Friday March 15, 2019
https://clubbohemianews.blogspot.com/2019/03/friday-march-15-2019.html
Saturday March 16, 2019
Saturday @ Club Bohemia March 16, 2019 Brian Campbell (Motel Black,) Poor Yorick, Louder Than Milk - This page Sponsored by Randolph Music's Record Expo March 31
March 16
Lineup:
8:30 - Brian Campbell (Motel Black)
9:00 - Poor Yorick
10:00 - Louder Than Milk
Our eBay site helps fund this newsletter -
and feed our kitty cats!
You can see the tremendous hours we put in supporting local music.
The classic 45 RPM is ultra rare. Produced by Joe Viglione the song "Never Say Never" was a local Boston area classic resulting in the band opening for Sammy Hagar at the Worcester Centrum and breaking up the day after!
See the letter from WAAF's Russ Mottla:
"Dear Joe, Just an update on your band ROCKKIT As if FOURTEEN weeks of air-play on Bay State Rock hasn't said enough! The song "Never Say Never" is as powerful and well produced as anything I've heard. A real masterpiece. The requests have not stopped for this song so airplay, of course, will also continue for a few more weeks. I believe in Rockkit and wish you and the band much success.
Thanks for your consideration.
From producer Joe Viglione's personal Varulven Records collection.
|
Rockkit Never Say Never
Produced by Joe Count Viglione WAAF Boston Rock
If you collect Boston Rock & Roll, this is a rare and beautiful slice of heavy metal!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/382814920057?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
STATS 8:47 am
Wednesday March 13, 2019
Pageviews today
|
48
|
Pageviews yesterday
|
148
|
Pageviews last month
|
4,478
|
Pageviews all time history
|
227,400
|
MAR
15
In the Meantime, Miracle Blood, Elephants, The Furs
Fri 8 PM · by Miracle Blood
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
23
The Deep State, TV Shirt, The Melatonins, and Blame Shifters
Sat 9 PM · 367 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
28
Dust Prophet, Above the Din, North Star the Wanderer & Grovel
Thu 7:30 PM · by Fat Togue Music
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
29
Jeb Bush Orchestra at Club Bohemia (21+)
Fri 9 PM · by Jeb Bush Orchestra
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
30
When Damgaard Met Mirsky
Sat 9 PM · 451 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
5
Return of Butterscott - & friends.
Fri 8 PM · 499 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
5
The Return Of Butterscott™
Fri 8 PM · by Butterscott
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
6
Husbands, Luxury Deathtrap, SoH, Tarran
Sat 8:30 PM · 112 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
11
New Dakotas at Club Bohemia w/ Kyle Duke and the Brown Bag Boys
Thu 8:30 PM · by New Dakotas
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
20
Alpacas, Rea and The Tugboats, GP & the Strange Berries, MIELE
Sat 8 PM · by The Alpacas
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
27
The Stigmatics*Mongorellis*Thee Sonomatics*Groundlift Sat 4/27
Sat 8 PM · by The Stigmatics
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAY
17
Lily Black, Highway Chapel, Thee Fightin' Fish, The Negans
Fri 8 PM · by Thee Fightin' Fish
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAY
18
19th Nervous Breakdown (Rolling Stones) Club Bohemia - Cambridge
Sat 8:45 PM · Shared to Boston Metro Live Music Scene
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
15
In the Meantime, Miracle Blood, Elephants, The Furs
Fri 8 PM · by Miracle Blood
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
23
The Deep State, TV Shirt, The Melatonins, and Blame Shifters
Sat 9 PM · 367 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
28
Dust Prophet, Above the Din, North Star the Wanderer & Grovel
Thu 7:30 PM · by Fat Togue Music
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
29
Jeb Bush Orchestra at Club Bohemia (21+)
Fri 9 PM · by Jeb Bush Orchestra
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAR
30
When Damgaard Met Mirsky
Sat 9 PM · 451 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
5
Return of Butterscott - & friends.
