(Zoho Roots, CD)

It took Mike and the Ravens more than 45 years to make their first full-length album, Noisy Boys. Heck, the band broke up in 1962. But for a couple of years before that, five teenage boys from Stowe and Northfield inspired by Jerry Lee Lewis and Link Wray rocked at roller rinks, high school dances and frat parties.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

The songs and styles of Irish music are pretty much set in stone, making innovation a bit of a challenge. But Middlebury's O'hAnLeigh give it a go on their first album, Of Irish Crossings Told. The CD has garnered strong reviews from as far as Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and Belarus. But über-traditionalists, take note: Only two of the 14 cuts feature any "rum-dum-dilly-ohs."... Read more

Several years ago, Mike Brassard got an unexpected phone call. "This guy said he was Will Shade and asked, 'Are you Mike Brassard from Mike and the Ravens? I've been looking for you, dude, for a long, long time.'" At first, he thought Shade was nuts. Turns out, Shade was nuts, but in a good way.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

Burlington singer-songwriter Lowell Thompson is a familiar face around Vermont, playing low-key sets in small venues and cafes on a fairly regular basis. Last year, he took the grand prize in Advance Music's 2004 Acoustic Guitar Search -- an accomplishment that's bound to lead to even more gigs. Turn is his four-song debut EP, which he made at home in '03.... Read more