The Wildcat O’Halloran Band offer interesting blues arrangements of familiar songs on That Boy Don’t Play No Blues
Wildcat O’Halloran has come up with an interesting blues album. His That Boy Don’t Play No Blues disc features blues renditions of classic rock, oldies, and R&B numbers. O’Halloran defies expectations in that he has come up with authentic blues renditions of these all so familiar numbers. This isn’t “blues rock” and these players are not dabblers. This is real blues.
Esthema intrigue the ear and imagination with gripping third album Long Goodbye
Esthema might be a hard band to categorize or label but their music is easy to enjoy. This six piece band from Boston are highly skilled musicians who perform and record exotic, explorative instrumental music. Each of their compositions is inspired by a story from real life and they take their listener through a journey, creating their sonic landscape with Mac Ritchey on electric and acoustic oud and bouzouki, Naseem Alatrash on cello, and Onur Dilisen on violin as much as with Andy Milas on guitar, Tom Martin on bass, and George Lernis on drums and percussion. Their third CD, Long Goodbye, offers the listener many pleasant and some dark but always exciting and intriguing journeys into sound.
Rockin’ Ed Thomas turns vocal, lyrical quirks into wonderful fun on Not My Job album
Rockin’ Ed Thomas has finally released his slightly edgy, fun flavored Not My Job album, ten years in the making. Thomas brings a quirky world view and sense of humor to his lyrics. He takes things seriously but he knows enough to look at life with a grain of salt. His sense of fun fills each song with a sunny disposition and likeable personality. Thomas also has backing vocalists Lee Villaire and Maia Cataldo along for his joy ride while bass players Brent Godin and Spencer Wright keep the bottom running smooth.
Steven Pelland releases beauty of an album with These Days
Steven Pelland’s new These Days CD is chockfull of beautiful vocals, an album that will long be remembered for the quality of the voice. These songs also make an impression through the way Pelland uses his acoustic guitar melodies to conjure emotions and contemplations. This singer makes one feel like he’s conversing with you, not just singing his lyrics over sparse accompaniment. His personality shines through in each track, making one feel the man behind the song.
Lowbudget Records releases must have compilation tribute to The Rolling Stones
Low Budget Records has released this very thoughtful double disc compilation to The Rolling Stones. Titled You Can’t Always Want What You Get, it’s loaded with renditions of Rolling Stones songs lovingly rendered by some of Roslindale, Massachusetts’s most talented players. The variety of duos and combos on this compilation are perfectly matched to the variety of Stones material it offers and the succession of successful renditions makes this a must have for fans of the Boston music scene as well as fans of The Rolling Stones.
Bees Deluxe offer spectacular live album with Bluesapocalypse
Bees Deluxe have a released live CD to document what sounds like a very exciting band performance. It was recorded at the Arlington Center For The Arts Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts last spring. Edgy, creative, and passionate, this band, fronted by singer-guitarist Conrad Warre, reveal the detailed depth and raw energy that goes into their live shows on this Bluesapocalypse album.
Monica Rizzio shines with righteous zeal on Washashore Cowgirl CD
Monica Rizzio’s first official solo CD Washashore Cowgirl is chockfull of great original country and country roots songs. Originally from Texas, this Cape Cod resident shows she can project plenty of her southern girl charm and sensibility into her original songs and standards. It’s who she is. A former member of folk trio Tripping Lily, Rizzio wrote or co-wrote most of the righteously fresh material on this album.
Daniel Ouellette & The Shobijin glorious, crazy on new Tokusatsu! CD
Daniel Ouellette & The Shobijin are up to their old tricks again on this new Tokusatsu! CD, expressing musical concepts with highly clever electronic arrangements of their original songs. Ouellette, who hails from Fall River, Massachusetts, wrote these ten zany electronic pop songs, most of which have curious lyrical themes. Eerie concepts should probably be expected from an artist who is from the same town as Lizzie Borden. On one track Ouellette sings about wanting to see Universal Horror movies from the 1930s and 1940s.
Lara Herscovitch shows tremendous growth on Misfit CD
Lara Herscovitch has just released her fourth CD, Misfit. While misfits are the theme of this new album, Herscovitch fits in well with her New England folk music scene. Her earthy acoustic guitar accompaniments pave the way for this Former State Troubadour of Connecticut to shine. Her insights are sharp and valuable, especially when she turns them on her own emotions. There is also an undeniable husk of true folk music likeableness in each of her songs.
Jeff Root impresses once again with My One And Only CD
Jeff Root has come up with another album full of fun, quirky, and impressive songs. His new My One And Only CD is loaded with a variety of song structures and styles. Each tune is coated by his own haunted, other worldly vocal, a natural timbre which suggests he lives just barely on this side of sanity.
