Jennifer Kimball, formerly of the folk duo the Story, releases her long-awaited third solo record on Epoisse Records. The record began as a surprise birthday recording session at Q Division with recording engineer Matt Beaudoin. Produced by Alec Spiegelman of Brooklyn-based avant-pop band Cuddle Magic, Avocet is a collection of 10 songs with a diverse soundscape of lyrical clarinet lines, pop saxophone, fluid electric guitar and vibraphone centered around Kimball’s unadorned and honest voice. Jennifer spoke to WBUR about the album and how this album got its start.
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Dropkick Murphys – 11 Short Stories of Pain and Glory
Influenced by the band’s work with The Claddagh Fund, a charity the band established in 2009 to help support addiction recovery as well as children’s and veterans’ organizations, Dropkick Murphys released their ninth studio album “11 Short Stories of Pain and Glory” on January 6th. Recorded at a variety of places, including a final push for a couple of weeks of overdubs in Studios A and D with our own Griffin Bach, the album made its debut at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 200, giving the band their second highest debuting album of their career. The album’s debut single can be heard below.
David Hinckley – David Hinckley
David Hinckley’s instrumental self-titled November release tastefully calls one’s senses to the sights and sounds of the 60’s with laid-back jazz, blues, surf and country elements co-existing to form a nostalgic experience. From the Merle Travis-like country bounce of Parker’s Pit to the Johnny Smith-esque intro of Cool Ranch, it is clear that Hinckley and his band of Elio DeLuca, Harrison Seiler and Ed Spargo have done due dilligence of classic American guitar music. Tracked by Rafi Sofer in Q’s Studio A and mixed by Elio DeLuca, Hinckley’s debut release is a dynamic listen for any guitar fanatic who enjoys vintage vibes. You can listen to David Hinckley on Bandcamp.
Tanya Donelly – Swan Song Series
New England native Tanya Donelly’s most recent release, Swan Song Series, contains more than five volumes of new music recorded and mixed at Q Division in addition to other locations. Tooraloo (Bonus Tracks), tracked and mixed by Rafi Sofer (additional tracking by Scott Janovitz at Moontower) captures Tanya’s sentimental lyrics in an intimate, exposed setting. Snow Goose and Me (Swan Song Series 5), recorded by Pat ‘Denzel’ DiCenso and mixed by Matt Beaudoin at Q include rich strings and churning guitar, played by former Throwing Muses & Belly member, Fred Abong, which lay a foundation for layers of Tanya’s voice to portray her blissful story. ABC News recently included Swan Song Series on its 50 Best Albums of 2016 list, citing the above songs as ‘Favorite Tracks’ from the collection. You can listen to Swan Song Series on Bandcamp.
Airport – Everything Old Is New
Released on December 13th, Airport’s latest release continues their exploration of 70’s inspired rock n roll. Tinged with Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker inspired instrumentals underneath an ethereal stack of vocals, these tunes would feel right at home alongside early 2000s alt rock ala Fountains of Wayne and the Old 97s. Recorded and mixed at Q Division Studios by Rafi Sofer, Pat DiCenso, and Matt Tahaney. Listen below.
