Connecticut Local Bands - Show Reviews 2005

Connecticut Local Bands - Show Reviews 2005

Extremely biased reviews.
If you're looking for balanced fairness, look somewhere else.

Warning! Bias Ahead! The bands and singer/songwriters represented on ctlocabands.org perform rings around other local and not-so-local acts. I'd rather listen to them, even if they're having a bad night, than most other bands and performers on their good nights. Biased? Yes, and proud of it.

This webpage has evolved from reviews of shows that I've attended into a chronology of shows by certain musicians, whether I went to them or not. Actual reviews of shows are rarely written anymore. I no longer have the will. Only time will tell if this is as useful, or useless, as my biased reviews. Shows I did not go to are mentioned in [brackets.] Links to other websites were valid when I typed the entry. And yes, despite what The Ministry of Truth says, this webpage has been heavily edited, both in format, and sadly, in content.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

January 2005

The Sawtelles at Cafe Nine, January 3rd, for the Monday night Beatnik 2000 show. I'll be kind. They've been better. Too many unplanned notes from Peter Riccio's guitar, and an uneven vocal mix, most likely due to bad microphone placement.

A surprise appearance by The Sawtelles at Cafe Nine, January 7th. Frank Critelli was holding his Birthday Bash show, featuring Chris Buskey (High Lonesome Plains), Mr. Ray Neal (The Jellyshirts), and his new un-named band.   The Sawtelles played a few tunes at end of the show. While Julie Riccio sat at a drum kit with a real kick bass, Peter Riccio used Frank's Takamine acoustic guitar. Mr. Ray joined them on acoustic lead guitar. The Sawtelles put on a good set. They were a lot more energetic than at their Cafe Nine Beatnik 2000 appearance on Monday, January 3rd.

Last Thursday, January 20th, I attended perhaps the best show of 2005. It was held at Dick Blick Art Supplies in Plainville CT during their "Midnight Madness" Sale. I was unable to write about it that night because I was absolutely amazed, and thrilled, and I had no words to describe it. Only now am I able to make a feeble attempt to write about it.

Appearing at Dick Blick's were The Sawtelles. Peter Riccio of The Sawtelles is probably the best songwriter in the state of Connecticut. There's a lot of thought and emotion in his work. He has happy songs, sad ones, ones that make you want to dance, ones that take you away to someplace else. And he pours his heart and soul into his performances.

The Sawtelles, with Peter Riccio on guitar and vocals, and Julie Riccio on drums and backup vocals, did a mix of songs from their debut CD, and some new songs from the CD they are currently recording. They did killer versions of Smashed To The Floor, and Russian Dead Soldiers. There was a new song called Happy, which I never heard before. The Sawtelles closed the show with a rocking instrumental version of a song Peter is currently writing lyrics for. Peter was playing his yellow 1930's National resonator guitar, (complete with a silhouette of palm trees on the back.)

The show was one of those rare moments when everything just clicks into place. It was fun, it was exciting, and at times really touching. The people who drifted in and out of the store all throughout the evening, only got a glimpse of the magic of that night.                                                                                                                                                                                          ?

I've never been to Shandy Lawson's Lyrical Roundup before. It's held at Elm City Java in New Haven on the last Thursday of the month. In this case, Thursday, January 27th. While it's an open mike, with a featured act, it was much better than other open mikes I have attended before.

I wish I had kept track of the names of all the performers. There were three people, whose names I did not write down, and a guy named Eric, whose last name I didn't catch, who each did two songs. I was pleasantly surprised to find that each performer could actually sing, and had written some decent songs. No whiney, self indulgent, 10 minute opuses, that I've had to endure elsewhere. Of course, The Sawtelles blew them all off the stage, but that's not unusual.

The Sawtelles were the featured act, and they were in their trio format, with Peter Riccio on vocals and Resonator guitar, Julie Riccio on drums and backing vocals, and Pete Brunelli on bass guitar. They announced that they would only be performing songs from their upcoming, still untitled CD. Julie Riccio asked the audience to say if the songs made them think of any particular color. (The Sawtelles current CD is sometimes called "Yellow.") The Sawtelles opened up with one of my favorite songs, Russian Dead Soldiers. I still don't know the titles to all the new songs, but they also did Down For You Is Up and Happy.

Peter Riccio was in great form that night. His guitar playing was tight, and his vocals had the right amount of energy and emotion. Sadly, I was not impressed with Pete Brunelli's bass playing. He did have a fretless bass, and they can have intonation problems, but he just seemed like he was having an off night. Way too many notes in some places. Pete is a really creative bass player, and I am usually impressed with his work, but just not that night.

I left the show before it ended. Ian Charles was performing at the time. In the audience were Frank Critelli, Chris Buskey, and Mr. Ray Neal. I was told later that Mr. Ray Neal performed a song, and was accompanied by Peter Riccio on guitar and Julie Riccio on vocals.                                                                                                                                               ?

The very next night, Friday, January 28th, The Jellyshirts appeared at Books & Co in Hamden. Frank Critelli hosts his "Songs From The Sofa" night at Hamden's largest bookstore. I believe it's also Hamden's only bookstore, the book aisles in Walmart, and the two Stop & Shops, really don't count as "bookstores."

