New Rossoni
The city’s acoustic music fans will be happy to hear that Mary Ann Rossoni’s long-awaited third CD, Timber & Nails, is officially out this weekend. In the five years since Mary Ann made her last album, she’s lived a little and begun to see the world in a different light, a fact made obvious by the sound and subject matter on her new album. Produced by Jack Gauthier, the songs on Timber & Nails all come from special places. “It’s about as personal a collection as I could have written,” she told me in a phone interview. Songs like the opening title cut attests to the importance of hearth and home. “Everything Needs Fixin’ ” addresses home (and personal) maintenance in real and humorous terms. An early morning walk in Mary Ann’s neighborhood inspired “On This Morning.” “Wondrous Impressions” describes, at least metaphorically, the close-knit bond of great friends. Timber & Nails is the gifted songwriter’s most absorbing and beguiling effort yet. “I finally feel like I had something real to say,” says Rossoni, “and I didn’t have any hang-ups about it.”
Mary Ann Rossoni | October 12 | Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St, Cumberland | 8 pm | $12 | 401.725.9272
Becky’s River
Becky Chace has finally revealed the fruits of her recent music labor to the general public. A River Under Me, an acoustic album recorded with musical collaborator/guitarist Brian Minisce, boasts the coffeehouse sound she’s been pursuing since temporarily hanging up her rock socks a while back. It’s Chace’s first DIY effort, and her first album of new material since 2004’s Rescue. This is the kind of music Chace was destined to make: it’s heartfelt and delightfully written and sung, with soulful nods to CSN&Y, James Taylor, and other classic singer-songwriters. On Friday (the 12th), Becky’s having a big fundraiser/CD release party and kicking off a 12-state, month-long tour of the East Coast. She’ll be playing upstairs at the Barnsider Mile and a Quarter Restaurant, 375 South Main in Providence, at 9 pm. Tickets are $10, or better still, $25 gets you the CD and admission. Donations are welcome and all proceeds help pay for the tour. Call 401.351.7300.
Wandering eye
ROUTE .44 hit Jerky’s on Friday, with THE GULF from Boston. Call 401.621.2244. The city’s monthly roots-twang-Americana series, “Your Roots Are Showing,” goes down at AS220 this Saturday. Hosted by LUCKY 57, this installment features SHOOTING JOHN (from Sweden), the demi-legend THALIA ZEDEK (Come, Live Skull, etc.), and THE WINSOME GRIFFLES. Call 401.831.9327. THE MASONS play at Jake’s on Saturday, October 13, with Boston’s THE BLIND KING and STUPERHERO. The Masons’ lineup now includes founder Kraig Jordan (guitar/vocals) along with notables Dave Narcizo (drums), Don Sanders (acoustic guitar) Dave Wall (guitar), Scott Rancourt (bass), and special guest Tom Chace (keyboards). Call 401.453.5253. At Cats on Saturday, Deek & Purerockfury present an an all day/night show, with THRONE, FINAL HOUR, ADRIA, THE STATIC DYNAMIC, AND ALL WAS SILENT, SUFFERING BASTARD, THE HATE MINISTERS, and WHEN REASON FAILS. Doors open at 3 pm. Call 401.722.0150.
On the Web
Davol Square Blues Festival: www.myspace.com/davolsquarebluesfestival
