That's why I'm devoting this final music column before hitting the holiday highway to touting recent CD releases by some of the more deserving Philadelphia rock, folk and blues talents. Still, the eclectic Maggi, Pierce and E.J. are up to a variety of musical tricks on the set. Maggi's voice is the center of the storm, broadcasting with a bell-like resonance that cuts through everything but eventually starts to wear thin despite all the fanciful window dressing. Jeez, Bet even sings in Latin on one tune. A class act.
Arrangements are unusually varied, and the production is always tasteful.
Fans of Chrissie Hynde, Fiona Apple and Sheryl Crow will connect. Lotsa feisty Hammond organ work, punchy harmonica peels plus crisp guitar and vocals by the Steel Man keep the show moving and grooving. Lush keyboard flourishes, buzzy Jorma Kaukonen-style guitar and a slick rhythm section add to a production sheen so finessed a major label could put this set out with pride. So, too, will devotees of Heart, Indigo Girls and Sade. There's no middle ground with The Beach Balls.