The Jellyshirts are well known as a band that rocks hard, and loud, at places like Cafe Nine in New Haven. This night, they turned the amps down, and performed two hours of songs from both The Jellyshirts and The Bret Logan Band catalog. Several new songs were also introduced. In an unusual move, the band had also arranged their set list alphabetically.

The Jellyshirts are always a treat, and they have songs that make you want to dance. You should all be thankful I don't, though. It's not a pretty sight.

February 2005

[The Sawtelles went on a mini tour in early February. They appeared at The Skellig in Waltham MA, Charm City in Baltimore MD, and at James Madison University. Mid-month, they were interviewed on WDST Radio Woodstock in upstate New York, and appeared at The Evergreen, in Fleischmans NY. I didn't go to any of these shows, and my dialup internet connection couldn't handle the radio show. If you did attend one, and would like to write up a review, please send one, and I'll post it here.]

At the end of the month, Buzz Baby appeared at Books & Co in Hamden CT as the headliners of Frank Critelli's "Songs from the Sofa" show, held the last Friday of the month. Opening the show were Deep City Elm. Buzz Baby have just completed a side project CD under the name The Mold Monkies. Pre-release copies are available from their web site, www.buzzbaby.com.

I'm sure other shows happened in February, but I found myself hiding under the bed with my cats on more than one occasion. I found out why they hide there, and they do have a valid point.

March 2005

March came roaring in like a lion on Saturday night, March 5th, with The Sawtelles at Cafe Atlantique in Milford. They were in their trio format, with Peter Riccio on vocals and electric guitar, Julie Riccio on drums and backing vocals, and Pete Brunelli on bass guitar. They played for at least two hours, and performed a mix of old favorites from their "Yellow" CD, and new songs from their upcoming, and still untitled, CD. The place was very crowded at several points in the evening, so a wide range of people were able to experience Nerve Rock at it's finest.

Last night, Thursday, March 10th, The Sawtelles performed at The Space in Hamden CT. With only a short time to play in, Riccio, Riccio, and Brunelli started off with spirited versions of Crash and Smashed to the Floor. Then came Down For You Is Up, and Space Aged and Girl Shy. The title of the next song escapes me, but it has the line "sad won't catch me." They did a slow version of Last Seen Alone, and then roared right back with the always rocking Russian Dead Soldiers. I'm not exactly sure of the title of their last song, though. I think it was These Days. I'm usually having too much fun to remember to ask. It was a great show by talented performers, and way too short for me. But I'm not impartial, and I don't pretend to be.

And now a short rant about the audience. The Space is a tough room for a band. At a bar, there's a mix of people. Some are fans of the band, and some are people who've come into drink, socialize, and aren't too concerned about the bands playing there. There's a flow of people in and out most of the evening. Well, except for Cafe Nine, where the headliners go on last and sometimes play to a nearly empty room, but that's an old rant. (September 6, 2004)

The Space doesn't always work that way. The audience often tends to be fans of a particular band, and when that band is finished, their fans leave. Last night, when the second band finished and left, the audience went with them. There were about a dozen or so of us left for The Sawtelles and the last band, Hannah's Field. (The phrase "you didn't bring in a crowd" comes to mind, and while I did not hear that said last night, it has been said to other bands playing at The Space in the past.)

While it's nice to have a near private concert by The Sawtelles, they deserve better. And yes, as I've said before, I'm biased, and proud of it.

The Sawtelles performed at Books & Co in Hamden CT on March 25th as the headliners of Frank Critelli's "Songs from the Sofa" show, held the last Friday of the month. Peter and Julie Riccio began their set with a brand new song, one Julie Riccio said was only hours old. Could've fooled me. It sounded like classic Sawtelles. Over the course of the next hour, The Sawtelles premiered three new songs. Once again, I have no idea what the titles of these new songs are, I forgot to ask. Yeah, I know, Duh.

The show was a mix of songs from their first CD, "Yellow," songs from their upcoming CD, such as Russian Dead Soldiers and Happy, and their brand new songs. Peter Riccio was fine form in both voice and guitar playing. Julie Riccio's drumming was crisp, and tight. It was a good show, with an appreciative audience.

The Furors were the opening act. The Furors are a duo based out of New Haven. Apparently, they've been around forever, have dozens and dozens of songs, and have built up a fan base in the area. I'll be blunt. I'm not a fan. I've heard them four or five times, and I'm not impressed. They have a few songs that I think are interesting, they opened their show with one, but the majority of their songs just left me bored. My advice? Go see The Furors, and make up your own mind.

Tyler Trudeau Attempt has a short review of their show at The Space in the latest issue of The Southern News, the student newspaper of SCSU. It reveals Tyler's real name! There's also this interesting quote, "Unfortunately, at The Space, the crowds are usually pretty lame, and this one was no exception." Gee. Sounds like something I would write. Oh wait, I already did.

April 2005

Friday, April 1st, the Connecticut Food Bank held a food "Sort-a-thon" to commemorate 25 years of fighting hunger. Several bands volunteered to play for the food sorting volunteers. I only heard two bands. The first was four young guys who call themselves The Que Band. They did reggae and pop covers. They were tight, and knew their material well. Their singer had a great voice. I don't know if they have a website, or where they play. I'm going to assume they play in the New Haven area, but I don't know for sure. Keep your eye out for them. I think they're worth a listen.

