Former Strangefolk lead singer Reid Genauer brings his own quintet to Higher Ground on Saturday to celebrate the release of his debut CD, "The Assembly of Dust," which will be available at the show and released to record stores March 18.

Genauer, who co-founded Strangefolk over a decade ago during his sophomore year at the University of Vermont, left the popular groove rock group in 2000 to do some soul searching and get an MBA from Cornell University. Along the way, the singer and guitarist gradually returned to music, assembling an impressive group of jam-band veterans: Percy Hill keyboardist Nate Wilson and bassist John Leccese, Groovechild guitarist Adam Terrell and Moon Boot Lover drummer Any Herrick.

"The Assembly of Dust" is an impressive effort featuring Genauer's soulful vocals and solid compositions that are deftly enhanced by the band's instrumental and vocal prowess. Female soul singers deliver gospel power to the country-tinged "Tavern Walker" and resounding "Songs We Sing," while lifting up the reggae-flavored rocker "Burned Down" and the infectious bounce of "Etta James" and "Love Junkie."

Genauer, who lives in New York City, said he always looks forward to coming "home" to Vermont. "I love it," he said of the Green Mountain State. "Vermont has definitely made an impression on the way I view the world. I'm a believer."

If you go Reid Genauer & The Assembly of Dust CD Release Party with opener Antigone Rising, 9 p.m. Saturday, Higher Ground, Winooski. $12 in advance, $14 day of show. Age 18 and older. 654-8888.