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.
Nate Leavitt & The Elevation – Someone Send A Signal
Nate Leavitt & The Elevation’s April release, Someone Send A Signal captures intimate songwriting matched with tasteful playing from his seasoned band. Nate’s storytelling delivery evokes stylings heard from Neil Young and Ryan Adams, but with his own personal spin added, creating a blend of familiar and fresh sounds. This album was produced by ‘Old Jack’, Dan Nicklin, who is also featured as a part of the band.
Q Division’s Studio A adorns the album artwork of Someone Send A Signal, which should send a signal that it was tracked and mixed here by Pat ‘Denzel’ DiCenso. You can listen to Nate Leavitt & The Elevations newest release on Bandcamp.
Abbie Barrett – That Shame
That Shame, Abbie Barrett’s most recent album, was produced by Ed Valauskas and recorded and mixed by Pat DiCenso at Q’s Studio A. Layers of distorted guitars paired with punchy drums provide high-octane backdrops for Abbie’s attitude-driven voice and rebellious, light-hearted lyrics. Q’s Mellotron and Farfisa color That Shame with otherworldly textures and sounds, played by Ed, who also played bass for the album. Listen to That Shame on Bandcamp.
