Up-and-comers

Local H step into the AUD, and the Deniros head to Dinny's

by Joe Longone

I'm sure when Scott Lucas and Joe Daniels wrote "High-Fiving M(other) F(ucker)" in 1995 with the lines, "You've got no taste in music, and you really love our band," they never realized how prophetic these words would be today. In their 16th month of touring, in support of their contract with Island Records, the duo Local H are a long way from their days as a struggling bar band from Zion, Illinois.

Local H started out as a high-school quartet in 1987. The original outfit didn't get past house parties before breaking up -- Lucas and Daniels stayed together and kept the band's name. Their debut disc, Ham Fisted, got critical raves but did little to further their career. It was the release of their second album, As Good as Dead, that brought the team to the national buying public -- "Bound for the Floor" spent 11 weeks on Billboard's top-10 singles chart.

"Hi, is this Joe?" says Scott Lucas during a telephone interview from some Denver hotel room. "Sorry, I'm calling so late, but I had to talk to my girlfriend."

No problem, I say. How's the current tour going?

"We're playing smaller venues this time around, so we're getting the chance to check out some of the places we're playing. Our last tour was at a number of huge arenas and most of them are out in the sticks, so there was little else to do," he says.

Are you amazed at how far from Zion you've come?

"We've been touring since February of 1996; the only thing I think about is getting some free time to write some new songs."

Have you gotten any flack for just being a twosome?

"Yes, people were convinced that we couldn't provide a big-enough sound for an arena, but we've proven them all wrong," he says. "There is a general lack of confidence in the music industry today, especially if you're considered a one-hit-wonder like us. The fact that Joe [Daniels] and I get along so well makes it easier."

Would you tell all the bands, who are struggling to get to where you guys are, it's worth it?

"It's hard work," Lucas says after a pause. "But if you're like us and want to continue to make records that are appreciated, it's the price you have to pay."

Local H appear along with Silverchair this Sunday, April 27, at the AUD.

Toni's time

Bravo, Toni! Local jazz singer and TV host (Studio 3) Toni Ballard is brilliantly showcased on a new CD, I'm Your Pal (Dolphins). Surrounded with a bounty of talented players, with the help of arranger Bevan Manson, Ballard puts together a smart and highly stylized performance.

A longtime supporter of the Worcester jazz scene, Ballard is finally stepping out and strutting her stuff for the whole world to see. Gifted with a voice that oozes a sweet and gentle sophistication, Ballard often echoes the great Peggy Lee. Add special appearances by pianist John Colianni and guitarist Larry Coryell, and you've got one of the richest recordings released by a local artist in some time.

Most of the 10 selections are upbeat standards such as "Make Someone Happy" (Camden & Green/ Styne), "From This Moment On" (Cole Porter), and "That Old Black Magic" (Arlen/Mercer). The title track, "I'm Your Pal," is a beautiful duet of Ballard's voice and Coryell's guitar. There are three Bevan Manson compositions (two of which were co-written by Ballard). The first, "Three-Bass Hit," is a comic swing piece with a narrative introduction by Jim Porcella. "Midnight Tree" is also a standout selection. The glitter and grand expanse of the big city is wonderfully romanticized in this number.

The last original is the final track, "Danny," with its tender look at sibling admiration; it's a perfect ending to this gorgeous set of songs.

Joyriding with the Deniros

If well-written songs come back in vogue in the Land of the Bean, the Deniros will easily become one of Boston's most popular musical groups. The buzz is all about them with the release of their debut, five-song CD, More of Us (Meanstreet), a sleek joyride of effortless pop that reminds me of the Hub's wonder-lust days of the early '80s.

The magic of their romantic melodies comes chiefly from the band's leader John Surette. This legendary Boston singer/songwriter is on the same track that made his past outfit, Boy's Life, such a big sensation. Veteran scenesters Kathy DeMarco (drums) and Melissa Wells (bass) aid Surette's emotional vocals with a compelling rhythm section and heavenly backing harmonies. New kid on the block Shane Gallagher (guitar) gives the quartet an edge without dominating their sound.

You can catch these rising stars at Wormtown's latest hotbed of rock action, Dinny's. Opening for the Deniros are the Free Radicals and the Preston Wayne Four.