The second band was four slightly older guys, okay way older, who call themselves Above The Salt. I have no words to describe their performance. No, really. I play bass guitar in the band, and what I hear being in the middle of it all is much different than what someone in the audience hears. What can I say?

Above The Salt is a four piece, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, and drums, and we play blues based rock covers from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. We don't sound exactly like the originals, and we don't try. We put our own spin on the songs. It works. Well, most of the time. We can get kinda LOUD, which might have been a plus in a large food warehouse, with a concrete floor. Oh, yeah, we were also next to the loading dock. Did we go over well? Good question.

I will be honest and say that during our third set, which was around 11:30pm to 12:30am, I could hear a radio playing loudly in another room whenever we stopped playing. Someone was more interested in listening to WPLR than us.

You just have to laugh, otherwise that feeling of impending DOOM just overwhelms you.

New Haven area Jazz Guitarist Rohn Lawrence appeared at the SCSU University Student Center, Wednesday, April 6th. This was his second noon time performance at SCSU this year. He didn't overplay, and dominate the music. The emphasis was on his keyboard player, and a very talented singer. The band was listed as "Rohn Lawrence and Friends," and they were very good friends indeed. At one point, the keyboard player and the singer did a few tunes by themselves. Rohn Lawrence plays regularly in the New Haven area.

[Frank Critelli, Ray Neal, and Chris Buskey performed at the Las Vetas Lounge in Fairfield CT on Friday, April 8th]

[The Sawtelles performed at Merle's Record Rack in Guilford CT for an in store show Saturday afternoon, April 9th. At the same time, Frank Critelli, Ray Neal, and Chris Buskey were at The Red + Black Café in Middletown CT.]

Peter and Julie Riccio, (The Sawtelles) performed at The Neverending Bookstore in New Haven on Saturday, April 9th. The evening show was supposed to take place down the street at an art gallery, and was moved when no one came to open up the gallery. Roger and Shula, owner/operators of the bookstore, graciously let the show continue in their performance space. And it was packed, almost every seat filled. ?

[The Sawtelles next show was the afternoon of Saturday, April 16th, at The Red + Black Café in Middletown CT.]

[Frank Critelli, Ray Neal, and Chris Buskey performed at The C-Note in NYC on Tuesday, April 19th.]

[The Sawtelles performed at the Las Vetas Lounge in Fairfield CT, on Thursday, April 21st.]

[Frank Critelli, Ray Neal, and Chris Buskey performed at The Middle East in Cambridge MA on Saturday, April 23rd.]

Parker's Tangent played The Neverending Bookstore on Saturday, April 23rd. It was our first public performance. We had a few technical glitches, but it went surprisingly well. We had a standing room only crowd of friends, co-workers, family, and strangers. It was a good start on that long, hard road of rock'n'roll.

[The Sawtelles performed at the Buttonwood Tree in Middletown CT., on Friday, April 29th.]

[The Sawtelles were supposed to appear at the Meriden Daffodil Festival on Saturday, April 30th, but they were cancelled due to rain.]

May 2005

[The Sawtelles were interviewed on WDST Radio Woodstock Sunday morning, May 1st. This was their second time on WDST.]

[Frank Critelli was scheduled to appear at the Meriden Daffodil Festival on Sunday, May 1st. I forgot to ask anyone if there were further rain cancellations that day, or did the performances go on as scheduled.]

Parker's Tangent performed at the International Worker's Day Festival held on The New Haven Green on Sunday, May 1st. This was only our second public performance, and it was a big honor and thrill to be playing on stage on the New Haven Green. While it rained in the morning, the sun came out and dried the stage just before we started, so we weren't standing in puddles playing electric instruments.

[The Sawtelles and Frank Critelli performed at Beatnik 2000 held at Cafe Nine on Monday, May 2nd.]

It was called The New Haven Covers Project, and it was being held at Cafe Nine on Tuesday, May 3rd. The Sawtelles, especially Julie Riccio, were the driving force behind the project. It was advertised as local musicians covering each other's songs, but there was a secret that over a dozen people kept since the end of February. The show was to be a tribute to Frank Critelli. All the covers were to be Frank Critelli songs, and any original music was to use poems from his book "Shorts" as lyrics.

Frank Critelli was unaware of the true nature of the show. He began the evening with a cover of a Ray Neal song. Then Jess Brauner of The Jellyshirts, accompanied by Joanna Horn on saxophone, did a cover of a Frank Critelli song. Peter and Julie Riccio of The Sawtelles were next. Back in February, Peter had written a song using Frank's poem They Couldn't Help It as lyrics. That song was one of the starting points that led to The New Haven Covers Project.

After The Sawtelles finished, Julie Riccio revealed the true nature of The New Haven Covers Project to a very surprised Frank Critelli.

And then it got crazy. Following The Sawtelles, GrimFacts Ed Hoyer, Shandy Lawson, Russ Shaddox, Al Howard, The Furors, James Velvet, Jess Brauner (accompanied by Bret Logan,) Nick Appleby, Chris Buskey, and some people whose names I didn't catch, either sang a Frank Critelli song, or sang a musical rendition of one of Frank's poems written just for this show. It was one of those "you had to be there to believe it" evenings.