Fri 8 PM · 499 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
5
The Return Of Butterscott™
Fri 8 PM · by Butterscott
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
6
Husbands, Luxury Deathtrap, SoH, Tarran
Sat 8:30 PM · 112 guests
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
11
New Dakotas at Club Bohemia w/ Kyle Duke and the Brown Bag Boys
Thu 8:30 PM · by New Dakotas
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
20
Alpacas, Rea and The Tugboats, GP & the Strange Berries, MIELE
Sat 8 PM · by The Alpacas
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
APR
27
The Stigmatics*Mongorellis*Thee Sonomatics*Groundlift Sat 4/27
Sat 8 PM · by The Stigmatics
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAY
17
Lily Black, Highway Chapel, Thee Fightin' Fish, The Negans
Fri 8 PM · by Thee Fightin' Fish
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
MAY
18
19th Nervous Breakdown (Rolling Stones) Club Bohemia - Cambridge
Sat 8:45 PM · Shared to Boston Metro Live Music Scene
Club Bohemia
Cambridge, MA
| MAR15 |
Fri 8 PMby Miracle Blood
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| MAR23 |
Sat 9 PM367 guests
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| MAR28 |
Thu 7:30 PMby Fat Togue Music
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| MAR29 |
Fri 9 PMby Jeb Bush Orchestra
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| MAR30 |
Sat 9 PM451 guests
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| APR5 |
Fri 8 PM499 guests
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| APR5 |
Fri 8 PMby Butterscott
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| APR6 |
Sat 8:30 PM112 guests
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| APR11 |
Thu 8:30 PMby New Dakotas
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| APR20 |
Sat 8 PMby The Alpacas
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| APR27 |
Sat 8 PMby The Stigmatics
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| MAY17 |
Fri 8 PMby Thee Fightin' Fish
|
Cambridge, MA
|
| MAY18 |
Sat 8:45 PMShared to Boston Metro Live Music Scene
|
Cambridge, MA
|
Stats @ 4:48 pm March 12, 2019 Tuesday
Pageviews today
|
114
|
Pageviews yesterday
|
198
|
Pageviews last month
|
4,466
|
Pageviews all time history
|
227,318
|
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For Bookings - 617 482 4920
Club Bohemia *NEW ADDRESS!
Hitman Records/Club Bohemia
c/o. Mickey Bliss
151 Tremont Street, Suite 110
Box #374
Boston, MA 02111-1151
tel 617 482 4920
Directions to the club
DIRECTIONS TO CLUB BOHEMIA IN CENTRAL SQ at the CANTAB,
738 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 tel: (617)354 2685
| Click here: |
CLUB BOHEMIA FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Club-Bohemia-Cambridge-Massachusetts/110225779043764
Follow us on Twitter @Clubbohemia
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You can utilize these handy links
http://tinyurl.com/clubbohemiadirectionsWE GET IN THE NEWS 11 Years Ago!!! Nice!
MICKEY BLISS AND CLUB BOHEMIA — 9 p.m., Cantab Underground, 738 Mass. Ave., Central Square. Ages 21-up welcome. Cover charge varies. For bands and times, visit www.Club-Bohemia.com.
October 29, 2008
https://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/x1157502364/ARTS-IN-THE-CITY
__________________
BOOK YOUR BAND OR SOLO ARTIST
| Booking Agent(s): | Mickey Bliss |
|---|---|
| Booker Phone: | 617.482.4920 |
| Booker Email: | N/A |
| Booking Tips: | All booking for Club Bohemia is handled over the phone through Mickey. Send press kits to: |
Hitman Records/Club Bohemia
c/o. Mickey Bliss
151 Tremont Street, Suite 110
Box #374
Boston, MA 02111-1151
Club is located here - do not send press kits to club address, but to the above address! Thanks
Club Bohemia/The Cantab
- 738 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139 - 617.354.2685 Cantab UPSTAIRS number
___________________________________________________________________
SEE IMPORTANT
NOTE FROM MICKEY
BELOW
NEW CLUB BOHEMIA VIDEO PAGE
SEND YOUR VIDEOS!
http://clubbohemiacalendar.blogspot.com/2015/03/club-bohemia-video-gallery.html
Important note from
Mickey Bliss
attention: ALL BANDS AND PERFORMERS
Load-in on Thursdays: 7 PM
Load in on Fridays: 8 PM
Load in on Saturdays 8 PM
Please be advised that absolutely no load-in will be allowed prior to
the above-scheduled times unless advance authorization is obtained
from Mickey Bliss.
