It’s that time of the year again. The inevitable onslaught of “vote for me” posts that will overflow your feed if you have even a toe in the water of New England based music pool.

But we welcome it. It means that the beautiful folks at the Boston Music Awards have again announced their list of nominees for 2019. Thats really about all there is to say. Its out there, go vote…and if you do vote, we would especially like you to cast a ballot for our dear pals, well honestly anyone in the Americana category (Honeysuckle, Julie Rhodes, Sarah Borges, Session Americana, Susan Cattaneo, These Wild Plains, Twisted Pine…you can’t go wrong), Ali McGuirk, Ward Hayden & The Outliers, The Silks, Gentle Temper, Hawthorn, Lula Wiles, The Ballroom Thieves, The Wolff Sisters, Nate Leavitt, Magen Tracey, Will Dailey, Walter Sickert, Tom Bianchi, Sean Mcglaughlin…yowza. Just a few suggestions for you.

Celebrate local music and the people behind the scenes making it happen, folks.

VOTE HERE.

While we regretfully were not in attendance, we could feel the warmth and vibe flowing out from your social feeds and the announcements of winners today.

So, congratulations to ALL of the winners this year, as well as all of those nominated and recognized for their efforts…but an especially HUGE congrats to our dear friends Twisted Pine, Honeysuckle and Ali McGuirk for taking home one of those little black rectangular sculptures last night.

While we are of course very honored to be nominated as Best Blog, thats far besides the point of this post. Over the course of the past few years the BMAs have undergone a transformation of sorts and we are all a bit better for it as members of the New England music community. The shift sees a keen focus on support for local artists and the realization that Aerosmith does not need a Lifetime Achievement Award.

While unable to attend last year, the 2015 show at the Sinclair just felt like a giant family reunion (even consisting of family members I’ve never met). It was just a special evening celebrating something we can all get behind: artists and the art they are creating.

Say what you will about the House of Blues…I’ll spare you my own opinions…but the move to a larger venue provides two really important things: the chance for up and coming artists to perform on a large stage they may not have otherwise been asked to play on and more space for a larger amount of fans and contemporaries to crowd into.

So, get your ass to the show and celebrate local artists and the BMAs, because in all honesty, it doesn’t really matter who wins. Its just about celebrating the fact that we are part of a rich and diverse musical community…and there is no where else you are going to see this vast array of genre presented in one place in one evening.

The event will feature 10 live performances from nominees: Bad Rabbits, Camino 84, Latrell James, Sidney Gish, Weakened Friends, Stl Gld, Carissa Johnson, no hope/ no harm, Avenue, Tall Heights

Get your tickets HERE

(Julia Mark, Colleen McNamara, and Mally Smith all smiles before Ruby Rose Fox’s set)

One thing that is extremely clear about what the Boston Music Awards are is that it is not about the actual awards at all. The awards part is a very, very small part of this wonderful event. It is a party. A celebration of the many different types of music and artists that we have around this wonderful city of ours. That was exceedingly present in the room at the Sinclair last night. Newly annointed leaders of the BMA pack Jake Brennan and Paul Armstrong have taken an event or idea loved by many (and also criticized by others) and kept the fire burning and most importantly the LOVE alive for art within a community that stretches far broader than what most of us as musicians or writers consider on a day to day basis. This was the first time in a long while that i looked outside my rootsy music bubble and was overtaken with the monumental mass of talent that could be crammed into one room spanning a vast sea of musical classification. For that Jake and Paul deserve all the credit, love and absolutely zero criticism for this year’s event. If I had another hand I would give it 3 thumbs up.

If you are interested in the winners you can hit this LINK and check it all out. But for me in this feature, that isn’t the focus.

I walked into the Sinclair to a mass of people gathered in the small, tight lobby before the main room…if I had one criticism of the night, I suppose the space there would be it, but then again I have that criticism every time I go to a show there, so no foul amigos. I was greeted with hugs and familiar faces, some from knowing for years and others from just seeing around town or on other fine local publications I tend to keep tabs on like Vanyaland, Allston Pudding, Guestlisted, and more. There was an energy in the room that was high but also relaxed and jovial. People reuniting and just hanging like this was the most natural thing in the world and not an “awards show” perse.

