Around
Thrill Jockey's simultaneous release of around and songs and other things this spring will be the first new releases by Tom Verlaine since Warm and Cool in 1992. around continues where Warm and Cool left off, using many of the same musicians. Former Neon Boy Billy Ficca's drumming shares the spotlight with Verlaine's guitar, whose varied tones move effortlessly from melody to rhythm and are at once panoramic, pastoral and atmospheric. The influence of Verlaine's love of jazz saxophone is manifested in sustained single-note melodies and his expert finesse is rousing. In the past year Tom has been touring with Patti Smith and playing  select shows with Television. He is putting together a band that he will debut in his beloved hometown of New York City in late April/early May.