For more than 40 years now, the Advocate has covered politics, local news, and entertainment from an alternative angle. But nothing runs through our newsprint’s black, white, and red veins more powerfully than independent music.
We’ve been shaped, in deep ways, by the punk, folk, rock, and counterculture ethos that evolved over decades of American upheaval. Today, in certain ways, our future is as unstable as ever. But all the music happening right here, throughout the Pioneer Valley, connects us, and keeps us going.
Starting this week, we launch a new platform for local music: Advocate Sessions. And we think you’re going to love it.
Sessions is a video series that hosts local and visiting musicians for short, informal sets that showcase the talent, humor, and sense of collaboration among seasoned acts and new bands alike. Candid and intimate, these are video performances that capture music-making as it is off-stage: fun, fresh, and full of Valley spirit.
Recorded in the Advocate newsroom in partnership with Signature Sounds and Northampton Community Television, Sessions concerts are held semi-regularly on workday afternoons. So far, they’ve been a blast to record.
Every set lights up a different corner of the Valley music map. Take the stars of our first four videos.
Ray Mason, the grinning troubadour boomer who is a long-standing member of the Lonesome Brothers, played Sessions solo, with a 1965 Sears Silvertone electric guitar through a Peavey Bandit 65 amp. Folk newcomer Tess Burdick, from Shelburne, went acoustic for us, her silky-smooth voice taking a few wild, wailing turns over strummed ballads about joy, heartbreak, and the smell of good coffee.
Hartford hip-hop artist Tang Sauce sang, rapped, and played trumpet and guitar alongside DJ Stealth. And the young Hadley rock quartet Paper City Exile jammed with some gritty, heartfelt originals.
We’ve got more acts on the way: jazz, soul, blues, funk, and even flamenco are already in the pipeline — but we couldn’t wait any longer to show you what we’ve been up to. Check out our Sessions site online, starting Friday. And while you’re here, read on and meet our first four guests! www.valleyadvocate.com