Bill Copeland
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.
Regional artists shine at New England Music Awards
The New England Music Awards is now running like a well oiled machine. Held at Showcase Live at Patriot’s Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts last Saturday night, performers and presenters were on and off the stage without hardly a glitch. This gave the performers a comfortable setting to strut their stuff between speakers and presentations. Showing what the whole event was all about, the bands who performed last night gave it their all as they presented their music to a six state audience.
Backs Against The Wall Blues Jam House Band host fourth Blues For The Troops, Sunday April 19, Peabody MA
Psst. Hey, kid. Do ya wanna listen to five hours of blues for only ten bucks?
Dr. Harp’s Blues Revue to play benefit for homeless veteran this Sunday, April 19, Manchester NH
A benefit for the New Horizon Homeless Shelter will be held at the Central Ale House in Manchester, New Hampshire from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Central Ale House is located at 23 Central Avenue in the Queen City. Dr. Harp’s Blues Revue will be performing. The band consists of Dr. Harp on vocals […]
Cheryl Arena lit up Wantu Blues Jam at the Village Trestle in Goffstown, NH
Stop the presses. There’s a celebrity in the room. Regionally known musician Cheryl Arena was the featured artist at the Wantu Blues Jam last Sunday afternoon, and the harmonica lady blew several hip, soulful melody lines through her treasured instrument. Lilting, melodic harp lines, train whistle melodies, and heftier phrases were just a few of things Arena pulled out of her bag of tricks.
Boston Baked Blues delivered old fashioned charm at Manchester’s British Beer Company location
Boston Baked Blues were the featured act last Sunday at British Beer Company’s Sunday Bloody Blues Brunch. Boston Bakes Blues treated their Manchester, New Hampshire blues audience to three hours of smooth, mellow blues from the 1940s and 1950s. As ever, Vinny Serino’s variety of harmonica and his polished, shiny, soulful voice breathed new life into some blues classics that he clearly loves to sing and play. His variety of vocal approaches, rangy voice, and harmonica styles allowed him to create a wide array of sounds, making each song something likable and personable.