Failure to follow this directive may result in having your club date
cancelled.
THANK YOU
_____________
page edited by Joe Viglione, 6 year old child prodigy
_____________
FOR POSSIBLE CD REVIEWS
SEND MATERIALS TO
JOE VIGLIONE
P.O; BOX 2392
WOBURN, MA 01888
DEMODEAL {@} YAHOO.COM
______________________________________
Twitter, Band Reviews and updates Nicole Anzuoni
45 AVAILABLE AT CLUB BOHMEIA
Our Fearless leader: MICKEY BLISS
LIKE the CANTAB on Facebook!
LIKE the CANTAB on Facebook!
CLUB BOHEMIA FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Club-Bohemia-Cambridge-Massachusetts/110225779043764
Follow us on Twitter @Clubbohemia
https://twitter.com/clubbohemia
Physical Speed
by PRIVATE LIGHTNING
"I tune in my FM Radio"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpA-6fMV90U
Joe Viglione's Review on AMG
The tremendous music created in Boston, despite the overwhelming financial success of Aerosmith, the Cars, Bobby Brown, New Edition, New Kids on the Block,
and others, never received the respect and opportunity afforded other
cities like Seattle, New York, Memphis, and San Francisco. Private Lighting
is another case of a band with depth and an overabundance of talent,
not getting a fair shake. "Physical Speed" opens this album with the
ultimate car song. The theme of Jonathan Richman's "Roadrunner" reactivated by a band well versed with driving on America's Technology Highway, Route 128. Vocalist Adam Sherman
performed the song over the same backing tracks in French. That
version, "Vitesse Physique," never made it to the disc, but received
airplay in New England. Originally produced by songwriter David Wolfert, who also recorded Peter Criss' 1980 solo disc, Out of Control, at Air Studios, Montserrat, A&M pulled Wolfert from these sessions and the disc ended up being produced and engineered by Robin Geoffrey Cable.
The curse of not releasing the demos strikes again. Clearly, the label
did not have faith in the original producer, yet the band's versions of
"Song of the Kite" and "Physical Speed" got lots of local airplay in the
Boston area, as did the tapes by the Cars before them. This unique band, featuring the violin of Patty Van Ness, the songs and guitar of Paul Van Ness, Sherman's distinctive voice, augmented by keys, bass, and drums provided by Eric Kaufman, Steve Keith, and Scott Woodman
respectively, knew how to record their music. The demos have a bite
that is missing on this re-creation. Still, the album has merit. Adam Sherman's "Heartbeat" has tension, has drive. The drums don't have the greatest sound in the world and they are up in the mix, Ã la Roy Thomas Baker's vision of the Cars. That sound hampers "Bright City" and the rest of the disc. John Cale
would have been the perfect producer for this group. He understands
string work in a rock context, and his A&R and production work for
everyone from the Modern Lovers to Jennifer Warnes and Nico
could have brought this mix together successfully. A song like
"Cultists of True Fun" demanded that kind of eccentric professionalism.
Managed by Fred Heller, who didn't seem to know what to do with Mott the Hoople, this is a band that should have enjoyed the success that J. Geils and the aforementioned Cars
worked hard for and achieved. A truly original sound, songs like "Side
of the Angels" needs power rather than the homogenization here. Singer Adam Sherman came to Boston from New York when post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground member George Nardo invited him to be part of the Rockets, a band represented by Velvets manager Steve Sesnick. In 2001, Sherman found a song of his covered by ex-Modern Lover Elliot Murphy and Ian Matthews of Matthews Southern Comfort
on their duo disc, proving good talent does get recognized, but also
proving that record labels and management can inhibit musical growth.
This album is a testament to great music being shipwrecked by the
business. You can hear through the production flaws, though, and the
magic, somehow, bursts through.