I can't say how the evening actually ended. I left at midnight. Frank Critelli had just performed a James Velvet song, and The Sawtelles were going to do a few of their own songs.

The New Haven Advocate article on The New Haven Covers Project (May 12th issue.)

[The Sawtelles performed at The Evergreen in Fleischman's New York on May 7th]

[The Sawtelles performed at The Puppethouse Theater in Stony Creek on May 13th]

[Frank Critelli performed at the Kafe International in Cheshire on May 31st]

June 2005

[Frank Critelli performed at the SoNo Caffiene in South Norwalk on June 2nd]

[The Sawtelles performed at the Cafe Atlantique in Milford on June 4th]

[The Jellyshirts   performed at Cafe Nine in New Haven on June 6th]

The Sawtelles  performed a duo show at Kafe International in Cheshire on June 7th. Their new CD should be out in August on Thin Man Music. A DVD of their May 2nd performance at Cafe Nine, filmed by Bret Logan, is available. Contact The Sawtelles for details.

[Frank Critelli performed at the Las Vetas Lounge in Fairfield on Friday, June 10th.]

[The Sawtelles  performed at Cafe Nine in New Haven at the Ideat Village Fundraiser on Friday, June 10th.]

[Frank Critelli   performed at the All Gallery in New Haven on Saturday, June 11th.]

The Sawtelles  performed an all acoustic duo show at the City Seed Farmer's Market in Russo Park in New Haven on Saturday, June 18th.

It was as lazy a summer morning as you can get in the city, especially right on a busy street. Russo Park is across from Wooster Square Park, on Chapel Street. The air was warm, with a slight breeze, but it was not as oppressively hot as it had been the previous few days. Dark clouds occasionally rolled over head, but the rain stayed away. Charmed by the music, perhaps?

Sitting on a park bench on the edge of the park, Peter Riccio played his National Guitar and sang, while Julie Riccio stood next to him playing her portable, stand up drum kit, and adding backup vocals. No amps, no p.a., no microphones. Just human voices in the air, drifting toward the traffic. They did a mix of songs from their new and old CD's. It was just the right amount of magic for a summer day, a chance to drift away from yourself for a few moments. The Sawtelles are scheduled to perform at the City Seed Farmer's Market in July. Check their website for dates/times.

[Frank Critelli was interviewed on WWUH 91.3 FM on Wednesday, June 22nd.]

[Frank Critelli   performed at Hubbard Park in Meriden on Wednesday, June 22nd.]

[Frank Critelli, Mr Ray Neal, Chris Buskey  performed at Books & Company, Hamden CT  Friday, June 24th]

[The Sawtelles performed at The Brass Horse, Waterbury CT   Friday, June 24th. This was a fundraiser for the upcoming Waterbury Brass Ball in August.]

The Jellyshirts  performed at the Ideat Village, Temple Plaza, New Haven CT on Saturday, June 25th. I'd missed their Cafe Nine Beatnik 2000 appearance on June 6th, so I was ready for some of that Jellyshirts energy. They did not disappoint. With a waterfall as a back drop, Bret Logan, Jessica Brauner, Nick Appleby, and Scot McDonald set the Temple Plaza rocking. They played several new songs, in addition to familiar crowd pleasers.

Maximum Operating Depth performed at the Ideat Village, Temple Plaza, New Haven CT on Saturday, June 25th. Maximum Operating Depth is a new group, featuring Jessica Brauner (The Jellyshirts) on guitar and vocals, Julie Riccio (The Sawtelles) on drums and vocals, Kriss Santala (Belle Starr, The Hickups, The Danglers, and many other bands) on bass guitar, and Jo-Anna Horn (New Haven area artist) on saxophone.

Julie Riccio of The Sawtelles took part in the Ideat Village Fashionista Fashion Show. Photos from the show are here and here, or go to the Ideat Village webpage, and click on the photo links.

The Bret Logan Band CD, Is It Real? was released on June 29th at a CD release party at Cafe Nine. The June 23rd issue of The New Haven Advocate has a review.  The New Haven Register Weekend Guide for July 8th also has a review.

The Sawtelles were the opening act. In power trio mode, with Pete Brunelli on bass, Peter and Julie Riccio cranked up the volume on over a dozen songs from their first CD, and their upcoming CD, due out in August on Thin Man Music.

Then the Bret Logan Band took the stage, and played every song on their new CD. The band actually evolved into The Jellyshirts last summer, when bassist Will Cunningham left for fame, fortune, and a decent job in Toronto. Will came back to New Haven recently both for a vacation, and to be able to play with his former band mates, Bret Logan, Jessica Brauner, and Nick Appleby, at this CD release show.

I know I'm biased, and not anywhere near impartial. I like the Bret Logan Band. I did from the moment I first heard them at Elm City Java back in mid 2003, and I've been a believer since then. They're fun to listen to. The songs rock. The lyrics aren't obscure, at least not to me. I'm glad I went to the show, and I'm glad I have their CD to remember them by.

[Chris Buskey   performed at Cafe Nine in New Haven CT on Thursday, June 30th]

July 2005

[The Sawtelles at the Laurel St Farmer’s Market, Laurel St, Hartford CT on Saturday, July 2nd.]

[The Sawtelles at the City Seed Farmer's Market, Russo Park, New Haven CT on Saturday, July 2nd.]

