It's not easy finding a common denominator while spinning George Stanford's eclectic disc "Big Drop." The singer-songwriter easily veers from rock to reggae to soul to R&B.

"I love exploring different styles," Stanford said during a telephone interview from his suburban Philadelphia home. "I have so many influences, and it all comes out in my songs. But I do think there is something cohesive in my songs."

Stanford believes that the common thread is his sturdy tenor.

"I'm fortunate that my singing voice is on the unique side. I don't sound like anybody else. It's just how my voice box is. I don't think I could sound like someone else even if I tried."

The charismatic Stanford, who will open Wednesday for Joan Armatrading at the Lincoln Theatre, has a way with phrasing and possesses considerable range.

But what is perhaps most appealing is that Stanford is adventurous. If Stanford is put in the right situation, he shines. One of his finest tracks, the catchy "30,000 feet," was recorded with in-demand session drummer Matt Chamberlain (Fiona Apple, Tori Amos), who helped make the tune a special track.

"I was fortunate to work with the best drummer in the business," Stanford said. "I taught him the track, and he just nailed it and it just turned out better than I could have imagined."

Stanford scored Chamberlain's services because he was part of Mercury Records when he recorded "Big Drop" in 2007. Since then Stanford and the major label parted ways after a two-year relationship.

"The big oversight that major labels make is with artist development since there is so little of it anymore," Stanford said. "Executives are less likely to put their neck out today. It's all about packaging a prefabricated song with a pretty face. That's just not compatible with me. But I'm not worried about that."

Stanford isn't sure about his next label step. "I'm just looking for the right situation," Stanford said. "I'll let my music speak for me."

What Stanford's music exudes is honesty. It's straightforward and provocative.

"I have to tell the truth when I write a song. That's what makes a song unique. I can spot a faker from a mile away. I just have to hear a chorus or a verse, and I can tell you if something is from the heart. To me that's what soul music is, it's honesty, and there's less and less of it out there. I'm just going to continue singing from the heart."

Stanford, who will tour throughout the summer, is certain that he's on the right track. He can feel it, he said.

"The other night I was playing a show in Philly and people were singing along with my songs. That's all the evidence that I need that these songs need to be heard. It's been very positive for me and I'm just going to try to keep rolling with that."

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