Music explored. All photos and text by Boston-based longtime music journalist Nate Dow (unless otherwise noted).
Duke Levine takes a ride back in the time machine to play the songs of his youth in his Super Sweet Sounds of the ’70s showcases. When he launched the showcase as a change of pace in the fall of 2017, Duke Levine didn’t realize precisely what he was getting himself him into. Now, the … Continue reading Duke Levine finds the ‘Super Sweet’ spot — it’s the ’70s
Christian McNeill performs during his sold-out show last night at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. SHOW REVIEW There are two artists within him. There’s Christian McNeill, the achingly poignant balladeer who — with just his lush voice and guitar — can hush a Somerville Theater crowd as he did when opening for British folk star … Continue reading McNeill doubles down at the Lizard on his ‘farewell tour’
LOCAL SHOW PICKS • Sunday, Down Home Up Here Bluegrass Festival, Club Passim, Cambridge, 4-11 p.m. — This mini-festival delivers a different band on the hour including the Revenants, Gin Daisy, the Spring Hill Rounders, Ellen Jordan and Korey Brodsky, the Riverside, and Gabe Hirshfeld and Massachusetts. • Monday, the Duppy Conquerors, Sally O’Briens, Somerville, 10 … Continue reading Picks for week of April 14
Jimmy Ryan performs during last night's Wooden Leg show at the Fallout Shelter in Norwood. SHOW REVIEW: In an astonishing display of musicianship last night at the Fallout Shelter, Wooden Leg, with nothing more than the sound check as a rehearsal for the five players, somehow contained its whirring jam-band energy with a tightness that … Continue reading Wooden Leg stands up to the test of time brilliantly
Barrelhouse blues master Victor Wainwright performs during last night's sold-out show at 9 Wallis in Beverly. SHOW REVIEW: For Victor Wainwright, the flight path has been more akin to a rocket launch. While he comes from a musical family and learned piano at the feet of both his father and grandfather, the Savannah, Ga., native … Continue reading Victor Wainwright and The Train veritable blues express
LIVE LOCAL SHOWS PICKS: • Sunday, Girls Rock Campaign Boston showcase, ONCE, Somerville, 8:30 p.m. — The volunteer organization that offers programs for girls ages 8-17 to boost self-esteem and collaboration through music celebrates its ninth anniversary showcase with 10 new bands taking the stage in this all ages show.• Monday, The Monday Discovery Series, Club Passim, … Continue reading Picks for week of April 7