(Self-released, CD)

Central Vermont-based singer, guitarist and songwriter Rick Redington is a genuinely nice guy. Makes me wish I could say all nice things about his fourth solo album, Mother Earth.

I can say a couple. The second half of the album is definitely stronger than the first. And Redington plays some fine acoustic guitar throughout, although he's better off picking than strumming Hootie & the Blowfish-style chords.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

I'm sitting here with a stupid smile on my face, and it's Trey Anastasio's fault. The legendary axeman's new CD, Shine, inspires the same indescribable elation as his ex-band Phish once did, before they succumbed to weighty pondering and repetition.

There was joyful exuberance in Phish's best music, and it's terrific to hear some of it again. Shine is a victory on two fronts: First, Anastasio sounds like he's rediscovered the joys of playing music. Second, he's managed to capture that joy on tape.... Read more