Moving through the Dogs Day of Summer

Contemplating dies caniculares

There is a decidely bluesy feel to this week’s show given the weather and general vibe permeating this time of summer. Put another way, some great new music for you. And also a look at one of Richmond’s own, Matthew Costello.

One of the many fun aspects of doing The Electric Croude is seeing what comes in over transom. In an age when music product is becoming physically more ethereal (i.e., MP3’s, etc.), I still enjoy opening a mailer and find what possible treasures may be contained with in. Such is the case with the band Houston Jones and their new disc Queen of Yesteryear. Some CDs just pop out at you musically and this one certainly does. With a wealth of musical stylings, great playing and production, all of which contributes to making it one of the top releases of 2011. It rates a full 13 Crickets (our highest accolade). Listen to my co-host and that award is self-explanatory.

Also in bluesy fashion we pay a house call to Hugh Laurie, and yes, it’s the actor who is equally talented in self-taught piano, guitar, voice with a grand love for jazzy blue explorations--a fitting touch to have him in the same set with new material from Tedeschi/Trucks and Revelator. I had the honor seeing Ms. T last fall at the Experience Hendrix show in town. This is one woman who knows how to handle a Telecaster and a stunning interpretation of If 6 was 9. Their new material this week.

Last but not least our local spotlight falls on Matthew Costello. Long involved with VOCAL (VA Organization of Composers and Lyricists) he is gifted in a similar vein to Hugh Laurie in terms of piano and guitar. One of my earliest associationw with Matthew was having him invite me to be a judge for a VOCAL contest years ago. Since that time he has generously donated his services as part of the original The Electric Croude Band playing keyboards on my Month of Years. More recently you heard his work on the 25th anniversary Christmas Croude last december as well as being a part of the live choir on the show. Time moves on.  We’re all getting older bit by bit and it recently hit home how just about everyone I know in my age category is suffering from some kind of medical affliction. Matthew is dealing with more than most (see his blog). Richmond has been a generous community in the past and its a great tradition that continues through this day. You’ll hear his solo work featured on the Croude this week together with a reprise from TECB. And on his blog site you’ll have an opportunity to purchase his discs. I’m proud to have him play on my first studio effor years agot and to profile his own musical artistry again on the program.

The Electric Croude airs every late Saturday at midnight EDT on WCVE Public Radio. The show also streams simultaneously at ideastations.org/radio.

Follow me on Twitter: wcvegeorgemaida and on WCVE Facebook where my blog is available on Fridays.

Follow my co-host Hermie the Wistful Cricket in his imagination.