Collapse ↑
https://www.allmusic.com/album/private-lightning-mw0000818007
DIDI STEWART
One True Heart
https://www.allmusic.com/album/one-true-heart-mw0000206222
AllMusic Review
by Joe Viglione
[-]
One True Heart is considered the legitimate sequel
to Didi Stewart's brilliant but under-produced Kirshner/CBS debut with
her group, the Amplifiers, Begin Here; people must be somehow forgetting
the important work she did with the band Girls Night Out, whom she
founded and who rocked Boston to the core during the '80s. The singer of
New England's most influential and popular female group, a cross
between the power pop of the Go Go's with classy frontwoman/power
vocalist Didi Stewart, who resembledJanis Joplin with all the sweetness
and none of the growl. There is a Girls Night Out standard here, "When
You Were Mine," concluding the album (actually performed better than the
band did it), but this project is more than a souvenir from that act's
founder and lead singer, something much more. It is Didi Stewart out to
prove a point with a vengeance. 1982's Begin Here contained 11 strong
compositions and a great band, somehow missing the mark through
transparent production. The Girls Night Out demo and subsequent EP
suffered from even worse production, destroying a golden opportunity for
all the women involved to become stars. "Matter of Time" from those
demos hit on local radio and contained the same vital elements that made
'Til Tuesday's "Voice's Carry" so special (including similar rhythms).
"River of Dreams" comes back with the power of a 30-foot wave, washing
away the bad feelings caused by the major-label interest evaporating,
and an ex-manager mouthing off in the press and blaming the star whose
voice fed them all for a couple of years. One can understand why One
True Heart is such a superb disc; it is a triumph, with Didi Stewart in
full control, an elegant cover photo, marvelous selections, and sound
quality this great singer's voice deserves. C. Franklin's "Ain't No Way"
is a capella, a showcase for Stewart's pipes, a powerful instrument
which floored producer Jimmy Miller during nightclub appearances when he
negotiated to produce her (GNO guitarist Wendy Sobel worked with Mr.
Miller on three titles, one of the reasons he was constantly at Girls
Night Out performances). The remarkable songs, vocal prowess, and soul
of Diane Stewart get support on the almost country-pop of her original,
"Still Waters," by New Man's bassist and drummer, Tim Archibald and
Brock Avery. One has to wonder about the subliminal message here,
replacing the all-girl group who almost got signed with a band with such
a masculine name, New Man, who did sign with Epic Records. The only
member of Stewart's former band who makes an appearance is Cercie Miller
on alto saxophone for the finale, "When You Were Mine." In between
these grooves the singer covers gospel, Rod Argent, Barry Mann, and
Cynthia Weil, and has a great time in the process. One True Heart is the
product of an artist who keeps punching against the odds. It's that
true rock & roll spirit which makes One True Heart such a work of
art. With the passion of a great jazz singer, which she doesnt get
credit for, but is, Stewart tackles Madeira/Dorsey's "I'm Glad There Is
You" as well as Rodgers and Hart's "This Funny World." Didi Stewart can
do it all, and does it all on this 1989 release. That the idea for this
album came from executive producer Brian Flood while he and the singer
were in the middle of a Polaroid jingle session is just so fitting, just
so rock & roll. What developed (it took more than 60 seconds) is a
timeless look at a major singer and finally, a true representation of
what she's all about.
BEGIN HERE
DIDI STEWART
https://www.allmusic.com/album/begin-here-mw0001893183
AllMusic Review
by Joe Viglione
[-]
The urban legend has it that Didi Stewart walked
into Don Kirshner's office with a demo tape in hand and got herself a
record deal. A Boston delight with her band, the Amplifiers, this
brilliant and underrated songwriter/vocalist might have been better off
releasing some of the original demos here, since producer Stephan Galfas
was unable to bring a hit record out of a woman who is full of
potential million-sellers. But isn't that one of the major traumas of
the record industry: incredible talents getting lost in the translation?
