Private house show in Hadley, Massachusetts. A benefit for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Matthew Larsen and The Documents
Matthew Larsen has been a member of the vibrant Western Massachusetts music scene for a few decades, attracting audiences with introspective piano rock songs. Sometimes short, quiet and sweet, and other times building into wall-of-sound Hotel-California-like anthems, Matthew’s songs often recall serious health issues (Matthew underwent a stem cell transplant at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston in 2005). Apheresis, Matthew Larsen and The Documents’ forthcoming full-length recorded with Dave Chalfant (The Nields) at his Conway, MA. studio will be released in March of 2011.
Jose Ayerve
Long time recording artist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Jose Ayerve embarked on a new solo project in 2011. Jose’s indie rock outfit, Spouse, has had a devoted following throughout the East Coast and never fails to disappoint, show after show. “Folks in Northampton and Boston, Mass., are familiar with them. Chicago and Portland, Maine too. But there are still not enough people who’ve sampled the sumptuous blend of smart, meticulously crafted pop that is synonymous with Spouse.” – Springfield Republican
Jose has also produced albums by past Dark Dining Room performers Haunt, Oweihops, and Winterpills.
Winterpills
Winterpills are comprised of five of the finest Pioneer Valley musicians. The vocal harmonies of Philip Price and Flora Reed weave solemnly and beautifully around arrangements deftly managed by Dennis Crommett, Brian Akey, and Dave Hower. Their fourth album, an EP called Tuxedo of Ashes came out in 2010, and they are working on a full-length album this year. “Around Mr. Price’s gentle voice and the picking of his guitar or banjo, Winterpills gradually builds elegant arrangements steeped in 1960s folk-pop and rootsy rock, hinting at Simon and Garfunkel and Fairport Convention. While the gathered instruments offer some solace, the songs stay haunted.” – The New York Times