Eric Fontana | Saving Secret Grace | Self-released
Eric Fontana’s latest album at last has the spit and polish his material deserves and the extra push (or perhaps $$) really pays off. Fontana’s versatility and melodicism, both of which should translate into commercial viability, gives him an edge over many artists with likeminded aspirations.
Dave Howard | I Tried To Tell You | Self-released
There’s a lot to like on Dave Howard’s first country album, not the least of which is to hear Howard finally succumbing to that part of his musical personality dedicated to tears-in-the-beer strains of Telecaster twang and pedal steel weepiness. We’re not sure where it all leads but we’re happy he arrived, if momentarily, at such a gratifying destination.
Tom Thumb And The Latter Day Saints | Kinderkusik | Three Ring
It’s only a handful of songs, but its quiet rasp and potent dynamic really radiate. Captain Andy Arch and his crew heap layers of richly textured indie rock one atop the other, creating a ghostly monument to blissed-out, understated greatness.
RICKY VALENTE: discovers himself on Loveless Letters. |
Ricky Valente | Loveless Letters | Self-released
Great stuff from Valente, whose travels overseas have helped him identify the kind of songwriter he’s always wanted to be. Loveless Letters is the sound of an artist discovering himself. We’re just happy to be around to hear it.
Badman | Self-released
Recently located from Denver, Badman adds an element of western brooding to the local scene, one that makes for rapt listening. While the band is currently spread out throughout the northeast corridor, we’re hoping the trio of Tyler Hayden, Alec Tisdale, and Andrew States manage to lasso their killer cowboy vibe and rope it in for all it’s worth.
Monstrous | Mother Nature’s Sons | Self-released
How can you go wrong by stepping forward as the redheaded offspring of Marc Bolan and Kurt Cobain? Monstrous’s recent trip out west, where they spent a two-year residency in Portland, Oregon, served to anoint the band as rock heroes. Now back in town, they hope to parlay that experience into new realms.
Six Star General | Ice Machine | 75 or Less
Old school indie rock that hearkens back to the time when indie rock had balls. Recorded in four hours with no overdubs, this 11-song monster is a groove-a-rama in the vein of early Minutemen and Yo La Tengo, with lots of wah-wah, savage bass-drum rhythms, and angular brawn.
Wandering Eye
On Friday, December 22, New Bedford singer CANDIDA ROSE will front her quartet as part of the Equinox Jazz Series at 7:30pm at the Xxodus Café, 276 Westminster Street. Her debut CD, KabuMerikana: The Sum of Me, combines her Cape Verdean roots with American influences for a fresh take on world/jazz music, something she calls “KabuJazz.” Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Black Rep box office starting at 7 pm. Call 401.351.0353.
On Saturday, December 23,, BELLEVUE CADILLAC will play shows at 8 and 10 pm at Chan’s, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket. For information or reservations, call 401.765.1900. Next Thursday (the 28th) at the Century Lounge, it’s a quality triple bill with LOVETRAIN, THE PROVIDENCE RIOTS, and THE LAW. Call 401.751.2255.
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Bob Gulla: bobgulla@verizon.net
