Tag: Bill Janovitz

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Behind the Scenes at Boston Stands with the ACLU @ Paradise Rock Club 3.18.2017

Perhaps you saw my photos from the Boston Stands with the ACLU benefit show at The Paradise and thought to yourself “That’s unusual. Johnny is usually right up front when he takes pictures, but most of these photos are from the back. Was it crazy crowded and he couldn’t get up front? Was he trying out some new perspectives? Was there something else going on that prevented him from standing in one spot for 6 hours?” Well, I have answers to these imaginary questions you may or may not have asked yourself! Yes, it was sold out! Yes, but only because it was so crazy packed I couldn’t get up front! And yes, because I was also busy taking all of these photos!

Some really wonderful people were involved with putting this show together. The night raised $24,800 for the ACLU. The musical lineup was unbelievable. Seriously. Did that really happen? Jokes were told. Songs were sung. My head is still spinning. I’m going to take a nap. Right after I leave these here…

Check out performance photos from all of the acts on this amazing night:

Ken Reid
Bill Janovitz
The Gravel Pit
The Sheila Divine
Evan Dando
Belly
Juliana Hatfield
Nada Surf

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Bill Janovitz @ Paradise Rock Club 3.18.2017

Bill Janovitz and his jumbo acoustic guitar got the music going at Boston Stands with the ACLU. While there’s no denying the impact of Mr Janovitz’s original material, his heartfelt sing-along of the late Chuck Berry’s “30 Days” was a highlight of the night.

Check out performance photos from all of the acts on this wonderful night:

Ken Reid
Bill Janovitz (You are here)
The Gravel Pit
The Sheila Divine
Evan Dando
Belly
Juliana Hatfield
Nada Surf

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Jenny Dee & Several Men Of Mystery – Jenny Dee & Several Men Of Mystery (2013)

jennt dee several men of mystery
Jenny Dee & Several Men Of Mystery
Jenny Dee & Several Men Of Mystery
2013

Three country tunes from Jenny Dee and some of her very talented friends?* Yes, please. Opening track “You Had It All” is a duet with Roy Sludge. I’m pretty sure I knew this one was going to be great before I even heard it.** “Never” has suitably weary and worn backing vocals from Bill Janovitz and Chris Toppin. It’s always a treat when those two team up. Also, I’m a sucker for a weepy lapsteel. The EP closes with Jenny Dee & Several Men Of Mystery tearing it up on “Looking For Clues.” Jenny notes that this song is a reworked tune from her gig with The Downbeat Five. Given the song’s fiery nature, it’s certainly not hard to believe. The band really cuts loose here. Sometimes sad songs can make you happy.

Where to get it:

* Duke Levine, Bill Janovitz, Chris Toppin, Ed Valauskas, Tom Arey, Roy Sludge, Matt Pynn, and Ben Zecker? Good, Lord. Even Eric Salt gets in on the action, playing the tambourine on “Looking For Clues.”

** It is.

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Buffalo Tom @ Midway Cafe 11.9.2012

When you think of Boston bands that consistently write great songs, Buffalo Tom should be in your head. It’s no wonder Chris Toppin had a hard time paring down her wishlist for the band’s set at her birthday bash. Buffalo Tom played through a bunch of those request in front of an appreciative full house at the Midway. They even had a little help from their friends.

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Tanya Donelly @ Midway Cafe 11.9.2012

Tanya Donelly backed by Buffalo Tom at the Midway? I never thought I’d see this. I’m not going to think about this one too much. It’s a special occasion. Special things happen. I’m just going to enjoy hearing some of my favorite Tanya-penned tunes* (along with a cool cover of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”) and count my blessings. It is almost Thanksgiving, after all.

* “Slow Dog” anyone? So good.