CDs make perfect stocking stuffers, so stock up on a handful of discs issued recently by regional recording artists.
‘Hot & Sweet’
Last Saturday, Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook celebrated its new album, “Hot & Sweet,” with a CD release party at downtown’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The funky disc features veteran drummer-bandleader Dave Hanlon, guitarist Lee Tiffault, bassist Jimmie Spivey, keyboardist Ed Vivenzio and vocalist Ava Andrews.
Cookbook takes its “Hot & Sweet” holiday tour to the Cedar House in Skaneateles at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, before returning to the city for a Dec. 18 engagement at Shifty’s Tavern, 1401 Burnet Ave. For info, visit davehanlonscookbook.com
‘Nights & Weekends’
Liz Strodel plays drums for one of CNY’s top blues outfits, the Super Delinquents, but last month she released her debut solo disc, “Nights & Weekends.”
The distaff drummer demonstrates her musical versatility on the CD’s five tracks by also playing electric and acoustic guitars and keyboards including piano, organ and Fender Rhodes. And of course she sings the songs she wrote, notably a rollicking “Train” and an intriguing “Better Days.” Jocko, from More Sound Studio should take a bow for the masterful mixing job.
The Super Delinquents – Strodel, Pete McMahon, Gerry Neely, Michael Delaney and Peter Cappelli – plug in at 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Find Liz Strodel on Facebook.
‘Talkabout’
The Tim Herron Corporation sure sounds more like a collective on its highly listenable disc, Talkabout.” The folk-rock sound is crisp and clear as guitarist Herron and bassist Eric McElween deliver eight delightful tunes ranging from “Better Days” to “Road to America.” Guest artists include Charlie Orlando and Mark Nanni. Visit timherroncorporation.com.
‘Hola!’
Veteran guitar man Frank Rhodes loves his rockabilly! On “Hola!’ the new disc by his trio, El Kabong, Rhodes picks wicked leads on 15 tracks, including lesser-known 1950s tunes such as “King Kong” and “Honky Tonk Hell.” El Kabong opens the disc with Moon Mullican’s “Seven Nights to Rock” and also plays kickin’ versions of Charlie Rich’s “Mohair Sam” and Eddie Cochran’s “C’mon Everybody.”
El Kabong is booked Dec. 23 at the Limp Lizard in Westhill, and Jan. 16 as part of Dave Frisina’s “Soundcheck” show on TK99 live from Shifty’s Tavern.
‘Downstream’
Ithaca multi-instrumentalist Dave Davies has played with many of the area’s best acoustic swing bands including Djug Django, the Lowdown Alligator Jass Band and the Hotfoot Club. Most of these 19 tracks are Davies’ craftsmanlike compositions as performed by those carefree combos. The initial two tracks – “Street Band” and “Mudbone is Out Today” – are upbeat anthems to busking in New Orleans, which Davies did in 1980. Other highlights are the title tune, “Downstream (Where the River Meets the Sea),” “Baby Shine” and “Little Biddy Bizness,” featuring Shirley Woodcock-Kolb on mandolin.
Davies plays guitar and trombone with Djug Django from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at Delilah’s on Cayuga, 106 S. Cayuga St., in downtown Ithaca; (607) 277-9143. Visit davedaviesithaca.com.
‘Mambo Influenciado’
Raised in Central New York, percussionist Craig Russo now leads his Latin Jazz Project in Springfield, Illinois. When the combo recorded its newest disc, “Mambo Influenciado,” Russo called on Sammys Hall of Fame vocalist Nancy Kelly to jazz things up. The bolden-toned scat singer vocalizes on “The Island” and “Invitation,” two tunes that blend the group’s Cuban folk rhythms with some straight-ahead swing. Ten more tracks showcase Russo’s fascination with rumba, mambo and cha-cha-cha. Roll back the rugs and let’s dance! Visit craigrusso.com.
‘Songs for Tipperary Hill’
Twelve tunes dedicated to Syracuse’s West End Irish neighborhood combine to create a special sense of community. Produced by Ed Zacholl, Joe Henson and Mike Lounsberry, the tracks include Zacholl’s “Tipp Hill Town” and the Z-Bones’ “Everybody’s Neighborhood.” Joanne Perry contributes “Song for the Stonethrowers,” Dennis Heaphy explains “That’s Why It’s on Top,” and the Tipp Hillbillies celebrate a “Box of Wine.” The venerable vocal group, the Tom Dooley Choraliers sing “Billy Barry” while Heaphy and Joanne O’Connor Balduzzi harmonize on “St. Patrick’s High School Alma Mater.” Visit tipphillmusifest.org.
Danny’s duo at Ernie’s
Sammy Hall of Fame singer Dan Elliott is taking a break from his work with The Belmonts and The Monterays to play some duo gigs with keyboardist Wayne Muller. They’ll play rock’n’roll ravers and swing standards from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 16, at Ernie’s Lakeside Caf , 779 State Fair Blvd., across from Val’s Motors in Lakeland. Admission is free; 468-3777.
Elliott and Muller also appear at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Cindy’s Ship & Shore Restaurant, 56 Keller Road, in Central Square; 668-3200.
