Best Local Roots/Swing Act

Jason James and the Bay State Houserockers

They're one of the year's most satisfying success stories. The Houserockers went, in nine short months, from outer-borough anomaly to one of Worcester's hardest-working bands. After years of playing for a decent wage outside of town, the boys decided to chuck their guarantee to the wind so they could break into the city scene. Thursday at Gilrein's, Wednesday at the Espresso Bar, Above Club headliners, the James Gang would play anywhere, at anytime, for any amount (including nothing) just to get themselves established. Who'da known it'd turn out this well? Able to lay down Chicago blues to Motown soul, the band also found their direction (and calling) this past year by playing the down-and-dirty rock-and-roll card. Seems the Houserockers were a shakin' fit just waiting to happen. James has always been a flat-out great guitarist and top-notch showman (he's so quiet off stage that demonic possession would seem a distinct possibility once he straps on and plugs in), but it took Punk High grad Chris Lillyman on bass and the proto-metal-thunder drumming of Jamie Jones to bring James to the next level. More than just some bar band (though they go better with beer than even nachos), the H-Rockers deliver, with such a fiery passion that's reminiscent of the pre-record-deal Del Fuegos -- when the music was the most important thing in the world to three wide-eyed greasers. Simple stuff in a complicated world, Jason James and the Bay State Houserockers are just stripped-down, teenage kicks for hire. What could be finer?

-- John O'Neill