Talented Ladd

Mike Ladd whips up a Storm on his latest release

by Joe Longone

Mike Ladd has been on a musical odyssey for almost 20 years. He's worn his heart on his sleeve and has strummed his guitar, while wailing out powerful, introspective originals that display a maturity and sophistication the likes of which you'd find in a Dave Mason or Tom Rush. But Ladd has remained an under appreciated local talent both on his own and when he's worked with bands. His day in the spotlight, however, may soon be on its way with the release of his beautiful and brave new CD, The Storm.

Ladd picked up the guitar in junior high after being egged on by the many bad-assed metal musicians of the early '70s, chiefly Ritchie Blackmore. By the early '80s, he formed his first band, Chimera, with a bunch of his Holden High buddies. They became a popular bar band, releasing Coming Into Color in 1985. More than any other local outfit, they came the closest to national fame in the '80s when they appeared in an episode of the Spencer For Hire TV series. But by 1987, Ladd found himself without a band.

"I learned a lesson from being in Chimera: to never again get too big for my own britches. The last 10 years have been an ongoing experiment, where I've tried to grow as a songwriter and learn more about music from the many great musicians who have been a part of the Ladd Foundation," he says, referring to his ever-changing ensemble, while we talk at his Grafton home, which he shares with his wife, Laura, and their three young sons.

The Storm (self-released) is strong statement about life. Not the life you'll find on the tube or in the newspapers, but the life you find within yourself, your family, and friends. Here are eight solid, soulful original compositions that explore personal integrity. The disc begins with the encouraging number, "Look Back." With words like, "(I) study the way I got up from the floor," he champions those who continue to go forward no matter what the obstacles. The second song, "Fireside," is a tribute to home and family. As some of the self-examining lyrics go, "I do take for granted that I love my family." The lead track, "The Storm," rings true even with the corny lyrics, "Love conjures stormy skies."

The radio hit may be "If You Let Her Go," a wistful love song that features some beautiful sax accompaniment by Rich Becker. Another stand-out selection is "Daddy You Lied." Ladd's own personal experience as a father comes into play here as a parent who lies to protect his children from a cruel world. Only with "Shy Away" and "Don't Tell Me" does he keep song subjects a personal secret. The only number that ventures past the songwriter's own inter-relational sphere is "Good Morning Lover," an outright condemnation of the 1994 Republican landslide.

Producer Lance Vardis should be noted for creating a warm and inviting platform on which Ladd can easily speak to listeners. The stellar session work by Joe Miglionico, Christopher Stanley, John Byron, and the late Bill Ryan make for a rich recording. "I'm glad Bill Ryan's trumpet can be heard live on in this disc," says Ladd.

You can catch Mike Ladd next at the Eco Village this Saturday, April 5.

Eco Village Worcester now has its own little bit of Greenwich Village. Eco Village (928 Main Street, near Clark U.) has been open for the past few months selling handmade items that hark back to the Haight-Ashbury days. Chiefly a boutique, offering environmentally friendly fashions, the whole-earth shop also sells jewelry, candles, and incense.

I know what you're saying, "We've had places like this around here forever." Yes, but it's the store's added attraction that makes it truly special. Long after the shop closes (Monday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.), its Tea Room, located in the back, kicks into motion. Sofas, cushioned furniture, and kitschy coffee tables fill an area no bigger than most people's living rooms. It's a totally charming space filled with art, books, and other diversions that might captivate bohemians.

Mondays to Thursdays, from 5 to 11 p.m., the Tea Room acts as a friendly meeting place. On Fridays and Saturdays (5 p.m. until late) poets and musical acts are featured. On the night I checked it out, Bret Hart was lighting up a comfortable crowd with his humorous originals. If you don't have talented performers setting up in your own home, the Eco's Tea Room might be your next best bet.

Best Music Poll update

We're almost at the half-way point of balloting for the 1997 Worcester Phoenix Best Music Poll, your chance to vote for your favorite local and national acts. Clip and send the ballot in this issue, or vote in person at this week's Best Music Poll Ballot Nights -- at the Espresso Bar on Friday, April 4, (and hear the Westies, Best New Local Artist nominees), and at Tom Foolery's on Thursday, April 10, (and catch Best Local Cover Act nominee Jenny and the Stoplites). You can also pick up ballots at area Strawberries and other retail locations.