I could write about the performances for 18 more pages, but I will just keep it high level and list a few things I learned from them:

–Worshipper taught me that I may indeed love heavy rock and metal music. Those guys were on fire and the raw spirit coming out from the stage was intense.

–Louie Bello has more swagger in his pinky nail that most people can hope to amount to in a life time. Dude can sing, dance about, and engage a crowd.

–Dutch Rebel threw it back with a dynamic set, managing to do what a band of 5 people can do with just a microphone and a back beat. Girl was fierce!

–Will Dailey is the king of rock n’ roll meets pop catchiness. Pours his heart into every performance, every time.

–Ruby Rose Fox is a f*cking badass. Voice like no other, stage presence and charm for days. So, so, so good.

The Boston Music Awards surprised the hell out of me this year. We really do have a gigantic family here in this music community. The choice of whether you want to be involved in that community is up to you. I, for one, plan on going to more metal and hip hop shows (never thought I would say that), hope to see your faces there…

With the expansion into Folk and Americana and seeing some names on that list that truly are working their fingers to the bone within the folk/roots realm of things, it seems as though the well deserved attention of these artists has been shone the light. This may be the first year in 7 that I will be attending the event.

The first night will include performances by nominees spreading across the different categories: including Dirty Bangs, Dutch Rebelle, Louie Bello, Nemes, Oh Malô, Party Bois, Radclyffe Hall, Ruby Rose Fox, Soul-le-lu-jah, Tigerman WOAH, Vundabar, Will Dailey, Worshipper, and DJ Frank White.

And while I am really excited to catch friends Ruby Rose Fox, Will Dailey and Tigerman WOAH next week, I am also fairly pumped to expand our own horizons a bit beyond our rootsy bubble and drink in all that the music community here in Beantown has to offer.

Kudos BMAs. Faith restored and I can’t wait to party with you all.

December 9 is limited to Boston Music Award nominees and guests/is invitation only, and tickets are on sale to the general public for the December 10 Dando induction.

Well, I don’t suppose that I would be too far off in hypothesizing that I likely listen to a far more diverse amount of music contained within the genres of roots/folk/rock than the vast majority of people who listen to music. My inbox is constantly filled with new stuff from people I have heard of from around town to artists from around the globe that I never have heard of. I try and listen to everything I can and share what I think is something special I think other folks really should take a bite out of. Hopefully in some way that leads to a new artist gracing your ears or an old favorite getting some good words spouted about their latest project. But, I digress. In initiating the Big Reds last year I felt it fruitful to elect two of my own recognitions. Two different categories in which I select a band or artist or act that I personally felt was impactful in how I listen to music or experience it.  Artists who struck me in such a way that made me feel or do a double take and think “wow, that is incredible”. Music that has stuck with me long after listening and I still repeatedly spin to this day. These are the Red’s Choice: Artist of the Year and Red’s Favorite Find of 2015…

Favorite Find of 2015: There is something in the water at the Berklee School of Music that the rest of Back Bay isn’t allowed to taste. Somehow incredible bands keep coming out of that place. I suppose its not a surprise given it is a music school and highly regarded, but nonetheless I am always impressed with what comes across from the Roots program in particular. Last year’s Favorite Find would become one of my all time favorite bands…period. And this year’s Favorite Find is looking to follow in that same pattern. If you have not heard of the folky trio Honeysuckle, well you should and will over the next year. With a slot at this past summer’s historic Newport Folk Festival and nominations in this year’s Boston Music Awards, the band may be young in their years but have souls and heart that span a lifetime rich in the ways of how to kick ass at your instruments, craft a great song, and pour yourself into your music. Plus, Holly McGarry’s voice is UNBELIEVEABLE.

Artist of the Year: To be a complete package when it comes to music it takes a lot. Talent, skill, dedication, perseverance, and most importantly a good sense of humor about it all and taking things in stride. 2015’s Red’s Choice for Artist of the Year has all those things in spades. Vocal harmonies that will melt your heart into mush, guitar runs that will set your hair on fire, and a versatility and challenging of their sound that is enviable at least and super human at it’s peak. The Meadows Brothers is a group that has it all. Their latest release “Won’t Be Troubled” was one of my favorite records of the year and the many times I saw the fellas live this year were each special in their own right. Funny on stage and two of the most impressive musicians I have come across, they blend their two separate personalities into one mindblowing sound that I have trouble putting into words…but man, do they have “it”.