[The Sawtelles at Beatnik 2000, Cafe Nine, New Haven CT  on Monday, July 4th]

[Maximum Operating Depth at Beatnik 2000, Cafe Nine, New Haven CT  on Monday, July 4th]

The Sawtelles at the Laurel St Farmer’s Market, Laurel St, Hartford CT on Saturday, July 9th.

[The Tyler Trudeau Attempt at Rudys, New Haven CT on Saturday, July 9th]

[The Sawtelles at the Laurel St Farmer’s Market, Laurel St, Hartford CT on Saturday, July 16th.]

The Sawtelles at The Neverending Bookstore, State St, New Haven CT on Saturday, July 23rd.

Tyler Trudeau, performing solo, opened the show. He sang a brand new song, as well as several crowd pleasers, such as his "radio hit" Poverty. Bret Logan, also performing solo, presented Virginia, his brand new song, along with old favorites such as To The Lake. James Velvet graced us with his voice on several numbers. He did not use the PA, and he still managed to fill the room with his voice.

Spotted in the crowd, (oh, how gossip columnly!) Al Howard, who sang two songs during the intermission, Frank Critelli, Nick Appleby (The Jellyshirts, Bret Logan Band, BuzzBaby, The Mold Monkees) Bethany Appleby (BuzzBaby) Arthur Bargar (Parker's Tangent, Mad Room, Above The Salt) and Liz's Mom (Mad Room).

The Sawtelles performed as an electric trio, but they did not go into hi-speed punk rock mode. They did a number of old favorites. They also did an interpretation of Luna's version of Jonathan Richmond's song Don't Let Our Youth Go To Waste. Due to a misspent youth listening only to hard rock and metal, I'd never heard either version of this song. It was long, droning, very atmospheric, and very different from what The Sawtelles normally play.

[Makel at Martini's Café, Orange CT on Thursday, July 28th]

[The Sawtelles at the Laurel St Farmer’s Market, Laurel St, Hartford CT on Saturday, July 30th.]

Carrie Ashton at The Connecticut Agricultural Fair, Goshen CT on Sunday, July 31st.

August 2005

[The Sawtelles at the Standing Stone, Hartford CT on Wednesday, August 3rd. Their performance was part of The Hartford Advocate's Grand Band Slam, although who got slammed is a question. There was an outdoor stage almost across the street from the Standing Stone, and the bands on that stage were loud enough to be heard clearly in the Standing Stone. A one night Grand Band Slam in the middle of the week with 40 bands only showcases a few of the bands. The Hartford Courant article on Thursday said that the crowds were "thin," but someone who was actually there said it was "jammed."]

[The Sawtelles at The 3^rd Annual Evergreen Energy Festival, a Renewable Energy and 2-day Music festival, at The Evergreen, Fleischman's NY on Saturday, August 6th. I've never been to The Evergreen. They tell me it's nice. And it looks pretty cool. Here's the website. Fleischman's is a small town that does not appear in a lot of road atlases. It's up in the Catskills. The Evergreen looks like a nice place to spend a quiet weekend. The Sawtelles have played there several times before.]

The Sawtelles at the City Seed Farmer's Market, New Haven CT on Saturday, August 13th.

Federal Hill and Northern Bound at East End Park, Winsted CT on Saturday, August 13th. The Parks and Rec. Department has been sponsoring bluegrass concerts on Saturday nights. Federal Hill just returned from a tour of the South. Northern Bound plays at the park frequently.

[Tyler Trudeau Attempt at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Tuesday, August 16th]

[Frank Critelli at the UCONN Student Center, Storrs CT on Wednesday, August 17th.]

[The Sawtelles at Javapalooza, Middletown CT on Friday, August 19th. Lauren Agnelli also appeared.]

[Frank Critelli, Ray Neal, Chris Buskey at New England Brewing Co, Woodbridge CT on Friday, August 19th. I didn't go, but I hear there was a lot of beer.]

Parker's Tangent, The Sawtelles, Maximum Operating Depth at The Neverending Bookstore, State St, New Haven CT on Saturday, August 20th.

Maximum Operating Depth opened the show. Performing were Jessica Brauner on guitar and lead vocals, Julie Riccio on drums and backup vocals, and Al Howard on bass guitar. (Saxophonist Jo-Anna Horn was out of town.) They had a much longer, and varied, set than at the Ideat Village a few weeks ago. They have interesting original songs. My favorites right now are the poppy Lucky, and the sadder Regret Yesterday.

The Sawtelles were up next. Peter and Julie Riccio were almost into punk mode. They played hard, and fast, and everything was just perfect. Peter was playing his Telecaster again, and it sounded way better than that electric travel guitar he had been using at several past shows. It was over too quickly.

Parker's Tangent was up last. They perform original blues and blues rock. (And because I'm in the band, it's a conflict of interest for me to write a review of our performance. I want to say we were great, because I believe that, but that's something for the audience to decide. We had fun, though. It was a great bill, and we'd like to do it again.) And yes, the rumors are true. Parker's Tangent rocked The Neverending Bookstore so hard, that a painting fell off the wall and hit me in the head. The painting was not injured. As for me, well, how would anyone know if I had a head injury?

