Session Americana, Highway Robbers, Chris McCarty

10.10.2005 -- Review by: Stephen Hug

Hugs and Misses

by Stephen Hug

“Tabletop People” (2 CD set) by Session Americana (Hi-N-Dry)—This group is a loose collaboration of top-notched musicians living in the Boston area. According to the liner notes “Generally, each song (for the CD) had a leader or singer who came in with an arrangement and taught it to the band… (A)fter a couple times through the tune, an arrangement became apparent and the song developed into what you hear on the CD.” Essentially, “Tabletop People” was recorded live in the studio—but the unbelievable talent of the performers lends a polish unexpected in a live CD. Many of the songs are public domain, but included is Jonathan Richman’s “Party in the Woods” led by former Richman side-guy Asa Brebner. Timeless, childlike, way cool. Laurie Sargent’s “Food Opera,” though, is worth the entire cost of the CD—screamingly funny and impressive vocally. Laurie sings so high you just know she’s going to miss the note! (She doesn’t.) “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” sung sweet and sexy by Merrie Amsterberg should be required listening in kindergartens across the world, and in corporate boardrooms, the White House, the United Nations—everywhere! I could go on and on about this remarkable CD, which some might mistakenly believe is a kids’ record. It’s not. This one gets our highest rating: 4 big monster bottle caps. Session Americana is further proof that, despite keen competition from Austin, Boston remains the cultural center of the universe. By the way, we recently did a show with Session Americana at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA. Fab!

“Robbers & Swills” by The Highway Robbers—This is a rockin’ rave up welding rockabilly onto ass-kicking, beer-swilling country, with blistering guitar gunslinging and energy up the wazoo. The Highway Robbers are out of California, and this debut kicks sand in the kisser of those who believe everybody is laid back on the “Left Coast.” But energy and enthusiasm aren’t everything. Great songs need to serve as a base for the licks and kicks, and “Robbers & Swills” has just okay tunes. 3 bottle caps for The Highway Robbers. Good, not great. Compare this with the work of Deke Dickerson or Sarah Borges and you’ll see that the song counts, even when you’re raving on.

“Dreaming in Stereo” by the Chris McCarty Band—I happened upon these guys during a visit to Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa, FLA a few weeks back. I was so knocked over by the charisma of front dreadlocked dude Chris McCarty that I (Gasp!) reached my claw into my pocket and dug out a ten spot for their “Dreaming in Stereo” CD. While the record lacks the power of them live, it’s nonetheless a compelling mixture of rock, pop, and singer/songwriter. Their myspace.com area notes they sound like the Dave Matthews Band. I can hear that, except these guys might be better. A solid 3 ¼ bottle caps for the CD, 3 ¾ bottle caps for their live performance. They’re based in the Gator State, but their current tour also takes them to New York, Delaware and Alabama. Hey Chris, how about a live CD sometime!