by: Pat Keating

Rachel Davis – Do You Believe in Life After Love?

I don’t often propose, but if Rachel Davis is reading this I want her to know that I will marry her tomorrow. Since the passing of Sonny Bono, I’ve longed to fill the void he left. I want more than anything to be the short, goofy, untalented sidekick of a sexy songstress. I’m confident Rachel Davis wants me by her side, in spite of court orders to the contrary.

In truth, Davis’ sideman is no sidekick. Brett Hartenbach, a veteran singer-songwriter and guitarist, adds great backing vocals and fantastic musical accompaniment. Together, Davis and Hartenbach, skip the sequin gowns and knock-knock jokes for a stripped-down set that showcases the duo’s dynamic talents.

Their greatest asset has to be Davis’ crystalline vocals. Many talk about the ability of a singer to acquire a great range. Rachel Davis has that and a fidelity that is hard to believe. Of course, none of the above makes an artist worth listening to without good songwriting. Club Passim’s Matt Smith says it best: "Rachel shows a refreshing depth to her writing, while at the same time keeping a bit of playfulness.”

Clearly, Matt is macking my woman. Don’t worry, Rachel. I’ve got you, babe.

See Rachel Davis at Club Passim on April 6
www.rachaeldavis.com

Lydia Warren Band – My Dancing Shoes Gave Them the Blues

I don’t dance. I can’t dance well, but that isn’t why I don’t do it. I’m not exactly Ron Jeremy in the sack, but I keep giving that a whirl. I don’t dance because, with the exception of the horizontal mambo, it just isn’t fun for me.

So you can imagine why my friends last summer were shocked when I jumped up in front of the stage at Union Blues in Worcester. The music I was shaking what my momma gave me to were the sounds of The Lydia Warren Band. This young singer-songwriter slings Chicago blues as well as anyone in the country and the shimmer of her silver Stratocaster and fletboard fireworks were matched by the hypnotic groove of bassist Matt Malikowski and drummer Warren Grant.

Worcester fans were recently treated to a return engagement at the rail side venue to support her latest release, Through With Love. This album is the closest yet to capture the raw energy and expert musicianship of this talented artist. However, if I get the urge to dance again, friends have encouraged me to listen to the CD at home alone - along with a helmet.

See The Lydia Warren Band on Friday April 20 @ 9.30pm at The Sea Note in Hyannis
www.lydiawarren.com

The Product – Smart Guys Multiply Fanbase

MIT’s latest invention, The Product, didn’t get me dancing, but these smartypants did get me thinking. After seeing these guys, anyone who believes that Green Day is punk or alternative must be a true American Idiot.

Fans of the Product are smart enough to spot something that is rooted in punk’s rebellious spirit, but aren’t pretending to be punk, pop, or anything in between. Everyone at a recent All Asia performance was enthralled by the jolting, highly original performance. According to frontman Dan Paluska, fans “don’t mind laughing at themselves, smiling with us, and jumping around.”

Engineering songs that don’t conform to the predicable standards that keep Boston crowds moving can’t be easy to write and perform. On the genesis of their songs, guitarist Grant Kristofek said, “I've used acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolin, harmonica, bass, keyboard, drums, beatmaking software, samplers, my voice, power tools, etc.”

At less than two years old, the band is just getting started. At this early stage the crowds are small and the dream is big. Make the smart move to see them before The Product multiplies its fan base and you’ll be sure to have the time of your life.

See The Product on April 15 @ 11:45pm @ O’Brien’s in Brighton.
www.plainfront.com