THE BLUE RIBBONS

The Blue Ribbons have been around for a few years, even winning a Boston Music Award in 2015 and nominated again for Best Band in 2016. Formed under the wings of keyboardist and lead vocalist James Rohr and guitar ace Mike Castellana the "Ribs" blend an acidic mixture of Steely Dan and Tom Waits with Hard Bop overtones and occasional forays into vintage 70's era soul. An eclectic foursome that packages the evening's sound with whatever mood the players are in at that moment. It's free form rock at it finest as Rohr, Castellana, drummer Tauras Biskas and bassist Jef Charland are all masterful players with substantial pedigree around the Boston music scene. These songs run the gamut of how far to stretch melodic tension before it breaks. From the bizarre 'Pig Rock Lane' to the sublime 'Sun and the Moon', this is a band without fear or pretense. At times they're pretty scary...

The Boston Globe takes it a bit farther, describing the Blue Ribbons as:
“Ray Charles and Tom Waits on a pirate ship with Sun Ra and Captain Beefheart,” they combine “upbeat disillusionment and celebratory fatalism with musicianship” – Charan Devereux

Upbeat disillusionment and celebratory fatalism are both common and expected in the clown car of a world we live in today and perhaps The Blue Ribbons find themselves as perfectly placed for the moment in time. The music is good, outstanding, in fact, along with being timely. If ever the envelope of independent music needed a jolt this is the time and this is just the band to push that envelope...at least in these parts.
 

THE BLUE RIBBONS

Mike Castellana - guitar

Jef Charland - bass, vocals
James Rohr - piano, vocals
Tauras Biskis- drums, vocals

 

The Session Crew

Produced and edited by:
Bill Hurley

Cameras:
Maribeth Arena

Bill Hurley
H. Nat Stevens
Joanne Craig

Audio:
Eric Nordstrom
Connor Quigley

Mixed by:
Connor Quigley

Lighting/Special Effects:
Rick Smith

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Stage Production:
Gerry Earabino

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Photos:
Dan Busler Photography