There’s something instantaneously familiar about “The Willow Tree,” a loner-folk gem by singer-songwriter Cleveland Francis. It the kind of song Donny Hathaway, Fred Neil, Judy Collins, or Nina Simone could’ve given hell. Delivered in Francis’ pleading, wistful tenor against subtle acoustic strumming, “The Willow Tree” reflects a world intent on injustice and misunderstanding, where the roads to peace are traveled alone and shown to others along the way who wish to find solace. Uncovered by the diggers at Forager Records, the song serves as a teaser for Beyond the Willow Tree, a comprehensive anthology of Cleveland Francis’ early work due out this spring.