Maximum Operating Depth at Books & Co., Hamden CT on Friday, August 26th as part of Frank Critelli's Critelli's "Songs from the Sofa" show, held the last Friday of the month. Performing were Jessica Brauner on guitar and lead vocals, Al Howard on bass guitar, Jo-Anna Horn on saxophone, with Nick Appleby filling in on drums. (Regular drummer Julie Riccio was performing with The Sawtelles tonight.) We got to hear the fuller versions of the songs thy played at The Neverending Bookstore show. They were not the headliners, but they should have been. I did not enjoy the headliners. I will be polite, and not mention anything else about them.

The Sawtelles at the Waterbury Brass Ball, Library Park, Waterbury CT on Saturday, August 27th. The Sawtelles were in power trio mode, with Peter Riccio on guitar and vocals, Julie Riccio on drums and vocals, and Pete Brunelli on bass guitar. They came out rocking hard, and kept that energy up for 30 minutes. The show may be on videotape, as Doug Danger of DaDa TV had a video camera set up.

September 2005

A photo of Peter and Julie Riccio of The Sawtelles appears in The New Haven Register Weekend Guide for Friday, September 2nd. This one actually. I took this photograph in Middletown back in August 2003. The Sawtelles, and another talented Connecticut singer/songwriter, took turns performing in front of Holy Trinity Church that afternoon. (It's one of the few fond memories that I have. It's hard to believe that was two years ago.) Julie Riccio is also quoted in the article.

[The Sawtelles at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on on Saturday, September 3rd.]

[Frank Critelli at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Monday, September 5th. Beatnik 2000. ]

[The Sawtelles at the City Seed Farmer's Market, Russo Park, New Haven CT on Saturday, September 10th]

The Jellyshirts at the Neverending Bookstore, New Haven CT on Saturday, September 10th. Yes, the rumors are true. The Jellyshirts rocked The Neverending Bookstore so hard, that a painting fell off the wall. This time the painting fell behind a curtain and hit the floor, instead of hitting me in the head. No, I got my Neverending Bookstore concussion from the drunk dancing behind me. He hit me in the head with his elbow. That's twice in two visits. Coincidence? An Omen? Or does a past evil still haunt this place, and it chooses to make itself and its power known by striking me in the head?

[Frank Critelli, James Velvet at the City Seed Farmer's Market, Russo Park, New Haven CT on Saturday, September 17th.]

[Frank Critelli, Ray Neal, Chris Buskey at The Buttonwood Tree, Middletown CT on Saturday, September 17th]

Parker's Tangent at Blues Brick Oven Pizza, Hamden CT on Saturday, September 17th. Good pizza, by the way. Nice room, and good family atmosphere. This place used to be an auto repair garage!

[Makel at Eli's on Whitney, Hamden CT on Saturday, September 17th.]

Parker's Tangent at the City Seed Farmer's Market, Edgewood Park, New Haven CT on Sunday, September 18th. The City Seed people are really nice, and so are the vendors. I have nothing nice to say about certain people who live across from the park. Apparently, the park belongs to them, and they don't like bands playing at the gazebo on Sunday afternoons. Or any other time. My advice to bands is to avoid playing in Edgewood Park near West Rock Avenue, unless there is some kind of festival sponsored by the City of New Haven, with a zillion people, and plenty of police to control the neighbors.

[Chris Buskey at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Monday, September 19th.]

[Tyler Trudeau Attempt, and The Furors at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Tuesday, September 20th.]

[Makel at Alchemy - Hard Drive Live, New Haven CT on Wednesday, September 21st.]

Jo-anna Horn of Maximum Operating Depth is Stuck in a Corner in The New Haven Advocate for September 22, 2005.

Krizta Moon at Cafe 64, Winsted CT on Wednesday, September 21st.

The Sawtelles opening for Zoo Front at Oobah's Deli, Willimantic CT on Friday, September 23rd.
I'd never heard Zoo Front before. They are a sort of trio. There's Ed on guitar and vocals, Ju Dee on bass guitar and vocals, and a laptop computer called Hal on drums and keyboards. Hal was overly loud, and stepped on the vocals, especially Ju Dee's Laurie Andersonish type vocals. Their music is all originals, and rooted in the mid 1980's to mid 1990's. There was a song or two that was vaguely like The Cure. They were okay. I bought both of their CD's, Betty Luna and Blunt Trauma to add to my local music collection. About a week after the show, I finally got around to listening to the CD's. I was surprised.

With all the instruments and vocals properly balanced, Zoo Front's music made sense. Their CD's are much better than the live show I saw. The music is darker, more moody. Ed's vocals are lower, more weary. And Hal was a vital part of the music, and not overly loud and much less annoying. Their CD's are worth picking up. As for another live show, maybe, if they rein Hal in a little.

[Makel at the Westbrook Lobster House, Wallingford CT on Friday, September 23rd.]

Parker's Tangent opening for Beau Geste at The Space, Hamden CT on Sunday, September 25th. This was a benefit show for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. All proceeds were being donated to the Red Cross.

[Makel at Toad's Place, New Haven CT on Sunday, September 25th.]

Maximum Operating Depth and The Feral Sparrows at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Monday, September 26th.

