Bill Callahan’s 23-year career can be described in one word: unhurried. His work as Smog produced thirteen full lengths, each ranging from lo-fi folk songs to brighter more luscious arguments. After giving up the moniker in 2007, Callahan continued on under his own name and something special happened: the records became even better. Not to knock on Smog, as there are at least six flawless records in the batch, but from 2007’s Woke on a Whaleheart to this year’s Dream River, each album has been a stunner. Callahan is a private person, but after 2011’s Apocalypse, Callahan invited filmmaker and now girlfriend Hanly Banks to record his tour. Callhan has opened up in more ways, with Dream River, he sounds happy (he even smiles now). “The Sing,” Dream River‘s opening track, is slow affair detailing a night. Callahan’s baritone sing-speak vocals are pristine, while guitars and strings fade in and out like a sunset.

Bill Callahan plays tonight with New Bums at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. Tickets are $25.