Victor Ferrantella evokes many moods, feelings with brilliantly played, produced This Place album
Victor Ferrantella’s This Place is a sonic treat for the ears as well as a collection of finely crafted songs. Ferrantella is a producer so you already know that he and his co-producer, his father Nick Ferrantella, got a high quality shine out of each instrument on each track. Add in Victor Ferrantella’s vast array of influences and techniques and you have an album that offers a lot to all kinds of music
Gretchen & The Pickpockets brought their magic to Gulu Gulu Cafe
Talk about two good things coming together. New England Music Award winners Gretchen & The Pickpockets took their particular R&B sound to the hugely popular artsy hangout known as Gulu Gulu Café in Salem, Massachusetts last Saturday night. Amid the venues artwork decorated walls and coffee and beer tasting clientele, this New Hampshire band offered […]
World music against climate change concert, Saturday June 6, 2015
“PLAYING FOR THE PLANET: WORLD MUSIC AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE” NEW ENGLAND’S MASTER MUSICIANS IN ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT CONCERT On Saturday, June 6, the eleventh “Playing For The Planet” benefit concert will showcase master musicians from three different musical traditions in a rare evening of pan-cultural improvisation, with all proceeds going to benefit the environmental advocacy group […]
Island Vibes is a fun, quirky collection of song by artists from and inspired by Nantucket
A compilation growing in popularity lately is Island Vibes–The Nantucket Music Collection. Island Vibes features music recorded by artists from Nantucket and or inspired by Nantucket or chosen because of a connection to the island. Half of these tracks were recorded and produced by Nantucket natives Victor Ferrantella and his father Nick Ferrantella with Victor’s brother Ben playing on some songs. The rest of the collection comes from other native producers, engineers, musicians, singers and, of course, those with a connection to Nantucket.
Sarah Blacker scores big with In Waves album
Sarah Blacker’s latest album In Waves combines winsome rock band approaches with Blacker’s naturally beautiful voice and lyrical aplomb. As a singer-songwriter, Blacker has created something that could raise her profile among those who work in the national music scene. Big things will surely happen for Blacker once she circulates this In Waves CD at her many CD Release parties.
Black And Blue Morning show true potential with debut album Rise
Black And Blue Morning’s debut CD Rise is a flinty collection of hard rocking originals. Black And Blue Morning is a band that packs a punch in every song they write, record, and play. The band has a freshness to their sound in that its hard to trace their influences to previous hard rocking outfits.
Hot Tub Piranhas have fun at Uncle Eddies last Saturday night
Hot Tub Piranhas hit Uncle Eddies Oceanside Tavern at Salisbury Beach last Saturday night, delivering a fun, feisty opening set. Hefty, smooth lead vocals, rangy, spiraling lead guitar phrases, and a very flexible rhythm section showed that cover bands too have something to offer musically.
Gretchen And the Pickpockets burn with true passion on debut album
It doesn’t take a brilliant music journalist like Lester Bands to know when a band is capable of becoming the next big thing. Out of the New Hampshire’s vibrant seacoast music scene, Gretchen And The Pickpockets create more urgency than a 2o alarm fire on their debut album. The most notable thing about this band is well constructed their songs are and how each part fits in with the whole to create vital music. If you’re not digging this band but the end of this album, check your pulse. You’re dead.
Freevolt offer fun, spirited ride on Take The Product album
The seacoast-based funky, ska, jam band Freevolt’s latest full length CD Take The Product is loaded with danceable, fun numbers that make one feel their tremendous ability for expression. Each song says a lot, their music being full of twists and turns, peaks and valleys, and just some good old fashioned clever hooks. There is a lot going on inside of Freevolt’s music and their enthusiasm can be felt as they make their listener appreciate their love of life, joy, and freedom.
The Lied To’s show huge potential on their debut album
The Lied To’s are a folk duo capable of becoming hugely familiar to listeners throughout New England. Susan Levine and Doug Kwartler formed this act after a significant period of transition for both singers. Their hard won experiences form the basis for their gritty, realistic lyrical material. Their unique blend of vocals and acoustic instruments create a lot of brittle, tender melodies and sweetly appealing harmonies. The due have a compact acoustic sound in each of their songs that pave the way for their unimposing but very likable voices to travel across.
