Years before his sons Scott and Seth earned fame as the leaders of a hugely popular alt-country combo, Jim Avett was nurturing his own blend of folk, country, and gospel while working as a welder and raising a family. Since retiring in 2008, he’s stepped into the spotlight as a singer/songwriter rooted in the traditions of his native North Carolina. Second Chance’s tunes bring everyone from The Carter Family and Ian Tyson to Guy Clark to mind with their honesty, wry humor, and homespun tunefulness. Avett sings with a genial twang and plays acoustic guitar with an easy touch; his lyrics tell stories that invoke the American heartland. His plainspoken charm and discerning eye comes through in “Decisions,” “Willard,” “Game of Love,” and similar compositions. Songs like “I Knew That You Knew” and “Leaving Knoxville” face up to heartache with a rugged sort of grace, balanced by the playfulness of “Yellow Dress.” Charly Lowry of the R&B/country group Dark Water Rising harmonizes with Avett throughout the album, giving the tracks the feel of a parlor sing-along.