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by Seth Rogovoy
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., Sept. 26, 1996 -- With its new CD, "Consciousness," Lord Hill stakes its claim to the mantle of the Berkshires' top original rock band, and the one most likely to succeed. Lord Hill will perform songs from "Consciousness" and other numbers from its vast repertoire honed over the last decade on Saturday night at the Old Egremont Club in South Egremont. For information call 528-9712.
The hour-long "Consciousness," featuring 13 originals and one traditional tune, was recorded at Longview Farm in North Brookfield and produced by Kelly Wolford. It is a wide-ranging affair musically, tied together by Lord Hill's spiritually thoughtful lyrics, heartfelt vocals, great ensemble playing and an overall rootsy, neo-hippie approach.
The band's roots as the mid-'80s, pop-metal outfit Xavier occasionally surface in the Journey-like group choruses and some Blue Oyster Cult-style bridges and hooks. But for the most part, "Consciousness" opts for a '90s update of psychedelic hippie-rock, laced with a heavy dose of classic touches a la the Allman Brothers and Little Feat.
Put all these influences together and mix them up with the influences of the Berkshires, with its longstanding tradition of similarly-styled funky, rootsy, homegrown bands as well as its clean, cool landscape, and what you come up with is the best representation of what passes for the Berkshire sound today.
Highlights of the album include "The Mountain," with its Jerry Garcia-like, lead guitar lines sprinkled throughout and its doo-wop, all-group vocal choruses. The kickoff track, "Coming Down With a Fever," features some especially funky guitars and hopping drums courtesy of Kali Baba McConnell. "Poor Boy Shake" is an autobiographical tale about the ups and downs of life on the road, with a sly reference to Xavier's stint backing Arlo Guthrie : "Shook it on down to New Orleans/With the Brooklyn Cowboy on the Delta Queen." A revved-up funk-rocker, it's the best Aerosmith song that group hasn't written in 20 years.
A few minor quibbles. After a while, some of the group's mystical meanderings turn to mush. "The woman in the lava lamp is coming back again," they sing. Well, tell her she should just stay there! You would never know from the CD booklet the name of the album -- the title, "Consciousness," appears only on the spine and the back of the jewel box. Lyric credits for each song are given, but nowhere does it say who wrote the music. Presumably all the band members collaborated, but why not say so? And someone buy these guys a dictionary for Christmas -- they even misspell song titles (that's "cemetery," not "cemetary").
Otherwise, Lord Hill's "Consciousness" is one of the most professional efforts of any Berkshire band in history, one that may well launch the newest chapter in the long-running saga of one of the greatest Berkshire bands ever. For more information or to order the CD, write to: Lord Hill, Box 453, Housatonic MA 01236.
The hottest new nightspot in Northern Berkshire is Milltown Studios, on Main Street in North Adams. The funky but chic art gallery cum coffeehouse cum gift shop is now hosting weekly musical events in its intimate Chaise Lounge Gallery, where Out of the Blue, the Berkshire's best country band, performed last Friday night amidst some very provocative paintings and before a very diverse audience. The place is comfortable and friendly and in its chic sophistication it portends the shape of things to come in the new Mass MoCAsized North Adams of the 21st century. The Chaise Lounge will begin its weekly Lounge Nights series starting this Friday, Sept. 27, at 8, with a sort of open-mike jam session -- musicians, bring your instruments. Call 662-2725 for more information.
As for Out of the Blue, the South County-based sextet was out of this world with its rootsy, eclectic blend of country-based styles, including bluegrass, honky-tonk, rock 'n' roll, country-rock, western swing and even some Little Feat-like country-funk. Is there anything this band can't play? Fronted by the powerful, buttery vocals of Lisa Sturz, with harmonies provided by her bassist-husband Joel Sturz, the band is deeply rich in musical talent, including drummer Terry Hall, keyboardist Tim Gray, newly designated lead guitarist Michael McAvoy and the group's instrumental linchpin, Andy Gordon, a triple-threat on pedal-steel, banjo and bass. The group is working on an album slated to be out before the end of the year. It's sure to be a winner.
CC's Cafe, the weekly coffeehouse series at North Adams State College, has started up again, last Saturday night featuring Northampton singer-songwriter Ellen Cross, who boasts the richest, most dynamic set of pipes to come along since, well, let's just say the girl can sing, purr, whisper, shout, growl and belt it as good as anyone else around. And when she straps on her electric-blue, electric guitar, she is transformed into a dark, moody, one-woman alt-rock outfit. Someone ought to bring her back to these parts with her band and let her rip.
In the meantime, upcoming shows at CC's feature Bowers and Harned on Sept. 28, Peter Mulvey on Oct. 5, Pierce Campbell on Oct. 12, Donna Martin on Oct. 19, Margo Hennebach on Oct. 26, Susan McKeown on Nov. 2, 22 Brides on Nov. 9 and Back to Back on Nov. 23. Performers on Nov. 16 and Dec. 7 have yet to be determined. Admission to CC's, in the Sullivan Lounge on the second floor of the Campus Center, is free, as are the refreshments. CC's provides a great opportunity for the public and NASC students to meet and mix informally while sharing a mutual passion.
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