Begin Here has a beautiful cover photo of Didi Stewart with different
colors on each finger of one hand -- blue, purple, red, yellow, and
green -- and the pastel lettering is just perfect. There are some
excellent tracks and "Upward Mobility" is one of them; it should be a
hit for someone. With T.O. Sterrett's stirring keyboards and haunting
background vocals like a new wave Shangri-Las, the solid-hook and
rocking band make for the funniest moment on the recording. "Girls Night
Out" is another bouncy, campy tune, which for a serious artist like
Diane "Didi" Stewart is the paradox. The depth on her 1989 Northeastern
release One True Heart, 12 songs showing control and power, may have
been more appropriate for the CBS-distributed Don Kirshner imprint, at
least in terms of potential commercial success. But "Girls Night Out,"
"Slipping into Darkness," and "Angelina" are amazing songs in their own
right, they just needed a more polished production. The demo of
"Angelina" has this spirit which could have translated nicely had that
sort of aura been captured again. A few years after this disc was
released, Didi Stewart left her Amplifiers to form Girls Night Out, a
band named after the aforementioned song on Begin Here. That band would
continue the pajama-party atmosphere that was initiated on this
collection. "Saturday Night Special" and "Lightning Never Strikes Twice"
are fun pop moments with a lighthearted attitude, but they don't have
the dazzle of "Slippin' into Darkness," and despite Stewart's
craftsmanship, it almost sounds like this studio group -- featuring such
Boston luminaries as Steven Paul Perry, Dennis Brennan, and Kim
Pandapas -- was rushed while recording. A couple of years after this
release, Ms. Stewart's voice would conquer the New England region as the
highly popular Girls Night Out generated a bidding war among booking
agents (they got a reported 175,000 dollar guaranteed year of bookings
from the winner, The Channel nightclub). For a local band that is a
staggering sum, but the 1985 release with four new Didi Stewart tunes,
like this album, was not representative of the bandleader/lead vocalist.
1989's One True Heart is the album that captures the essence of Didi
Stewart, but the importance of Begin Here is that it documents this
vital artist and her creative process at this point in time, and despite
its flaws, it is something to be proud of.
HARMONYVILLE
Harmonyville
https://www.allmusic.com/album/harmonyville-mw0001900897
AllMusic Review
by Joe Viglione
[-]
Harmonyville has vocalist/songwriter Didi Stewart sounding very much like a former bandmate of Harriet Schock than the lead singer of Boston's legendary girl group Girls Night Out. Stewart eases her fans into her Jackie DeShannon-style New Arrangement by opening up the disc with the most rocking' tune, "Love and Learn," chock-full of Stewart philosophy and elements of her regional hit, "Matter of Time," in the thumpa thumpa Cars riff. Stephen Sadler plays lap steel, mandolin, dobro and fiddle on the album, and if you think it's GNO (Girls Night Out's nickname for the non-Bostonians) meets Swinging Steaks you're not that far off -- Jim Gambino of the Steaks is on keyboards and adds much to the experience. "Sally's Garden" is a cross between Andy Pratt's "Grey, Chick and Malda," Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden" and Bonnie Tyler's
"It's a Heartache" with some twists and turns to take the formulas to
new places. The ballad "House for Sale" tugs at the heartstrings, an ode
to moving on from the family homestead that is splendid in its
melancholy. "Heaven on a Sunday Morning" is where Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane took her Spanky & Our Gang on the Change album when they went country in 1975, while "Something Wicked" puts Ray Bradbury's
fantasy into a square dance setting. None of the dozen songs is over
four-and-a-half minutes, with one coming in at two-and-a-half and, yep,
she's still writing pop tunes only they are now leaning towards the new
pop that is the world of country. That vibe can be found on "Dose of
You," a good choice for a single, but then again, so is the
aforementioned "Love and Learn" or the tender "You Had to Be There."
Seventeen years is a long time in between discs and with the help of Duran Duran producer Anthony J. Resta, he of the '70s Boston area group Astra,
the singer seems to be as fun and youthful as ever. It may take a
slight adjustment for her older fan base to hear with clarity, but it's
pure Stewart
and has a lot to offer. A formidable songwriter, each melody is
distinct and different while the song placement sets moods and makes for
a quite complete work. Interesting to note that photography is done by Ellie Marshall of Jonathan Richman's Modern Lovers andthe Marshalls as well as Alizon Lissance of Girls Night Out.
Why they are not credited here on the musical side is the question!
Still, it's another fantastic work from an underrated and important
Boston area legend that deserves its day in the sun on country radio.
