Grab new music from Session Americana (online until January 2nd)
December 22, 2008 | By Sooz | Filed In: Music Musings | Tags: Free Music, Lizard Lounge, MP3s, Session Americana, Tuesday Night Residency
Session Americana has been playing another epic weekly Tuesday night residency at the Lizard Lounge. It’s always a good time. Though lately it seems like word is getting out to a lot of new people unfamiliar with the tradition of listening at Session Americana shows. The guys sit around a table of ambient mics — this is not a plugged-in loud, rock and roll experience. But it is an experience. Awesomeness is hearing an americana-inspired version of Prince’s “Pop Life” and “Raspberry Beret.” Not to mention the band’s own “Beer Town.”
I’m hopeful that they can start future shows with a before-things-start reminder to the crowd that the volume will only get so loud, so if people are there to talk and not listen to the band, it’s not going to go so well. Last week they did an impressive job of playing louder than usual — but really, this is a listening event. They are not there to provide background music to your bar conversation. Go to a nondescript local pub or somewhere on Landsdowne Street for that. If you are going to your first Session Americana concert because you heard about it here, please (please) wait until the band takes a break between sets to talk loudly.
Free MP3s from Session Americana
If you’re curious to hear what Session Americana has been up to, they’ve got four new songs available for free download on their website until January 2nd. If you like what you hear (how could you not?!?!), go to their web page about the songs and click on the Paypal donate link to send them $5 or $5,ooo.
October at the Lizard Lounge: Session Americana, Dennis Brennan and Bill Janovitz
October 7, 2008 | By Sooz | Filed In: Get Out | Tags: Bill Janovitz, Crown Victoria, Dennis Brennan, Harvard Square, Jennifer Kimball, Live Music, Lizard Lounge, Mass Ave, Porter Square, Session Americana
The Lizard Lounge is making it easy to figure out what to do in October.
They’ve got an impressive line-up every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the month. On Tuesdays it’s Session Americana, unplugged and in the round. Wednesday it’s The Dennis Brennan Band with special guest Jennifer Kimball. If Tom Waits had more rock and soul, he’d sound like Dennis Brennan. And then on Thursday nights in October it’s Bill Janovitz and Crown Victoria. You might remember Bill as the singer from one of the greatest bands ever (ever!), Buffalo Tom.
The Lizard Lounge is a 21+ club located at 1667 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge between Harvard Square and Porter Square. Doors open between 7:30-8:30pm — check their website for the specific show you’re planning to attend. The cover charge ranges from $5-$8. These are all shows that could sell out so buy your tickets in advance online at Brown Paper Tickets.
Here’s a low-fi video I shot of Session Americana at one of their epic shows in April earlier this year at the Lizard Lounge.
Videos of Mandy Moore, Lori McKenna and Mike Viola at the Lizard Lounge
October 5, 2008 | By Sooz | Filed In: Video | Tags: Live Music, Lizard Lounge, Lori McKenna, Mandy Moore, Mike Viola, Music Videos
Boston Pop Underground organized an excellent Fall Residency for Mike Viola at the Lizard Lounge. The third night was especially fun with Mike’s old band the Candy Butchers reuniting for an evening plus special guests Lori McKenna and pop star and actress Mandy Moore. That was a lot of awesomeness to squeeze into a club that fits 105 people. Mike is moving to Los Angeles and is working with Mandy on her next album. But before that all happens, his cohorts Ducky Carlisle and Bleu are joining him to play a few shows in Japan. Check out the trio’s new band, The Major Labels.
Watch the videos I shot of Mike Viola, Lori McKenna and Mandy Moore at the Lizard Lounge in the player below. Click on the rectangular box next to the play button to move to the next video. Or watch the videos over on YouTube.
Update: MandyMooreForum.com has sent a bunch of traffic to Exploit Boston! — thanks for linking over to Exploit Boston!.
