One of the nice things about living on the Cape is that you get to enjoy great music. The Cape has a rich musical scene, with dozens of talented bands and singers whose music you can enjoy every single week at restaurants and bars across the Cape. We are even home to two successful American Idol competitors, Natalia Bonfini and Siobhan Magnus.
Among this talented group of musicians are four who have recently released – or are about to release – original music. Writing and producing original music is an impressive accomplishment, and so we want to take a moment to recognize these four artists for achieving that goal.
They are Vanna Pacella, Dan Lyons, Alan Arena, and Dan Lawson. Following is a little bit of information on each of them, as well as information on where to go to get their CDs or listen to their songs.
VANNA PACELLA
Eighteen-year-old Vanna Pacella is the youngest of this group of singers, and she has been dazzling folks on the Cape with her rich vocals and skilled keyboard playing for at least the last two years. She is especially talented in delivering heartfelt, emotionally poignant ballads that stir the soul. It is no surprise then, that her first two recently released singles “Dark Side of the Light” and “Wolf” are of that genre. These are two powerful, beautifully written songs, and Vanna’s rich, nuanced voice draws you in and imbues the songs with captivating emotional depth.
But these songs are just the beginning for Vanna, as she and her newly formed group, The Vanna Pacella Power Trio, which includes guitarist Tom Davis and drummer Nick Simpson, will soon be releasing their first album. In fact an album release show is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at Soundcheck Studios in Pembroke, MA. Tickets for the event are available for purchase.
- Vanna’s first two songs are available on most major streaming music services, including Apple music and Spotify.
- To learn more about Vanna and her album release show, visit Vanna’s Facebook page.
- To watch a Washashores video that captures a solo performance by Vanna when she was just 16 years old, click here. This was the first time we’d ever seen her, and we knew right away that she was destined for a bright future.
- To watch a Washashores video of her performance at age 17 before a full house at The Music Room, click here.
DAN LYONS ALLIANCE
Cape Cod native Dan Lyons has been part of the Cape music scene for decades, playing with different groups, most notably 57 Heavy, with whom he played for 20 years. These days, you can often find him performing as a duo in the summer and fall months with his long-time friend Eric Short. But his lifelong dream has been to publish his own music, and he’s finally done that with the release of a new album, Hoarder, Volume 1. While Dan provides all the vocals and much of instrumental work in the songs, the songs also include some contributions by various musician friends Dan has worked with over the years, which is why the name on the CD is The Dan Lyons Alliance. But make no mistake, this is Dan’s baby. It was he and good friend Duggan of the Blue Banshee Recording Studio who spent months and months in the studio piecing together the numerous instrumental and vocal tracks that went into each song.
The album explores themes of accumulation, loss, and the search for meaning in a world saturated with information and possessions. Lyons’s lyrics are both poetic and grounded, offering poignant observations on human nature and the societal pressures we face. Reviews of “Hoarders” praise its nuanced storytelling and the band’s mature and cohesive sound. One critic notes Lyons’s “warm, lived-in vocals” that carry a sense of both vulnerability and wisdom. The instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitars, subtle electric textures, and a steady rhythm section, is lauded for its understated elegance, serving to enhance the emotional weight of the songs without overpowering them.
- You can find the Dan Lyons Alliance EP on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and other streaming music services.
- To learn more about the music, go to The Dan Lyons Alliance Facebook page.
- To view a Washashores video showing Dan and Duggan working in the production studio to fine tune tracks for the album, click here.
Alan Arena
Seasoned blues musician Alan Arena has been a fixture on the New England blues scene for decades. These days, he calls Cape Cod his home and can most often be found performing and MCing at The Music Room in West Yarmouth. Live performances are also a key part of Alan Arena’s musical identity, and his warm, personable stage presence endears him to audiences. In March, he released a new CD, “Deceived,” that is earning praise in the music world as a well-crafted blues album with soulful vocals, impressive musicianship, and a diverse range of blues influences. At least one critic said the CD contained some of Alan’s “classiest work yet,” while others have commented on the “handsomely raw and emotive” vocals and Alan’s ability to tell a story through his playing.
The album showcases a variety of blues styles, from the “thumpy honky tonk” of “Raised On Radio” to the gospel-infused “Believe In Yourself” and the more modern blues feel of “Devil In The Bottle.” It’s all very easy to listen to, and you’ll find yourself wanting to play it over and over again. The quality of “Deceived” is enriched by contributions of other musicians who participated in the making of the CD. The songs feature guitar work by the late Grammy-winning producer Paul Nelson, harmonica contributions by Jerry Portnoy, and saxophone work by Gordon Beadle. The tight rhythm section of Brad Hallen on bass and Marty Richards on drums provides a strong foundation for Arena’s vocals and guitar work, as well as the contributions of guest musicians like Brooks Milgate on keyboards and backing vocalists Allyssa Jones and Joe Russo.
- You can find Alan’s songs on most major music streaming service, including Apple, Amazon, and Spotify. CDs can be purchased through Bandcamp.
- To learn more about Alan and the making of the CD, visit his website or Facebook page.
- To purchase tickets to his June 26 CD release party at The Music Room, click here.
- To view a Washashores video of Alan playing “Cape Cod Girl,” an original song of his that is not included on the new CD, click here
DAN LAWSON BAND
Dan Lawson is the only one of these four Cape Cod performers that we’ve not yet had the pleasure of seeing in person, but we’ve heard great things about him. We’re told The Dan Lawson Band delivers a high-energy fusion of blues, rock, jazz, and funk, centered around the exceptional guitar prowess of Dan Lawson. Hailed as “one of the best blues guitarists in the country,” Lawson’s playing is described as both passionate and soulful, telling a story with each lick. His style blends ripping rock solos with country twang and down-and-dirty blues. Reviews emphasize the band’s tight rhythm section, providing a solid groove that perfectly complements Lawson’s fiery lead work. Live performances are a key element of the Dan Lawson Band experience. They are a crowd favorite at major bike rallies and music festivals across North America, sharing stages with legendary artists.
The Dan Lawson Band already has two albums out in the world – Soldiers of Fortune and In the Nick of Time. Their newest album, Relevant Chaos, just dropped this month, and you can listen to the songs via most major streaming services, including Apple Music, or you can purchase a CD as well as other Dan Lawson swag through the Dan Lawson website.
- For more information about the new CD, visit the Dan Lawson website or Facebook page.
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