Josh Rouse returns to Iron Horse TONIGHT. No opener. All Josh.

Music lovers will recognize something of the Valley in Josh Rouse's song "Quiet Town." It's a song about local heroes, sung in the whisper of a warm September night. Backed by a soft bossa nova beat and breezy guitar, the Nebraska native sings of small moments and intimate memories. He will feel right at home when he comes to the Iron Horse on Tuesday.

Over the past decade, Rouse has built a repertoire ranging from tender folk ballads to carefree pop songs. At his sunniest he invites us to tap our feet and sing along. During one such ditty, "Love Vibration," his boyish smile is almost audible within the '70s disco rhythms. Often, however, his songs reverberate with a chilly loneliness. It is this emotional range - these unexpected swings from love to lullaby to lament - that showcase his achievements.

If nothing else, Josh Rouse is a romantic. The name of his record label, Bedroom Classics, is one giveaway. Although he is a maestro of catchy daytime tunes and jingling riffs, Rouse has a heart lit by candlelight. Earlier songs, such as those on his debut album "Dressed Up Like Nebraska" in 1998 and on "Home" two years later, detail fragile romances and the shivery spirals of a love gone south. These songs spark like flint and, to the attentive ear, they stay lit through the waves of echoing guitar.

His album "Under The Cold Blue Stars" punched a hole through the gloom in 2001, as Rouse incorporated more upbeat riffs, nimbler percussion, and some entrancing bells and whistles. His next CD was another splash of warmth, as "1972" paid homage to the funk, R&B, and disco idols of his childhood. "Nashville," released in 2005, stands as his catchiest and most cohesive yet.

A move to Spain brought new influences to Rouse's music, including the bossa nova beat that emerges from "Quiet Town," one of the songs on "Subtítulo," some of which have titles in Spanish, as are many of the lyrics on his upcoming album. Finished early this month, the new album will have a more Brazilian influence.

Over the years Rouse has become a master of the simple memory - the moment that sparks - wrapped up within sweeping emotions. Where he will land next on the globe remains to be seen. We can only hope it is a route to another quiet town. -Hunter Styles

Hunter, a staff writer for the Daily Hampshire Gazette, is conducting an interview with Josh Rouse that will appear her as soon as we have it in hand.