Collapse ↑
Collapse ↑
page edited by Joe Viglione, 6 year old child prodigy
_____________
FOR POSSIBLE CD REVIEWS
SEND MATERIALS TO
JOE VIGLIONE
P.O; BOX 2392
WOBURN, MA 01888
DEMODEAL {@} YAHOO.COM
______________________________________
Twitter, Band Reviews and updates Nicole Anzuoni
45 AVAILABLE AT CLUB BOHMEIA
Our Fearless leader: MICKEY BLISS
|
LIKE the CANTAB on Facebook!
LIKE the CANTAB on Facebook!
CLUB BOHEMIA FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Club-Bohemia-Cambridge-Massachusetts/110225779043764
Follow us on Twitter @Clubbohemia
https://twitter.com/clubbohemia
Physical Speed
by PRIVATE LIGHTNING
"I tune in my FM Radio"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpA-6fMV90U
Joe Viglione's Review on AMG
The tremendous music created in Boston, despite the overwhelming financial success of Aerosmith, the Cars, Bobby Brown, New Edition, New Kids on the Block,
and others, never received the respect and opportunity afforded other
cities like Seattle, New York, Memphis, and San Francisco. Private Lighting
is another case of a band with depth and an overabundance of talent,
not getting a fair shake. "Physical Speed" opens this album with the
ultimate car song. The theme of Jonathan Richman's "Roadrunner" reactivated by a band well versed with driving on America's Technology Highway, Route 128. Vocalist Adam Sherman
performed the song over the same backing tracks in French. That
version, "Vitesse Physique," never made it to the disc, but received
airplay in New England. Originally produced by songwriter David Wolfert, who also recorded Peter Criss' 1980 solo disc, Out of Control, at Air Studios, Montserrat, A&M pulled Wolfert from these sessions and the disc ended up being produced and engineered by Robin Geoffrey Cable.
The curse of not releasing the demos strikes again. Clearly, the label
did not have faith in the original producer, yet the band's versions of
"Song of the Kite" and "Physical Speed" got lots of local airplay in the
Boston area, as did the tapes by the Cars before them. This unique band, featuring the violin of Patty Van Ness, the songs and guitar of Paul Van Ness, Sherman's distinctive voice, augmented by keys, bass, and drums provided by Eric Kaufman, Steve Keith, and Scott Woodman
respectively, knew how to record their music. The demos have a bite
that is missing on this re-creation. Still, the album has merit. Adam Sherman's "Heartbeat" has tension, has drive. The drums don't have the greatest sound in the world and they are up in the mix, Ã la Roy Thomas Baker's vision of the Cars. That sound hampers "Bright City" and the rest of the disc. John Cale
would have been the perfect producer for this group. He understands
string work in a rock context, and his A&R and production work for
everyone from the Modern Lovers to Jennifer Warnes and Nico
could have brought this mix together successfully. A song like
"Cultists of True Fun" demanded that kind of eccentric professionalism.
Managed by Fred Heller, who didn't seem to know what to do with Mott the Hoople, this is a band that should have enjoyed the success that J. Geils and the aforementioned Cars
worked hard for and achieved. A truly original sound, songs like "Side
of the Angels" needs power rather than the homogenization here. Singer Adam Sherman came to Boston from New York when post-Lou Reed Velvet Underground member George Nardo invited him to be part of the Rockets, a band represented by Velvets manager Steve Sesnick. In 2001, Sherman found a song of his covered by ex-Modern Lover Elliot Murphy and Ian Matthews of Matthews Southern Comfort
on their duo disc, proving good talent does get recognized, but also
proving that record labels and management can inhibit musical growth.
This album is a testament to great music being shipwrecked by the
business. You can hear through the production flaws, though, and the
magic, somehow, bursts through.
