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Friday, August 13th, 2010 9:11 AM
"Holy Man" on 92.5 the River after "Jungleland"
Thanks to Irene Collins and the folks at WXRV (92.5 The River) for playing "Holyman" last night on "Homegrown Showcase". It was played after "Jungleland"- what an honor. The song was played to promote our show with the Pousette-Dart band at Blue Ocean Music Hall. Irene also has a link to my website on her Facebook page allowing people to download a song from my website. Pretty cool.
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 1:58 PM
Thank you David Mead from "American Songwriter"
Here is a link to the only real national press I have received from David Mead writing for American Songwriter magazine (Jack White is on the cover):
http://www.americansongwriter.com/2009/09/under-the-radar-new-location-same-great-service/
Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 9:19 AM
"Elliot Chambers 15" Elliot Chambers Memorial Dedication- July 1, 2010
It was an honor to play at the dedication of the memorial to the fifteen victims of the Elliot Chambers fire. The memorial is at the site where the fire occurred and has a plaque with the fifteen names (among them was Ralph Nickerson who was nine years old when he perished). Relatives of the victims spoke at the dedication and most mentioned that it was the first time they were able to return to the site in twenty-six years. Thanks to James Maroney for organizing this event and asking me to perform. James is working on a documentary of the tragedy that will include the song I played called "Elliot Chambers 15". I would also like to thank John Burke, President of the Elliot Chambers Foundation. Here is a link to a great article, written by Paul Leighton, about the dedication. The story also has a link to "Elliot Chambers 15".
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1671036689/They-werent-just-lost-souls
Thursday, July 1st, 2010 8:32 AM
Satch Kerans to Play at Elliot Chamber Fire Memorial Dedication July 1, 6pm
I will be playing a song to honor the victims of the Elliot Chambers rooming house fire tonight at the dedication of their memorial. The song is entitled "Elliot Chambers Fifteen". Here is a link to the Salem News aricle about the memorial. The memorial is at the location of the original building at the corner of Elliot St. and Rantoul in Beverly. The title song from my record "Elliot St.", released in 2005, is about the rooming house. The story has haunted me for years.
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1671035476/Rooming-house-fire-memorial-will-be-dedicated-tonight
Sunday, April 18th, 2010 4:15 PM
Satch Kerans music in the Independent Film "Boxkicker" - Become a fan on Facebook
When it comes out, check out the film "Boxkicker by Vermont independent film maker Frank O'Neil. Frank has produced and directed this film about a guy who is at a crossroads in his life. He will be using music by Tom Satch Kerans as well as Burlington, VT singer/songwriters Justin Levinson & Myra Flynn (Myra also appears in the film), Alt Country/Americana band Bo Thayer & Perfect Trainwreck and From Virginia Greg Trafidlo. Google these folks who've contributed their music!
Become a fan of "Boxkicker" on Facebook. Here is the link"
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boxkicker/216014830464
Take a look at the clips that are up on blip.tv (search boxkicker)
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 1:37 PM
Satch Kerans named a "River Rising Star" by 92.5 The River
Thanks go out to Rita Cary, Irene Collins, Hisham Fayed and all the folks at 92.5 The River for naming me one of their "Rising Stars" and giving me a slot in the "River Rising Star" Showcase. (click on "Appearances)
Monday, June 15th, 2009 12:54 PM
92.5 The River airs "Little Black Dog" for the fourth time
A big thanks to the folks at 92.5 The River for featuring me, for the fourth time, on "Homegrown Showcase" this past Friday (6/12). They have been very supportive of this CD and I'm truly grateful.
S
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 12:46 PM
Boston Globe "Blast from the past is ready for second act" by Jonathan Perry
A big thank you to Jonathan Perry of the Boston Globe who wrote a wonderful article about me that ran on May, 22, 2009. Here it is:
It's not rare, unfortunately, for a promising musician or band to burn out or fade away after early success. Most eventually move on to other pursuits if not dreams, other ways of giving meaning to their lives. Considerably less common is the musician who vanishes for the better part of a decade and - years after settling into an entirely different identity and new set of priorities - reemerges with some of the best songs he's ever written.
This is what happened to Tom "Satch" Kerans. His first Boston band, the Catalinas, went to the WBCN Rumble way back in 1987 (losing to Mark Sandman's pre-Morphine outfit, Treat Her Right), attracted major-label interest, and hammered away at the North Shore club circuit for years before Kerans finally pulled the plug. Somewhere along the line, he admits, the music stopped being worthwhile, or even fun.
