Notes on the Lights Out and the Acton Jazz Cafe
By JIM SULLIVAN | February 5, 2008
The Lights Out |
“The LIGHTS OUT are a band who write songs about bounty hunters, guys killed by volcanoes, and love.” At least that’s how guitarist/singer Adam Ritchie describes his band. They started in 2005; Ritchie was the last to join, in June of ’07. They have one a four-song Lights Out EP and are in the process of recording a five-song EP with producer Jason Dunn at Mad Science in Allston for spring release. This month, they’re doing a Tuesday residency at the Abbey Lounge; they also have a February 16 gig at the Cantab. Their specialty is propulsive pop rock with bracing guitar hooks. “The music is a big melodic kick in the nuts,” says Ritchie. “A song gets in and gets out. If you don’t like one song, don’t worry, because three minutes later we’re onto something else. We blaze through 15 songs in 45 minutes. We’re scrappy and self-contained.”
Bad and then good news for the ACTON JAZZ CAFÉ. Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue shuttered the restaurant and club for non-payment of taxes. Owner Gwenn Vivian sent out an e-mail. “I said, ‘Closed until further notice,’ and asked, ‘Say a prayer.’ ” The 11-year-old, 90-capacity jazz/blues/R&B club was down for 10 days, but then the prayers were answered. “Hundreds of musicians and friends rose up and asked if they could help. I didn’t solicit at all.” They raised about $15,000 against a $30,000 debt, and she worked out a payment plan with the commonwealth. “I’m elated and exhausted, and we have to run things more tightly and intelligently.” There’s jazz with the MARK SHILANSKY QUARTET on February 8 and a Mardi Gras party on February 9 with the CHILI BROTHERS.
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Topics:
New England Music News
, Jason Dunn