Collapse ↑
https://www.allmusic.com/album/private-lightning-mw0000818007
DIDI STEWART
One True Heart
AllMusic Review by Joe Viglione [-]
One True Heart is considered the legitimate sequel
to Didi Stewart's brilliant but under-produced Kirshner/CBS debut with
her group, the Amplifiers, Begin Here; people must be somehow forgetting
the important work she did with the band Girls Night Out, whom she
founded and who rocked Boston to the core during the '80s. The singer of
New England's most influential and popular female group, a cross
between the power pop of the Go Go's with classy frontwoman/power
vocalist Didi Stewart, who resembledJanis Joplin with all the sweetness
and none of the growl. There is a Girls Night Out standard here, "When
You Were Mine," concluding the album (actually performed better than the
band did it), but this project is more than a souvenir from that act's
founder and lead singer, something much more. It is Didi Stewart out to
prove a point with a vengeance. 1982's Begin Here contained 11 strong
compositions and a great band, somehow missing the mark through
transparent production. The Girls Night Out demo and subsequent EP
suffered from even worse production, destroying a golden opportunity for
all the women involved to become stars. "Matter of Time" from those
demos hit on local radio and contained the same vital elements that made
'Til Tuesday's "Voice's Carry" so special (including similar rhythms).
"River of Dreams" comes back with the power of a 30-foot wave, washing
away the bad feelings caused by the major-label interest evaporating,
and an ex-manager mouthing off in the press and blaming the star whose
voice fed them all for a couple of years. One can understand why One
True Heart is such a superb disc; it is a triumph, with Didi Stewart in
full control, an elegant cover photo, marvelous selections, and sound
quality this great singer's voice deserves. C. Franklin's "Ain't No Way"
is a capella, a showcase for Stewart's pipes, a powerful instrument
which floored producer Jimmy Miller during nightclub appearances when he
negotiated to produce her (GNO guitarist Wendy Sobel worked with Mr.
Miller on three titles, one of the reasons he was constantly at Girls
Night Out performances). The remarkable songs, vocal prowess, and soul
of Diane Stewart get support on the almost country-pop of her original,
"Still Waters," by New Man's bassist and drummer, Tim Archibald and
Brock Avery. One has to wonder about the subliminal message here,
replacing the all-girl group who almost got signed with a band with such
a masculine name, New Man, who did sign with Epic Records. The only
member of Stewart's former band who makes an appearance is Cercie Miller
on alto saxophone for the finale, "When You Were Mine." In between
these grooves the singer covers gospel, Rod Argent, Barry Mann, and
Cynthia Weil, and has a great time in the process. One True Heart is the
product of an artist who keeps punching against the odds. It's that
true rock & roll spirit which makes One True Heart such a work of
art. With the passion of a great jazz singer, which she doesnt get
credit for, but is, Stewart tackles Madeira/Dorsey's "I'm Glad There Is
You" as well as Rodgers and Hart's "This Funny World." Didi Stewart can
do it all, and does it all on this 1989 release. That the idea for this
album came from executive producer Brian Flood while he and the singer
were in the middle of a Polaroid jingle session is just so fitting, just
so rock & roll. What developed (it took more than 60 seconds) is a
timeless look at a major singer and finally, a true representation of
what she's all about.
BEGIN HERE
DIDI STEWART
https://www.allmusic.com/album/begin-here-mw0001893183
BEGIN HERE
DIDI STEWART
https://www.allmusic.com/album/begin-here-mw0001893183
AllMusic Review by Joe Viglione [-]
The urban legend has it that Didi Stewart walked
into Don Kirshner's office with a demo tape in hand and got herself a
record deal. A Boston delight with her band, the Amplifiers, this
brilliant and underrated songwriter/vocalist might have been better off
releasing some of the original demos here, since producer Stephan Galfas
was unable to bring a hit record out of a woman who is full of
potential million-sellers. But isn't that one of the major traumas of
the record industry: incredible talents getting lost in the translation?
