Where do I start to describe the enchantment of this event… The music, the musicians, the other guests, the food and drink – all contributed to make this one of the most incredible evenings of music I have experienced.

Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons

Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons is a roots rock band from Ohio who performed at the Extended Play Sessions of The Alternate Root TV on Saturday night.Fronted by Angela Perley, they play rock ‘n roll with a country influence. This is rock music folks, not country but the influence to me is unmistakable. If you are someone who believes they do not like any music that even just a little bit country, give this band a listen; they might change your mind.

Hence Angela’s gorgeous cowgirl boots!

Angela plays guitar and saw and is the lead vocalist; Chris Connor on guitar and backing vocals, Billy Zehnal on bass and backing vocals, and Jeff Martin on drums comprise The Howlin’ Moons.

Chris Connor

Jeff Martin

Billy Zehnal

Angela Perley

Yes, Angela also plays the acoustic saw! If that doesn’t fall under the ‘American roots music’ umbrella, then nothing does!

Angela on the acoustic saw

Angela and the band recently released ‘Hey Kid’, their first full-length album, so their set included most of the songs from that album.

Angela and Billy

There is not a weak song on the album, which I have listened to several times since the show.  ‘Hurricane’, ‘Rock and Roller’ and ‘Athens’ are my favorites. Ask me tomorrow and I might have different favorites, but ‘Athens’ will always be one of them.  As Bill Hurley (the director and producer of the show) stated so eloquently, ‘Athens’ is my new favorite song!

Chris, Angela and Billy (Jeff is hidden)

We (the audience) had the privilege of talking with them both before and after the show, which is one of the things that makes the Extended Play Sessions so special. They are all passionate, intelligent, and charismatic; that spills over into their music at all times.

Chris

Angela

Billy and Angela

Jeff, Angela and Billy

They have been making music together for five plus years (Billy knows the date of their first live performance), but they are so attuned to one another that it feels like much longer.

Chris, Jeff, Angela and Billy

All songs are original and collaborative. It was interesting to hear how Angela might come up with the beginnings of the song and pass it to Chris who will expand on it. Then Billy and Jeff add their ideas and voilà, a song is written.

Angela

It was obvious to me how much they enjoy what they do – and how much they need to keep doing it.

Angela and Billy

Most of the shows on their upcoming schedule are in Ohio; I hope, once the show airs, that they broaden their fan base by playing all over the country.

Anyone can attend an Extended Play Session. They are held in an intimate recording studio in Norwood, Massachusetts. A small ($25) donation gets you in the door with up to 43 other people and includes food and drink. Oh, I can’t forget the fabulous posters that each person receives as a wonderful reminder of the fabulous evening spent there. Get yourself on the email list by writing studioconcertseries@gmail.com; you will get advance notice of the shows.