Songwriter of the Year: I would say that above all else, songwriting is the heart of what makes a song good…or, at least respectable in my own eyes (and ears). I tend to dial into the hooks and the words. Read the liner notes or scour the artist’s website to see if they have their lyrics listed somewhere in the ether. Catchiness. delivery and production are surely part of the puzzle, but the foundation for music that is definted by greatness instead of goodness, that lays within the words and the emotion of how a person writes. This year’s Songwriter of the Year, well, in this writer’s humble opinion is the best songwriter of the decade, or even further perhaps. Nominated and vote by you all: Ian Fitzgerald.

Band of the Year: Bands. There are many. There are also many types. Bar bands, cover bands, tribute bands, hard rock bands, roots rock bands, (insert genre) bands. In a sea of many, very few stand out. The type of band that is not only versatile, but comes together in a way to create a sound that so harmonious and perfect that its hard to wash the feeling off after you watch them perform. There are not many of those. But I can tell you one thing. Haunt the House, well, no matter what form the moniker of songwriter Will Houlihan takes it is an absolutely beautiful and moving thing to behold.

Album of the Year: A moment in time. To be able to capture something that will last forever and make it something that is worthy of such a lapse of time. Well, that takes the most important parts of so many different parts of music and pares it down into one free flowing experience. Mood, writing, ambiance. What makes a record worthy of listening to over and over and over again? I am not sure, but it would seem that you all feel “Wildwood Bride” by Molly Pinto Madigan hits all of the right notes.

Musician of the Year: Someone who puts others before themselves in order to let the music of their peers soar. One who excels at not just one, but defies logic and plays countless without effort (or so it seems). Someone who can read situations on the fly, feel the music. Truly FEEL the music and know what to play when and most importantly, what not to play as well. I’ve known it for years that Eric Lichter plays that role, but it seems in 2015 everyone else also agrees.

Well…there you have it. YOUR 2015 BIG RED Recognitions.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the BIG RED Red’s Choice awards for ACT OF THE YEAR and Red’s Favorite Find of 2015!!!

So listen to these tracks, listen to the full records, buy the music of these incredibly gifted and wonderful artists. Your favorite mainstream artist was once a local, independent musician…so why not get behind one or all of these folks.

The Suitcase Junket – “Make Time” – There have been more than a few occasions in the past 10 months where I sat down to write a song, thought I had something brilliant and realized I was basically writing ‘Dauphine and Desire’. There is something so sincere and heartfelt in the way that Lorenz sings this song. Heart on his sleeve, leaving himself bare and vulnerable. The tone from his guitar, acoustic but with this hint of overdrive that is subtle but enough to really tap you into it. A gentle stroll into a man’s emotions that keeps attention, builds and falls again. Beautiful.

Jenee Halstead – “Edge of the World” ‘Juarez’ can be summed up in one phrase “chilling, sultry goodness that gives me shivers”. Cavernous and deep in its arrangement, with notes being allowed to ring deep and fill the space behind Halstead’s intriguing and siren like voice. There is an ethereal and out of body type of vibe to this music, especially this track in particular. Jenee is a powerhouse singer, but the delicate and restrained nature that she takes with this track makes it all the more sly and clever. The kind of music that you turn off all of the lights, put the record on and just listen without distraction.

Krista Baroni – “The Alabaster Girl” – Little Soul is one of the shortest songs I think I have ever had in an album review, but that’s what makes it all the most poignant and memorable. Baroni only needs a minute and a half to capture you and make you an instant fan. A slow picked, slightly off time guitar really makes the arrangement compelling. Baroni has a voice that is incomparable. I really don’t know any other contemporary artist with a similar tone and character. Plus, the way it flows so effortlessly into the follow up track on the record is some really smart assemblage of an album.

The Meadows Brothers – “Won’t be Troubled” – I am a sucker for a song that really tells a story. The brothers have a keen ability to really rock, whether it’s with just two guitars and two voices or introducing percussion and electric guitar, but it’s when they bring it down slow and mellow that the harmonies and tenderness of their music shines incredibly bright. Lonesome Pine Company is a great story song, the narrative is easy to follow and really portrays a sense of working in the wilderness, the loneliness and emotion that ensures, or perhaps something even deeper embedded in the tale.

