Nicole Knox Murphy proves her salt at Penuche’s Block Party event
Nicole Knox Murphy performed a couple of sets of originals and covers outside Penuche’s Bar & Grill in Manchester, New Hampshire last Saturday night. Murphy’s backing tracks drew a mixed response from this reviewer. Sometimes they were warm and appropriate. Other times, she would’ve been better off just accompanying herself with her acoustic guitar. Nothing, though, could distract from the pure, wholesome beauty of her voice. Combining a bright, soft timbre with strong emphasis and projection, she seemed like someone who should’ve been signed and famous long ago.
Adam Ezra Group rocked Boston Harbor cruise
As they do every year, Adam Ezra Group sailed around Boston Harbor on the Provincetown II last Sunday afternoon with about 750 fans cheering them on as they played through several of their original songs and arrangements. A day after some of the band’ equipment was stolen from their van, surprisingly good weather one upped dreary weather reports and the musicians and their Sunday afternoon fans had one fine day.
Peter Parcek’s B.B. King tribute at Chevalier Theatre a roaring, bluesy success
Some tribute shows come across like a work of art. Boston’s Peter Parcek and his trio along with special guests paid a glorious tribute to B.B. King as part of the On Stage series at the Chevalier Theatre in Medford, Massachusetts last Saturday night. By placing the band at the end of the stage with their backs toward the audience seats, the On Stage producers created a café style seating arrangement for patrons sitting on stage with the band. Last Saturday night’s show was packed, making the tribute a success financially as well as artistically.
Frank Viele Band rocked Spot Underground in Providence, RI
Frank Viele Band played a lively set at the Spot Underground in Providence, Rhode Island last Saturday night. Coming off of two wins in the New England Music Awards the previous week, Viele and company seemed emboldened by their latest recognition. They play several songs from their latest full length CD, Fall You Way, which, incidentally, won a Producer Of The Year award for their producer Vic Steffens at the same awards show.
Fifth annual New England Music Awards was a dud
The fifth annual New England Music Awards was a tedious affair. The sounds system at Blue Ocean Music Hall was terrible, often dropping singers or instruments out of the mix or having them too low. The hosts were boring as hell, unless you don’t mind a pseudo-island Rastafarian with dreadlocks lecturing you on how you need to enjoy your life. Yeah, it got that bad.
“Blue Horn” benefit created beautiful music, loving vibe
Yesterday saw an amazing display of love and talent at JJ’s Sports Bar in Northboro, Massachusetts. A benefit held there for the hugely popular and well liked Johnny “Blue Horn” Moriconi brought together a tremendous bulk of talent while an appreciate, supportive audience created one of the most beautiful vibes to found in a local music venue. The house’s sound man, Jim Kalil, kept all of the bands sounding fantastic throughout the day long event and all but one were large ensembles. I hope JJ’s pays him well.
Booty Vortex say goodbye to Johnny D’s; singer discusses venue closing
Booty Vortex said goodbye to the soon to be closed Johnny D’s bar-restaurant-music venue in Somerville, Massachusetts last Saturday night. In an inspired farewell performance this funk-disco-dance band kept their fans on their feet dancing all night long while playing many of the oldies and funk classics that fans have come to depend on. Throughout, Booty Vortex’s lead vocalist Julia Tizzano Cruz kept reminding everybody present how the venue has supported the band over the years in many ways, like keeping the band in a six to eight week rotation.
Emergency Broadcast System rocked Bell In Hand last Saturday night
Emergency Broadcast System sent out a strong signal at Boston’s Bell In Hand last Saturday night. This hugely popular cover band kept a crowd of cool, young Bostonians partying and dancing all evening. That was no easy task as the patrons packed what is considered America’s oldest tavern, founded in 1795. The five piece knew how to dial it in, picking the right songs to get their audience’s attention and to keep the crowd moving.
Matt Stubbs And The Antiguas rock Portsmouth’s Book And Bar
Acting on a tip from greater-Boston’s blues maven Al Cecchinelli, I caught Matt Stubbs and The Antiguas at the Book And Bar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The band played their special brand of instrumental rock, blues, and surf music to a fairly sizable and enthusiastic crowd last Saturday night. Their music found a good home in this venue which combines a used book store with a coffee shop and bar. The room’s wide open space and high ceiling let the sound breathe and travel.
Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson packed Wantu Blues Jam, wowed the crowd
Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson was the highlight feature at yesterday’s Wantu Blues Jam. Taking the stage after the house band performed their opening set, Johnson and a few of his regular band mates played some of the best blues songs in the blues catalogue. Johnson’s scheduled appearance at this weekly blues jam likely accounted for the huge turnout at Goffstown, New Hampshire’s Village Trestle yesterday afternoon.
