Jan 27
Part 1 of 2 on award winning singer/songwriter Craig Bickhardt
At last week’s conference, one of the panelists shared a story. Early in his career he had been a radio DJ, responsible for choosing the songs that were played. “Used to be, we’d get so many records sent to us, we’d just pick ‘em by their covers. Eighty-five percent of the time we’d be right.” Read more
There was no fanfare when the Jamie McLean Band took the stage in Fairfield a few weeks ago. Jamie had an unassuming, almost self-effacing manner. He walked quietly to the microphone; a handwritten setlist was dropped to the floor, the guitar strapped in place, and then the show began. Read more
Following two recent exchanges with my children, I have begun to contemplate my own mortality and musical legacy. Please allow me to explain. Read more
Review: Big Sam’s Funky Nation at StageOne 1/5/12, at Infinity Hall 1/8/12
Get your hands in the air, hands in the air! Get em up, get em up! Get your hands in the air!
He’s a drill sergeant, a dancer and Don Juan. He’s the Pied Piper of funk, weaving his way through the audience, trombone pressed to his lips and a conga line of ladies in tow. This is Big Sam Williams whose slide trombone and staccato vocals lead the Funky Nation through a set of beat driven, brass centered, danceable tunes that have everyone on their feet and moving.
Shake yo ass, shake yo ass. Tell your neighbor, “Shake yo ass!”
Sam is building an army of followers, and he wants you in the ranks. He enters with trumpet man Andrew Baham, and the pair dance across the stage in sync. The dance ranks high on enthusiasm and lower on grace, but produces the desired effect. The audience is energized and ready to be drafted. Within minutes, a roomful of weekday warriors are happily raising their hands and shaking their backsides on cue. Read more
There was no dawdling involved. We opted for an early dinner at Capital Grille where the last available table sat window side and offered a full view of the whimsical dragons, pageantry and bright smiles of Boston’s First Night parade. After dinner I did a furtive striptease in the parking garage, exchanging polyester for sequins while the motor idled, one eye on the rearview mirror and with a delicious sense of daring. My date claimed to enjoy the pre-show. Read more
by Holley Dey, Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski
The new year shouts, “Can’t you hear me knocking?’ We hear, we hear, but we’re not ready. Not until we’ve had one more look and the time to reflect, not until the last picture is posted and the last notes are toasted will we open the door.
Photograph by Paul McLaren
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Each year at this time, we remember our close friends and family with warmth and gratitude. We consider all of you to be our friends, and truly appreciate the time that so many spent reading and commenting on this blog in 2011. Thank you for your kind company and lively conversation! Read more
In a building where secrets once lived behind locked doors, one truth was revealed last Sunday evening. Her name is Shea Rose, and she is electric. Read more
by Richard Uznanski
Penguins and Cuttlefish
Into the room often dim and dark,
Seldom beams of spectral bright. Read more
by Holley Dey; photos by Louise Uznanski, Richard Uznanski, Holley Dey
Boston’s favorite roots-rock band, the Adam Ezra Group, celebrated the release of their new album Ragtop Angel last Friday evening at Brighton Music Hall. The hometown concert was sold out in advance, and there was a buzz of eager anticipation as the band took the stage. What followed was a good time performance that left everyone smiling, and many dancing, both on and off the stage. Read more
