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.
Dwight & Nicole offer many golden nuggets with their Shine On album
The album that a lot of people in the New England blues scene have been awaiting is finally released. Dwight & Nicole have come to greater attention since vocalist and songwriter Nicole Nelson had done well on a national television reality show singing contest. The pair’s new Shine On CD does not disappoint. It’s loaded with golden nuggets of Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson compositions that showcase the finer points of the pair’s application of their wide range of musical skills.
Jen Kearney & The Lost Onion take things to higher level with Age Of Blame CD
Jen Kearney & The Lost Onion’s Age Of Blame CD marks a turning point in their musical elevation. Kearney has become a more sophisticated vocalist and keyboardist since 2009’s The Year Of The Ox album. There is a more easeful flow coming from her instrumentation and she sings with greater eloquence. Kearney shows more tasteful self-restraint than ever, and she offers more fine touches throughout this album than her previous recordings. Drummer Peter MacLean is in fine form throughout the CD, and second keyboardist Amy Bellamy helps keep this whole recording fulsome and rich.
Bees Deluxe delight and impress again on Trouble In Paradise CD
The Bees Deluxe have released another funky, bluesy, jazzy CDs. Trouble In Paradise is another offering of fun stuff from this outfit. The Bees Deluxe’s usual band leader, guitarist Conrad Warre, provides plenty of funky licks and cool phrasing. Keyboardist Jon Gamble keeps the organ and piano percolating with swirling chords and tasteful touches. Bassist Joe McEachern plays a smooth, solid low end. Drummer Patrick Sanders lays down all sorts of clever beats and snappy smacks.