"I was in my early 30s and wanted to put something else together and have a day job," says Kerans, who plays at T.T. the Bear's on Tuesday. So the singer-guitarist went back to college, studied at night, got his teaching degree, and landed a job as a special-education instructor at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. He even began hosting an informal "guitar club" with his students."Going from being a musician to getting up really early every morning to teach was an adjustment," says Kerans. "But five or six years ago I really got back into writing again. I stopped worrying about whether I was too old to do it. I just wanted to do it. I felt freed up." The Catalinas, he says, were "like a marriage that went on too long. We were going through the motions and didn't realize it."
Kerans no longer settles for going through the motions. In 2004 he self-released a vibrant solo debut, "Elliot Street," a jangle-infused power-pop collection that recalled early Tom Petty and Dwight Twilley.
Last year's more rustic follow-up, "Riverboys" (co-produced by old Rumble nemesis Billy Conway of Treat Her Right and Morphine), nodded in sound and temperament to his longtime heroes Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, as well as ex-Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn and Mark Knopfler. At the collection's core was a clutch of sturdy melodies and classic pop structures.
Kerans is now working on a batch of new material with ex-Papas Fritas guitarist-turned-producer Tony Goddess at Goddess's Bang-a-Song recording studio in Gloucester. "I think what he does best is write hooks," says Goddess, who bonded with Kerans over a mutual appreciation for the underrated '70s guitar popsmith Twilley. "I find [Satch's] stuff really catchy. To hear a guy who can really use a major and minor chord in a good way and come up with hooks that stick in your head, I just dig it."
Like most of his solo work, the bittersweet title track to "Riverboys" is an affecting portrait of the lives Kerans saw around him growing up in Danvers, a town roughly 20 miles north of Boston.
"It's based on these guys that lived in my hometown in the late '70s," says Kerans, who now lives on Cape Ann. "They'd be hanging out in bars, and there was probably alcoholism and depression. They weren't married, they didn't work steadily, and they hung out together. I remember seeing them in the alleyways of town."
The name "Riverboys" references the Danvers and Porter rivers that run through his hometown, as well as Springsteen's "The River" and the Joni Mitchell song of the same name. Meanwhile, the quietly harrowing antiwar ballad "Your God" took on a special resonance when Kerans learned a young soldier he once had as a student had been killed in Iraq. "That was the first time the war actually impacted me in that someone I knew directly was taken over there," he says. "Now, when I'm singing ["Your God"], I think about families who are maybe going through that."
The kind of music Kerans is interested in making now is a far cry from the days of the Catalinas' gritty garage rock and cover tunes. So are the reasons for making it. "When I was in my 20s, it was all about trying to get a record deal," Kerans says. "It was always rejection, rejection, rejection. But now, without expectation, I just enjoy the process, and the more I enjoy it the more I write and the better I get. You wonder whether you can do it or not, and then you realize you can. It's a cool feeling."
THE SATCH KERANS BAND Plays an early set at T.T. the Bear's Tuesday at 9 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door. 617-492-2327, www.ttthebears.com
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/05/22/blast_from_the_past_is_ready_for_second_act/
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 9:38 AM
the Satch Kerans Band (TSKB) in Studio with Tony Goddess (Rudds, Papas Fritas)
I've got a bunch of new songs and we are recording with Tony Goddess at his studio- Bang A Song- in Gloucester. Tony is a long-time member of the Boston band The Rudds and is currently on tour in Spain with Jen Dangora, formerly of the Down Beat Five, and her new band. Tony was also in Papas Fritas and has co-written songs with Guster. Our first day in the studio we ran into Willie Alexander, also recording with Tony, and we asked him to play on some tracks. Andy Pratt has also expressed a desire to play on these sessions at some point (we met him when we played together at Church), so its turning into quite the rollicking affair. Stevie Wah may be solicited for some guitar tracks if he promises to use various layers of his famous tremelo!!
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 1:09 PM
"Big Love" on "Freight Train Boogie" podcast #17
Thanks to Bill Frater for playing "Big Love" on podcast #17 of Freight Train Boogie. He has previously played "The Sign Says..." and "Riverboys". Here is a link to the podcast:
http://ftbpodcasts.libsyn.com/
Monday, December 15th, 2008 2:53 PM
"Viva la Revolucion!" on Neal Young's website for nearly two years.
It got to #175 in January of 2007. Two years later Viva la Revolucion is still on Neal Young's website (Living With War) at # 2198
Friday, October 24th, 2008 9:08 AM
Satch on cover of "Metronome" Sept (2008) issue
Thanks to everyone at Metronome for putting me on the cover of the September issue. I enjoyed talikng to Shaun Macnamara and I think he did a great job with the article.
Friday, October 24th, 2008 9:04 AM
" Little Black Dog" played on 92.5 The River for the third time Tuesday Oct. 21
My thanks to Irene Collins, Rita Carey and the fine folks at WXRV 92.5 The River for playing "Little Black Dog" on Tuesday nigh October 21 t at 10pm. The song was featured on "Homegrown Showcase" for the third time.
