Uke!

Uke!

by | Jul 31, 2008 | Music

Not since Tiny Tim passed away has the ukulele received so much adoration in the lower 48. While the size and pitch of ukuleles can vary, the most famous model is a soprano, and it's most associated with grass skirts and flower necklaces. Jake Shimabukuro is...
Soundcheck: An Elegy for the Owl

Soundcheck: An Elegy for the Owl

by | Jul 31, 2008 | Music

As on many nights before, there will be a turning of the key at the end of Jen Schwaber's shift. But Aug. 1 will be the final time she locks up Night Owl Records, the Cottage Street store she opened with partner and then-boyfriend, now-husband Mark...
Springfield to Timbuktu

Springfield to Timbuktu

by | Jul 31, 2008 | Music

Taj Mahal is surely one of Springfield's finest and best-known exports. His version of blues, with its farflung mix of influences and sounds, is like little else. So is his swampy thunder of baritone. And though she is not as well known here, Taj's sister,...
CD Shorts

CD Shorts

by | Jul 31, 2008 | Music

Sammy WalkerMisfit Scarecrow(Ramseur Records)The name Sammy Walker might ring a few faint bells. Phil Ochs convinced Folkways to record him back in 1974. Two quick albums followed, then a 28-year silence. Walker's new CD is so heavy on topical songs that it feels...
Nightcrawler: Penny-Pinching Punks

Nightcrawler: Penny-Pinching Punks

by | Jul 31, 2008 | Music

As a producer and engineer for PDP Productions, Brian Westbrook is well schooled in the science of sound. In fact, he's finishing up his bachelor's in sound recording technology at UMass this year. And as PDP's founder and owner, Brian's father, David...