Molly Pinto Madigan – “Wildwood Bride” – Madigan sings with a very delicate and innocent color to her voice. Secretive almost, lost in a wintery pine forest calling out to something lost. Bloom is a slow build where the other pieces of the arrangement shelter around Molly’s voice. Fragile, but not weak.  Madigan’s voice is airy and light. It has a delicate flow in the way it dances across the arrangements, yet it stands out.  She writes in a very poetic manner, and has words that you could read just as easily listen to.

Brown Bird – “Axis Mundi” – Tortured Boy…it destroys me.  If ever there was a song that could get to the heart of what it means to love and lose, its this. “I don’t want to bathe/ I’m afraid I’ll lose your smell”, that says it all right there. It is very difficult to listen to this record without being swept up in that emotion. That is something truly special. Something moving. Something that makes you feel human and all the vulnerability that comes along with it.

Daniel Miller – “East Tennessee” – Daniel Miller dances a tightrope wire. That which lies between the excellent production value of more popular Nashville style music, but there are no trucks and red solo cups in his words. He has a country man’s country voice, with a slight twang and break to it. Robust and strong.  “Tomorrow’s  Bloodshot Eyes”  delves deeper as he paints introspective stories over the soft cry of a pedal steel. Catchy, but lonesome. A great combination.

Danielle Miraglia “Glory Junkies” – Tear it Down has all the attitude and bluesy badassery that folks have come to know Miraglia for. She is singing her heart out, right up in your face on this tune. The licks on the dobro rolling underneath her spitfire and the tune moves along, breaks and then fills back in. Harmonica howling, foot stomping, deep down in your chest singing goodness.  Is this a river delta in the south? No, its just Boston’s badass songstress with another great tune.

OH YEAH, NOW VOTE!!!

Eric Lichter – One man, one hundred instruments. That statement isn’t too far off when describing this songwriter-producer-engineer-studio musician-multi-instrumentalist-and all around great human being. Lichter has produced and played an impossible to count number of instruments on countless recordings over the years. His taste is impeccable and his ear even more so. Always adding the right vibe to a recording. Oh, and I did mention he is an incredible songwriter and performer in his own right? Yeah, and how about that voice?

Andy Santospago– The guy who plays with everyone. His personality may be understated and he comes across as a quiet guy, but his playing is HUGE.  Seen with a slew of folks from The Bean Pickers Union to Miriam to popping up ad hoc with friends, Andy is a staple in the music community here in town.  His Boston Singer’s Project was one of the cooler projects I have seen in recent years and just shows the respect this guy commands from his peers around town.

Lyle Brewer– Brewer is constantly evolving and challenging himself as a songwriting…being an instrumentalist makes that “THAT” much harder, and he never fails to impress. His latest release ‘ Juno’ was awe inspiring, with “the power to make each note speak as if he was using words” and  “I mean it when I say that Brewer’s music is beauty in it’s most pure form. It is intense and passionate and thoughtful.” I hate to be lazy in my review here and re-use things I have said, but I have a hard time describing it better than that.

Eva Walsh – I once referred to Eva Walsh as “the most tasteful musician I have had the pleasure of playing with. She knows exactly what to play, when to play it and never overdoes it”…I still believe that in many ways. Eva has since picked up a gig with the folk rock outfit Kingsley Flood and lends her talents to the relentlessly touring group of Americana rockers. On full display is how adaptable her playing in across genres, whether she is reading a classical sonata from a music stand, accompanying sad songs in minor keys, rocking with a full electric band, or picking a guitar or uke solo, she always locks in and knows the right sound and feel for the occasion.

Zach Hickman– Perhaps the most fun musician to watch on stage is this gent. Animated, and he moves when he plays, really moves. So much so that he will get YOU moving with him. He plays his instrument, not the other way around, as is the case with a lot of folks I see out and about town. The man is in control and aware of everything around him when he plays and able to adapt to pretty much anything throw at him. A truly brilliant player and entertainer.

Isa Burke – Isa is a great singer and songwriter in her own right, she shines in her band Lula Wiles on fiddle duties and playing some pretty mean flatpicking solos on guitar as well. Hell, last show I show them play even had her jumping on the upright bass for a number. As versatile a musician as they come and a true showwoman who commands the stage and the audience’s attention, whether with her voice or her talents on her instruments.

