The name Ralph E. Carroll doesn't necessarily evoke an overwhelming urge to "throw the goats" into the air in a gesture that screams rock 'n' roll; that's why this traveling crooner decided to go with Eddie Holly, a moniker that evolved fairly naturally from a combination of his middle name and Mother Holly, one of his early rock bands. Okay, it also sounds a little like "Buddy Holly," but this was, allegedly, mostly accidental. Nowadays, Eddie's come to fancy himself a folk singer anyway, having frequently been overheard to say while walking out on stage, guitar back-slung all Springsteen-style, "Are you ready to folk!?"

Beauty Here, Holly's latest CD, is a two-and-a-half-year project (crafted at Hatfield's Trash Studios) that's peppered with a host of Valley all-stars, including Joe Boyle, Kevin Colgan, Steve Sanderson, Jim-Joe Greedy, Dave Durst and, yes, even yours truly (not to mention a trippy and inspired trumpet solo by Scott "Bow-Bow" Brandon of Drunk Stuntmen fame). Mr. Holly's laid down his "ramblin' fry cook" shoes for at least a season, it seems—he usually migrates between resort jobs in Key Largo and Jackson Hole, Wyoming—and celebrates his CD release this Thursday at the Sierra Grille with Neon Gods and The Snizz.

Sept. 24, 9:30 p.m., Sierra Grille, 41 Strong Ave., Northampton, (413) 584-1150.