Saturday night.

The 2010 grad performed the first show of his cross-country tour showcasing his third album, “All is Gift,” for a full auditorium. The album was co-produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Ben Harper, who Spehar said inspired some of the foundation for his new work.

“He brought years of experience, a kind and critical eye. He did a good job of getting me to move my music in a different direction,” Spehar said.

The acoustic show included music inspired by his love of faith, family and country. He also drew inspiration from some his favorite folk artists, such as Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel.

Spehar’s soft vocals were accompanied by flying fretwork, which Spehar says stems from the technical guitar of artists Elliot Smith and Harper.

Spehar said he hopes to spread his album nationwide with upcoming concerts in Wisconsin, Nebraska and Florida.

Jake Remes can be contacted at reme7110@stthomas.edu.