Greg Toro- Another guy who you can see in any number of bands on any night of the week. Versatility is the name of the game folks and Toro has that in spades. Whether it be with Dan Blakeslee on stage at Tweed River, traveling about with Amy Kucharik, or with Strange Changes this guy seems to be all over the place in who he plays with, but able to hone in the rhythm section and give folks a firm base (get it, cause he plays  bass?) to lay their music over.

Matt Lorenz (aka The Suitcase Junket) – What’s a bit different about Lorenz compared to our other nominees is that while many of them play instruments alongside other musicians and make them sound great,  Matt plays multiple instruments himself…at the same time…and sounds great. When he takes on the form of The Suitcase Junket, he can be seen playing percussion (with both feet), guitar, harmonica, and throat singing all at once to create a HUGE one man show that is always a sight to behold and sounds to make your whole body quake.

VOTE NOW!!!

Lula Wiles – This trio of songstresses with the chops to match their gorgeous voices came to me pretty recently. I ended up late for a gig I had to get to because I had my ears glued to the speakers and my ass glued to my seat the first time I heard their 3 voices together. Swapping lead duties and instruments is typical for them during a live show and each of them leads with a strength and passion that is unmatched. Want killer, bootstomping fiddle and guitar runs fused in with heartfelt harmonies and songwriting…well, here you go folks.

Haunt the House – “Spooky, powerful, and affecting”…three words is all you need but are far from doing this band justice. The writing of Will Houlihan cuts deep, the arrangements and the music lay a foundation for those words to soar, and the end product is absolutely spellbinding and haunting. If you are a fan of having your heart broken and then gently having it pieced back together, then this is the bad for you. Each and every time true beauty pours forth from the stage.

Smith&Weeden – Plainly put “ Its just f*ckin’ fun and good music, man. Its loud, but not abrasive. It makes you want to dance, but it’s not “dance music”…at least in the industry defining way. It’s not too rock for country music or too country for rock music, its a beautiful and masterful blend of the two.” Infectious, 4 part vocal harmonies that will cave your mind and chest in, the kind of music that you never tire of and will listen to again, and again, and again.

Spotted Tiger– When not one, but two great songwriters decide to start a band together…both of who also are accomplished sidemen on viola and guitar…well, that’s a recipe for something great. A little bit funk, reggae, rock, folk, blues, and more, Spotted Tiger blends it all into a mash up that results in something brilliant. Focused on incredible musicianship, infectious melodies, and a good time these are some hard working folks who are making a name for themselves by hitting stages and venues hard night after night.

The Silks – Rock n’ roll incarnate. Music with a bit of grit on it, bluesy grunginess that taps into music that influences it and makes it shine a bit brighter. There is an energy engrained in this music that is balls to the wall and alive. American music from an American band. Timeless and ageless, could have fit in 40 years ago and still kill it today.  F*ck man, these guys can rock.

The Meadows Brothers – Are we allowed to refer to the voices of two men as “angelic”? Well, I am going to, angelic and warm and the feeling when you find a puzzle piece you thought was missing but perfectly completes the whole picture. The simplicity of two guitars and two voices around one mic or an electric guitar and a stripped down drum kit…both work for these fellas and show the versatility of their music. In the end, its those damn harmonies though. Two voices blended perfectly to make one, complete and wonderful sound.

The Blue Ribbons – The Blue Ribbons are the favorite band of everyone’s favorite Boston band. Slightly more accomplished than you on your instrument, more fun to see live that you can hope to be, but some of the most down to earth and great folks you could ask for. A staple on the tiny stage at Toad for who knows how long, and the band to catch on  a Tuesday night that makes that hangover/sleep deprivation you are nursing Wednesday morning just a little bit easier.

Session Americana– A table, some instruments, and a bottle of whiskey. Session Americana could happen anywhere, but not everyone could make it happen like the fellas in this band do. Intimate but raucous, rock n’ roll but folk, everything and subtle all at once. If you haven’t seen a Session show, then shame on and go see one immediately, if you have then you know there aren’t many words to properly describe it. It is just something to behold and a band that you feel a part of as the audience. That is something special.