Begin Here has a beautiful cover photo of Didi Stewart with different
colors on each finger of one hand -- blue, purple, red, yellow, and
green -- and the pastel lettering is just perfect. There are some
excellent tracks and "Upward Mobility" is one of them; it should be a
hit for someone. With T.O. Sterrett's stirring keyboards and haunting
background vocals like a new wave Shangri-Las, the solid-hook and
rocking band make for the funniest moment on the recording. "Girls Night
Out" is another bouncy, campy tune, which for a serious artist like
Diane "Didi" Stewart is the paradox. The depth on her 1989 Northeastern
release One True Heart, 12 songs showing control and power, may have
been more appropriate for the CBS-distributed Don Kirshner imprint, at
least in terms of potential commercial success. But "Girls Night Out,"
"Slipping into Darkness," and "Angelina" are amazing songs in their own
right, they just needed a more polished production. The demo of
"Angelina" has this spirit which could have translated nicely had that
sort of aura been captured again. A few years after this disc was
released, Didi Stewart left her Amplifiers to form Girls Night Out, a
band named after the aforementioned song on Begin Here. That band would
continue the pajama-party atmosphere that was initiated on this
collection. "Saturday Night Special" and "Lightning Never Strikes Twice"
are fun pop moments with a lighthearted attitude, but they don't have
the dazzle of "Slippin' into Darkness," and despite Stewart's
craftsmanship, it almost sounds like this studio group -- featuring such
Boston luminaries as Steven Paul Perry, Dennis Brennan, and Kim
Pandapas -- was rushed while recording. A couple of years after this
release, Ms. Stewart's voice would conquer the New England region as the
highly popular Girls Night Out generated a bidding war among booking
agents (they got a reported 175,000 dollar guaranteed year of bookings
from the winner, The Channel nightclub). For a local band that is a
staggering sum, but the 1985 release with four new Didi Stewart tunes,
like this album, was not representative of the bandleader/lead vocalist.
1989's One True Heart is the album that captures the essence of Didi
Stewart, but the importance of Begin Here is that it documents this
vital artist and her creative process at this point in time, and despite
its flaws, it is something to be proud of.
HARMONYVILLE
Harmonyville
https://www.allmusic.com/album/harmonyville-mw0001900897
HARMONYVILLE
Harmonyville
https://www.allmusic.com/album/harmonyville-mw0001900897
AllMusic Review by Joe Viglione [-]
Harmonyville has vocalist/songwriter Didi Stewart sounding very much like a former bandmate of Harriet Schock than the lead singer of Boston's legendary girl group Girls Night Out. Stewart eases her fans into her Jackie DeShannon-style New Arrangement by opening up the disc with the most rocking' tune, "Love and Learn," chock-full of Stewart philosophy and elements of her regional hit, "Matter of Time," in the thumpa thumpa Cars riff. Stephen Sadler plays lap steel, mandolin, dobro and fiddle on the album, and if you think it's GNO (Girls Night Out's nickname for the non-Bostonians) meets Swinging Steaks you're not that far off -- Jim Gambino of the Steaks is on keyboards and adds much to the experience. "Sally's Garden" is a cross between Andy Pratt's "Grey, Chick and Malda," Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden" and Bonnie Tyler's
"It's a Heartache" with some twists and turns to take the formulas to
new places. The ballad "House for Sale" tugs at the heartstrings, an ode
to moving on from the family homestead that is splendid in its
melancholy. "Heaven on a Sunday Morning" is where Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane took her Spanky & Our Gang on the Change album when they went country in 1975, while "Something Wicked" puts Ray Bradbury's
fantasy into a square dance setting. None of the dozen songs is over
four-and-a-half minutes, with one coming in at two-and-a-half and, yep,
she's still writing pop tunes only they are now leaning towards the new
pop that is the world of country. That vibe can be found on "Dose of
You," a good choice for a single, but then again, so is the
aforementioned "Love and Learn" or the tender "You Had to Be There."
Seventeen years is a long time in between discs and with the help of Duran Duran producer Anthony J. Resta, he of the '70s Boston area group Astra,
the singer seems to be as fun and youthful as ever. It may take a
slight adjustment for her older fan base to hear with clarity, but it's
pure Stewart
and has a lot to offer. A formidable songwriter, each melody is
distinct and different while the song placement sets moods and makes for
a quite complete work. Interesting to note that photography is done by Ellie Marshall of Jonathan Richman's Modern Lovers andthe Marshalls as well as Alizon Lissance of Girls Night Out.
Why they are not credited here on the musical side is the question!
Still, it's another fantastic work from an underrated and important
Boston area legend that deserves its day in the sun on country radio.
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