Magic Man off to promising start with Before The Waves CD
Magic Man have just released their debut full length CD Before The Waves, and it’s loaded with energetic, synth-pop fun. Just when you thought this kind of music had died out after the 1980s, Boston’s Magic Man comes on strong with this force of nature album.
Daemon Chili off to solid start with Rise Up CD
Daemon Chili released the blues-roots drenched album Rise Up only a few months ago, and it’s already catching the ears of music fans all over New England. It is certainly a must have for any fan of this sort of music. Every note from the Dobro, lap steel, bluesy piano, mandolin, accordion, and every instrument played on this album sounds so real it’s not funny. Authenticity as well as pure joy come through loud and clear on every track. This is the kind of music that will take the listener back in time to a special place in Americana music, until it rocks out in a live setting to liven any concert.
Mike Verge brilliantly comes into his own with Love Is A Tattoo album
Mike Verge’s latest album Love Is A Tattoo comes during a time in the artist’s life when he had to vent, get things out of his system. An outpouring of emotion in every track, Verge not only projects a lot of feeling with his mighty strong voice, he has his backing band sounding effusively beautifully. His slightly rasped voice comes across loud, clear, rangy, sailing over his sprightly melodies and bouncy rhythms. There’s a timeless quality to each song here, making them impossible to attach to any particular era in music. Listeners hearing this album for the first time would likely have a difficult time saying it sounds like modern rock, classic rock, or oldies. The words and music were written with emotion, not trendy styles.
Alison Keslow struts her stuff on instrumental album Bass Dharma
Alison Keslow’s second solo instrumental album Bass Dharma is a collection of jazzy originals she has composed and arranged around the strength of her bass playing. While her guest musicians have exceptional skills, Keslow keeps everything smoothly anchored with her low end finesse. Among lively flights of melodic fancy from the other players, she keeps her persistent talent quite present in her music. An exquisite composer too, Keslow has written truly impressive and likable arrangements.
Gracie Curran & The High Falutin’ Band offer a mixed bag on Proof Of Love CD
Gracie Curran & The High Falutin’ Band recorded a fine party album for their debut Proof Of Love. This CD has plenty of energy, swinging horns, danceable beats, swirling organ chords, music that just makes one think of a good time. It is certainly cool that Curran has a vocal timbre that is reminiscent of the great early 20th century blues and jazz vocalists. She might remind one of anyone from Billie Holiday to Etta James. The only problem is that Curran, either by nature or lack of practice, doesn’t have the rangy power of any of those old times great. She doesn’t even come close.
Ali Manion documents her fine jazzy sound on Reflections CD
Ali Manion’s debut album Reflections offers six standards and six originals. Reflections is an apt title as she reflects back on her own songs and others that have become part of band’s set list when she plays out in greater-Boston/New England.
Dan Lawson Band kick out serious tunes on new Soldier Of Fortune CD
The latest album from Dan Lawson Band, Soldiers Of Fortune, is, as can be expected, another collection of hard rocking songs built by muscular talent. Lawson’s guitar work spearheads the way through these sonic joy rides. His phrasing ranges from smooth, high pitched melodies to more rhythmic-melodic lines. Lawson’s voice still has the hefty expression of a man who is going to get things off his chest whether you like it or not. The album cover, though, takes more of a turn toward the artsy. It was conceived and drawn by Michael Ornstein, an artist-actor many know as Chucky on Sons Of Anarchy.
Danielle Miraglia arrives at lyrical truths on tuneful CD Box Of Troubles
Box Of Troubles was the last album Danielle Miraglia released. Those who missed it at the time of its release missed out on ten especially good tracks drenched in tasty roots idioms. Aside from Miraglia’s winsome, down to earth, natural voice, and flinty guitar picking, she brings on board fiddlers, pedal steel players, accordionists, and other roots musicians to flesh out her vision of American life and Americana music.
Gang Of Thieves offer feisty, funky fun on Thunderfunk CD
Gang Of Thieves offer a lot of fun funk-rock on their latest album Thunderfunk. You can’t help but to dance to their irresistible grooves while digging what the guitars are doing. This band offers two formidable guitars, an aggressive lead vocalist, and a rhythm section that easily straddles the adventurous drive of rock and the open spaces of rambunctious funk.
Ghost Dinner Band offer startlingly fine Live @ Harlow’s Pub
Ghost Dinner Band document their driving energetic concerts well on their latest album Live @ Harlow‘s Pub. From start to finish, this New Hampshire band unfurls exciting layers of electric guitars, haunted but high spirited vocals, and a loosely empowered rhythm section. The band has a distinct sound all their own. They’ve arrived at a rocking formula that includes visionary lyrics and haunted soundscapes and spiritual resilience in the face of harrowing encounters. And their guitars are very cool.
