The fourth and latest album from Kaoru Ishibashi (aka Kishi Bashi) is bright, poignant, heartfelt, and infused with a sense of hope, even during its more melancholic moments. From the breezy, acoustic-guitar-picked opening of “Penny Rabbit and Summer Bear” with its Harry Nilsson “Everybody's Talkin'” feel, to the sweeping symphonics and forlorn beauty of “Summer of '42,” to the twangy fiddle-rousing banjo-plucked closer “Annie, Heart Thief of the Sea,” Omoiyari is a stunner that remains uplifting despite its bleak inspiration: the WWII internment of Japanese Americans. It’s also a bit of a departure from Kishi Bashi's previous efforts, folkier while conversely more finely composed and orchestrated, as the Berklee-trained musician (who sings and plays violin primarily, but also guitar and keys) brought in a band and some chamber players to back him up (normally he records mostly solo). Kishi Bashi sold out his last date here in June and has upgraded to roomier digs for his return. by Leilani Polk