North Village was born from the embers of the Seacoast Last Waltz Project, as singer/songwriter Martin England discussed starting a new band with Last Waltz bassist Greg Glasson and guitarist/singer Tristan Omand after one of their rehearsals. The trio was joined by drummer Rick Habib and keyboardist Jay Cohen in the spring of 2022, and the quintet set out to arrange, rehearse and record many of England’s compositions he’d penned. Lyrically, the songs are steeped in the fires of love and loss but reek of resilience and joy. Musically, these arrangements range from inspired, frenetic jams to super-focused melodic tapestries, pulling in various influences by The Band, the Allman Brothers, Uncle Tupelo, John Prine, and the Grateful Dead. North Village will record its debut album in the winter 2022-23, and release it sometime in the early summer of 2023.
Modern Fools
Despite their name, there's nothing particularly modern or foolish about the songs of this New Hampshire foursome. Unless you count devising their name by trying to fit letters into the Waffle House logo. Since that fateful, syrup-soaked morning, they've been refining a sound best described as "seriously retro, cosmic Americana", with songs that meld together the country rock of Gram Parsons with the song-craft and harmonies of Dr. Dog.
Their 2020 debut album SEER was a search for meaning; after suffering a serious car accident and the end of a long-term relationship, lead singer and songwriter Josh Blair transformed his personal upheaval into nine songs that fused cosmic Americana influences with his own unique voice. The band's sophomore release, Strange Offering (May 2023), covers familiar sonic territory with a newfound optimism; like SEER, it was recorded in Blair’s New Hampshire studio and mixed by Seattle-based engineer Kevin Suggs (KEXP). While the albums have a kindred style, the substance has evolved to reflect the band’s growth together. Strange Offering presents melancholic themes of loss and existential dread in an oddly upbeat and comforting manner.
It's clear that their listening tastes look backward with reverence, but there's a new confidence in Modern Fools that is ready for what tomorrow may bring.
Josh Blair - Guitar/Vocals
Justin Gregory - Drums/Vocals
Jonathan Braught - Guitar/Vocals
Ian Galipeau - Bass/Vocals
Nick Hayes - Keys
Tickets $20
*fees not included