Momentum for Your Morning

The bass hook in the opening track of the Lisa Piccirillo's debut album "Momentum" grabs you right away--wrapping you tightly in the delight of the first of eleven exceptionally well produced songs. Brew some good coffee, find a comfortable chair in a sunny corner of the house, and take in the entire album in one sitting at the start of your day. It's a perfect antidote to the dreadful, relentless drone of network news.

I first learned of Lisa's incredible vocal skill when she sang background vocals on Gregory Douglass' 2005 album, "Stark." From the get go, the release of her debut, full-length album was something I've highly anticipated and Momentum definitely delivers. She has a rich, smooth, sensual voice and a well-grounded, mature lyrical sensibility. When combine with the spot-on studio performances from some of the best musicians from the Northeast, a guest vocal performance from singer/songwriter Patrick Thomas, and the astute production of Syd, it all comes together in a package that is right at home in your playlist alongside the likes of Deb Tallan, Patty Griffin, and Edie Carey.

Favorite Tracks:

"You Never Say"

"Shine"

"Fall"

"Sandbar" (featuring Patrick Thomas)

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Anais Mitchell, the Cosmic American, and a Power Outage

What is it about Vermont that gives it the honor of producing so many amazing artists? I'm not sure if it can be credited to the sheer beauty of the Northeast in the spring and fall, or the bitterness of the long, cold winters that lay heavy on the region, but what thing is for certain--if you're looking to discover an immense amount of compelling, independently produced music, start with the Green Mountain State.

Certainly this is true when it comes to Anais Mitchell. A couple years ago, fellow Vermont-native Gregory Douglass recommended we download 2004's "Hymns for the Exiled" and we couldn't be more grateful. The third track on the album alone, "Cosmic American," was an immediate favorite and has certainly found a permanent home on my "deserted island" playlist. How can you not be drawn into a song with such melodic beauty and deeply sexual lyrics "spent a long night with a stranger I give my body to, still I miss you" and "up behind your Astro van, you got me up against the fender, you are the Cosmic American..."?

On March 26th, I was fortunate enough to see Anais perform live at the famous Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. Simply put, she is downright incredible live. Her casual charm and spot on vocals combined to command our attention. The whole room was hanging on every lyric of every song. That is, until the encore when the power suddenly went out. While many artists may have just ended there, Anais made it magical when, under the dim light of a few flashlights and votive candles, she invited all of us to join in a sing-along version of "Goodnight, Irene." Perfection!

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You've Just Got To See "Cathedrals"

It amazes me that the "world at large" hasn't yet caught the Gregory Douglass buzz. Only 28 years young, and yet he's just released his 7th full-length album of original music--Battler. A more detailed review of the album will be forthcoming as it's definitely an absolute favorite of 2009.

Before we get to all of that, there's a video you just MUST SEE. It's for the first single off the album and is certain to catch the masses by storm when it begins airing on MTV's LOGO network soon. Gorgeously melodic with a driving snare drum that is sure to hook you, I just can't get enough of the song. Add to that a video, directed by Mary Haverstick, that is beautifully shot and ripe with timely controversy... we have a sure hit on our hands.

Thankfully, you don't have to wait to catch it on the Television.

[ SEE THE VIDEO TODAY! ]