Show reviews

Gracie Curran sings on the 9 Wallis Stage Saturday night with the latest in her line of inventive costumes celebrating the national cannabis day. SHOW REVIEW Gracie Curran and 4/20 go together like Zig and Zag. The Boston Music Award winner was one of the local music industry’s first and most ardent supporters of the … Continue reading Gracie Curran hits 4/20 high note — in fact, she owns it

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’

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

Jocelyn Arndt is moved by the spirit of the music as she performs last night in Norwood. SHOW REVIEW: Nobody told them explosions aren’t meant to rock the Fallout Shelter. Or at least Massachusetts-based brother-and-sister act Jocelyn and Chris Arndt paid that no heed last night during their Extended Play Sessions broadcast and filming. And … Continue reading Jocelyn and Chris Arndt making their mark uniquely

Kevin Harvey belts out the blues during last night's show at the Fallout Shelter in Norwood. SHOW REVIEW: When the Durham County Poets hit the stage at the Fallout Shelter last night, you could count five players. By the time the band from Quebec was halfway through the Extended Play Sessions live show and filming, … Continue reading Durham County Poets have it all down chapter and verse

Duke Amayo sings during the Antibalas 20th anniversary tour stop last night at the Sinclair in Harvard Square. SHOW REVIEW Antibalas has had the kind of staying power that few bands enjoy. Last night, when the 20th anniversary tour of the Afrobeat ensemble hit the Sinclair in Cambridge, it was obvious why: Antibalas keeps attracting … Continue reading Antibalas celebrates 20th year forcefully, masterfully

SHOW REVIEW: The newest addition to weekly artist residencies around greater Boston is a pairing of two unique talents — singer-songwriters Christian McNeill and Tim Gearan. It has resulted in a beautiful intertwining of voices and styles, perfect for a relaxing respite on a Tuesday night.I never considered Sally O’Brien’s in Somerville to be a “listening … Continue reading Tim Gearan-Christian McNeill residency pure listening gold

Kelly Knapp and Jamie Walker perform “Wheels” during the annual Wall of Grass benefit at Club Passim on Saturday. SHOW REVIEW: There are genre-specific music festivals that bring a galaxy’s worth of stars to the stage. There are charity fundraisers with bands and solo acts pulling together. Then there is Wall of Grass, in which … Continue reading Strong communal roots make Wall of Grass