Best Local Roots/Swing Act

Fatwall Jack

Members in good standing of the Boston Blues Society, and just as likely to turn up on any given weekend in Gloucester, Framingham, Providence, or in upstate New York as they are at Gilrein's, Fatwall Jack were still top pick as the Best Local Roots Act. Harnessing the smooth-but-gritty sound of vocalist Erica Rodney (who can cop a growl somewhere between Michelle-Willson-meets-Etta-James) to the able songwriting of Pete Henderson (the band's secret weapon), Fatwall put out one of the year's most enjoyable listens with their debut album, Girl Next Door. Hiring the Cadillac Horns to supplement the four-piece, the band were able to take advantage of the neo-swing craze, hit the studio, and come out the other side with a jump-blues album that swings with the best of them. No riotous zoot suits, no mention of martinis, and no half-ass attempts to rip off Louie Prima, Girl Next Door was smart, sexy, classy, and a mile above any of the retro drivel. Highlights included a foot-stomping run through Lil' Ed Williams's "Chicken, Gravy and Biscuits," Henderson's soulful "Hey Jay," and Buster Brown's stellar "Fannie Mae." Fatwall Jack don't attempt to innovate or replicate. There are no marketing plan to learn and no trend to jump when you play the blues for no other reason than for the love of the music. And that's why Rodney and company will always remain classic.

-- John O'Neill