[The Cavemen Go at SINfest, Southern CT State University, New Haven CT on Tuesday, September 27th. Once again, WSIN, the campus radio station, held a music festival that wasn't heavily advertised. I had no idea it was being held, or who was playing. And yet, we get spam email for every other activity on this campus. I would have liked to have heard The Cavemen Go. They just released a new CD, Never Part Again. Review from The New Haven Advocate, September 8, 2005. Also an article on SINfest in The Southern News, October 5, 2005, with a photo of The Cavemen Go.]

[Tyler Trudeau opening for James Velvet at Books & Co., Hamden CT on Friday, September 30th.] The Hamden Chronicle had a front page article about Books & Co., and Frank Critelli's "Songs From the Sofa" shows, in their issue for the week of October 3rd.

October 2005

[The Secret Ink at Skipping Stones Record's Popfest! New England 2005 at some club I don't remember the name of in Northampton MA on Saturday, October 1st.]

[Makel at Christopher Martin's, New Haven CT on Saturday, October 1st.]

The Sawtelles at The City Seed Farmer's Market, Edgewood Park, New Haven CT on Sunday, October 2nd.

[Makel at The Webster Theatre, Hartford CT on Sunday, October 2nd.]

[The Sawtelles at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Monday, October 3rd.]

Jeremy Sage from The Cavemen Go is Stuck In a Corner in The New Haven Advocate for October 6, 2005. Also an article about SINfest in The Southern News, October 5, 2005, has a photo of The Cavemen Go.

The Sawtelles and The Tyler Trudeau Attempt at 21 Daniel St, Milford CT on Tuesday, October 4th.

[Makel at Geraldine's, West Springfield MA on Thursday, October 6th.]

[Ol'scool at The Oxford Ale House, Oxford CT on Friday, October 7th.]

[The Sawtelles at The City Seed Farmer's Market, Wooster Square, New Haven CT on Saturday, October 8th, was postponed due to heavy rain.]

The Sawtelles, Al Howard, and Ken Singer at Javapalooza!, Middletown CT on Saturday, October 8th.

[Chris Buskey and Shandy Lawson at The All Gallery, New Haven CT on Saturday, October 8th.]

A review of The Sawtelles and Al Howard at Javapalooza! appears in the October 13th issue of The Hartford Advocate.

[The Secret Ink at Rudy's, New Haven CT on Thursday, October 13th.] An interview of Guitarist Doug Slawin appears in the October 13th issue of The New Haven Advocate.

[The Cavemen Go, and Victoria's Secret Sauce, (Al Howard's new band), at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Thursday, October 13th.]

[Makel at Up On The Rocks, Hartford CT on Friday, October 14th]

The Sawtelles in trio mode at Blues Brick Oven Pizza, Hamden CT on Saturday, October 15th.

Krizta Moon at Passiflora Tea Room & Herbal Apothecary, New Hartford CT on Friday, October 21st.
Wow. I first heard Krizta Moon a few weeks ago, and I was impressed. She was singing without a PA system, and her voice just filled the room. Not a lot of people can do that. At Passiflora's, she had the benefit of a PA, which she really didn't need for every song, and a guitarist. The majority of her material is original music, not covers.

I've heard a number of really talented singer/songwriters the past few years that are clever wordsmiths with their lyrics. However, these same lyrics are not audience friendly. The images of the lyrics, the emotions behind them, are clear only to the songwriter. The audience is presented with a beautiful song, but there's often no way to connect with it emotionally, because we don't know what it all means. This is ultimately self-defeating.

Obscure lyrics can also be a challenge for other musicians either playing with the songwriter, or trying to cover their songs. Without knowing what the song means, other musicians can be technically proficient in playing the song, but their playing lacks emotional content the songwriter intended.

Krizta Moon's lyrics are clear. Her songs can tell a story, and the audience can follow the story. The images are clear enough for the audience to visualize what's going on. The emotions aren't hidden behind clever, but ultimately obscure, wordplay. The audience can get involved emotionally, which in my opinion, can enhance the power of a song. Krizta does have a CD out, and it's worth picking up a copy.

Maximum Operating Depth w/ The Jellyshirts at The Neverending Bookstore, New Haven CT on Saturday, October 22nd.
A good show overall, despite a few technical problems. The vocals were way too low during Maximum Operating Depth's set, making Jessica Brauner and Julie Riccio hard to hear. Another problem, I believe, was the choice of microphones. They were using uni-directional mikes, which are good for miking amplifiers, drums, or other instruments that don't move around. Humans move, and unless Jessica was positioned right in front of the mike, her voice faded away. She needs an omni-directional mike designed for vocals. They have a wider coverage area.

Despite the glitches, their songs make me want to dance.

The Jellyshirts also had a PA problem. Their vocals were muffled at times, the lyrics hard to hear. I'm not sure if that was a microphone issue, the use of 15" speakers, or just an unbalanced mix on the PA. The Neverending Bookstore is a small, narrow room, and too much volume can ruin a performance as much as too little volume. They also played a few new songs that weren't all that good. I may change my mind about them after hearing them a few times, but right now, those songs are missing something. Still, a night of uneven Jellyshirts is better than no Jellyshirts at all.

The Sawtelles at a very cold and windy City Seed Farmer's Market, Edgewood Park, New Haven CT on Sunday, October 23rd. I got there late, and only heard a few tunes. Despite the sun, the wind was cold, especially if you've been standing in it for two hours.

