• Seacoaster AARON MARSHALL, who created some buzz this winter with his debut full-length, Now Maybe, has a new live album ready, which comes with three new tracks. Look for it in Bull Moose this month, but don't look for Marshall to play out again anytime soon. A freak medical emergency hit him hard, and though he's on the mend, he'll also be on the shelf until fall or so.
• Get ready for a new RAY LAMONTAGNE record on August 17. Called God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise and recorded in his new house in Western Massachusetts without the services of long-time collaborator Ethan Johns, its first single, "Beg Steal or Borrow" (no commas for Ray, apparently), a CSN-style classic rock anthem, is already available for streaming on his site and for download on iTunes. Also, it appears LaMontagne has settled on a band, as the record is credited to Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs, who are largely his touring band from the last few years: JAY BELLAROSE (drums), JENNIFER CONDOS (bass), PATRICK WARREN (keyboard), ERIC HEYWOOD (pedal steel & guitar), and GREG LEISZ (guitar & pedal steel). According to Ray's site, these guys have also played with the likes of Beck, Joe Henry, Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Adams, and Joe Cocker. Sounds like Ray's cup of tea.
• In preparing to take his 50th anniversary show on the road, original LOVE, INC., member MARC MAILHOT will be testing some material at the Maine Songwriters monthly show at 75 State Street, July 18, around 3 pm. Songs will include Love original "Never Never Land," plus some old-school covers and a piano solo piece.