[The Secret Ink at The Delancey, NYC on Sunday, October 23rd.]

[The Sawtelles at The Hope Out Loud Coffeehouse, Artspace, Hartford CT on Friday, October 28th.]

November 2005

[The Sawtelles on WWUH 91.3FM, University of Hartford on Wednesday, November 2nd.]

The Sawtelles new CD Here Is has several reviews this week:
    The New Haven Advocate November 3, 2005
    The Hartford Advocate     November 3, 2005
    The New Haven Register Weekend Guide      November 4, 2005
    There's also an article, with a very familiar photograph.

[The Sawtelles on WWUH 91.3FM, University of Hartford on Friday, November 4th.]

[Frank Critelli, James Velvet, Derrick Holcomb at the All Gallery, New Haven CT on Saturday, November 5th.]

[The Sawtelles, Frank Critelli, and other Thin Man Music Artists at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Saturday, November 5th. I was told that the first band didn't hit the stage until 11:00pm, and The Sawtelles didn't get to play until after 1:00am.]

[The Sawtelles on WNHU 88.7 FM, University of New Haven on Sunday, November 6th.]

[The Jellyshirts   at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Monday, November 7th.]

Parker's Tangent and GrimFacts Ed Hoyer at The Neverending Bookstore, New Haven CT on Saturday, November 12th.

[The Jellyshirts and others TBA at the Eli Whitney Museum, Hamden CT (Hurricane Katrina Benefit) on Saturday, November 12th.]

[The Sawtelles w/ John Holt and Generous Thief at Javapalozza, Middletown CT on Saturday, November 12th.]

The Sawtelles on WPKN 89.5FM, Bridgeport CT on Tuesday, November 15th.

[Frank Critelli at Bishop's Lounge, Northampton MA on Tuesday, November 15th.]

Krizta Moon, Jesse Meade, and GrimFacts Ed Hoyer at Cafe 64, Winsted CT on Wednesday, November 16th.

[Makel at Alchemy, New Haven, CT on Wednesday, November 16th.]

[The Sawtelles at the Las Vetas Lounge, Fairfield CT on Friday, November 18th.]

Krizta Moon on WPKN 89.5FM, Bridgeport CT on Friday, November 18th.

[Ol'scool at the Topside Café, Milford CT on Saturday, November 19th.]

[The Jellyshirts at the John Slade Eli House, New Haven CT on Saturday, November 19th.]

Parker's Tangent at the Blues Brick Oven Pizza, Hamden CT on Saturday, November 19th.

[Washboard Slim and The Blue Lights w/ Ron Anthony at The Space, Hamden CT on Saturday, November 19th.]

[The Sawtelles at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT, Beatnik 2000, on Monday, November 21st.]

Jesse Meade, Crystal and GrimFacts Ed Hoyer at Cafe 64, Winsted CT on Wednesday, November 23th.

Krizta Moon at Chiane's Coffee House, Torrington CT, on Friday, November 25th.

The Sawtelles at the Blues Brick Oven Pizza, Hamden CT on Saturday, November 26th.

[Makel at Eli's On Whitney, Hamden CT on Saturday, November 26th.]

December 2005

Krizta Moon in The Hartford Advocate for December 1, 2005

Crystal at Chiane's Coffee House, Torrington CT, on Friday, December 2nd.

DOOT! in The New Haven Register Weekend Guide for December 2, 2005
(The paper edition has a photo of DOOT!, and one of Tyler Trudeau.)

[Makel at SBC - Southport Brew Company, Milford CT on Friday, December 2nd.]

[The Sawtelles, Tyler Trudeau, Chris Arnot, James Velvet at the Holiday Book Fair, United Nursery School, New Haven CT
on Saturday, December 3rd .]

[Frank Critelli, Victoria's Secret Sauce at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT (Beatnik 2000) on Monday, December 5th.]

[DOOT! backing up Eugene Chadborne at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Thursday, December 8th.]

[DOOT! backing up Eugene Chadborne at The Buttonwood Tree, Middletown CT on Friday, December 9th]

[The Sawtelles and Maximum Operating Depth at Javapalooza, Middletown CT on Friday, December 9th was postponed, a casualty of the snowstorm]

[The Sawtelles at the Puppet House Theater, Stony Creek, CT on Saturday, December 10th.]

[Makel at Cafe Nine, New Haven CT on Saturday, December 10th.]

[The Secret Ink at the John Slade Ely House- Center for Contemporary Art, New Haven, CT on Thursday, December 15th.]

[The Sawtelles at the Las Vetas Lounge, Fairfield CT on Friday, December 16th.]

Reuben James Fowler, Joe Carniglia, Mike Greca, at Starbucks Coffee, RT 44, Avon CT on Friday, December 16th. This was a Toys For Tots Benefit.

Jesse Meade in The Hartford Advocate for December 29, 2005.

[Bourgeois Heroes and School For The Dead at The Elevens, Northampton MA on Friday, December 30th.]

A note from The Ministry of Truth:
This webpage has not been heavily edited. Older entries have not changed. They are exactly as they have always been. It is incorrect to believe that they are different. Truth is fixed, and eternal. Truth does not change with time.
The Ministry of Truth.

And so, it begins.