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 10:13 AM
"Harrison Avenue" on WAAF's Bay State Rocks 8/10/08
Thanks again Carmelita!
Monday, August 4th, 2008 4:04 PM
Live365 airs "The Sign Says..."
Thanks to Bill Frater of Freight Train Boogie for playing "The Sign Says" on his radio show based out of Santa Rosa, CA. Live 365 features "The best in Americana".
Friday, July 25th, 2008 9:28 AM
"Riverboys" and "Big Love" on "MOJO Dreams" playlist in Belgium
Thanks to Mark Verbert for airing the songs "Riverboys" (July 17 playlist) and "Big Love" (July 22 playlist) on his show "Mojo Dreams" (Radio ZRO + Radio FM GOUD /Belgium) . Here is a link to the playlist:
http://hogtown.be
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 2:37 PM
"Riverboys" Review- Metronome August 2008
Doug Sloan´s top 5 August 2008 (in no particular order)
• East of Shirley
• Top Heavy
• Satch Kerans
• Axemunkee
• Jordan Carp
Singer-songwriter-guitarist Tom "Satch" Kerans is not your average Boston rock n´ roller. Satch leans more towards the country side of music and he deals it up in spades on his new album Riverboys. Joined by his band Kevin Levesque on bass and Lenny Dunn on drums, Satch serves up gritty electric country rock with jangling acoustic songs with lyrics that reflect Kerans´ imaginative story telling. Guitarist Sal Baglio offers up a soulful guitar solo and backing vocals on "Harrison Avenue". Sax man Dana Colley weighs in with his talents on the album opener "Riverboys", and Tom Janovitz kicks in a high harmony vocal on "Big Love". Emotionally stirring, Satch Kerans turns in a qualified musical gem with "Riverboys". Good Stuff.
Doug Sloan
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 1:53 PM
"Harrison Avenue" on WAAF's "Bay State Rocks""
Thanks again to Carmelita for playing "Harrison Avenue" on "Bay State Rocks" on Sunday July 20th. She also plugged my gig at the Dog Bar. Bay State Rocks airs from 10pm to midnight on WAAF 107.3 and 97.7.
Thanks Carm!
Satch
Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 12:57 PM
"Little Black Dog" played on 92.5 The River
Thanks to Rita Carey for playing "Little Black Dog" last night on her show. This is the second time the song has been featured on "Homegrown Showcase". Homegrown Showcase airs weeknights at 10pm on 92.5 The River. You can also listen on line:
http://www.theriverboston.com
Thursday, July 10th, 2008 5:49 PM
Riverboys Review- Salem News
'Satch' Kerans takes us to the 'Riverboys' - SalemNews.com, Salem, MA
http://www.salemnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_192001716.html
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Friday, May 23rd, 2008 10:17 PM
Airplay for "Little Black Dog" on 92.5 The River
Thanks to Rita Cary, Lisa Garvey, Irene Collins and the folks at WXRV 92.5 The River for playing "Little Black Dog" from my CD "Riverboys". It was featured on "Homegrown Showcase" on Friday night (May 23). The Homegrown Showcase airs week nights at 10pm.
Monday, May 12th, 2008 12:12 PM
"Holy Man" on WAAF's Bay State Rocks
Thanks to Carmelita and the folks at WAAF's "Bay State Rocks" for playing "Holy Man" from the CD "Riverboys" on May 11. "Bay State Rocks" airs every Sunday from 10pm to midnight on 107.3. WAAF is the first station to give "Riverboys" some airplay.
Sunday, April 13th, 2008 10:24 AM
Boston Sunday Globe - "Riverboys" CD Release Party
Thomas "Satch" Kerans hosts a party for the release of his CD "Riverboys" at Captain Carlo's in Gloucester at 9 p.m. Friday.
In the early 1990s, Kerans founded and was front man for the Catalinas. After taking a break from recording in the late 1990s, he released his solo debut, "Elliot Street," in 2005.
In addition to writing the 10 tracks on "Riverboys," he plays guitar, organ, and harmonica. The album also features prominent Boston musicians.
Kerans, a high school special needs teacher, lives on Cape Ann with his wife and son.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/04/13/musical_pair/
Friday, April 4th, 2008 2:19 PM
Danvers Herald Press Release for "Riverboys"
Kerans Releases CD
Danvers - Danvers native Tom "Satch" Kerans will perform at a release party for his new CD, "Riverboys," at Captain Carlo´s, 27-29 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, Friday April 18, at 9 p.m.
The founder and front man of the Boston-based band the Catalinas, Kerans has opened shows for Little Steven Van Zandt, The Outlaws, NRBQ, Charlie Sexton and South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Kerans released his first solo CD in 2005, "Elliot St.," which was well received by critics. This year he was chosen to perform at The International Pop Overthrow Festival in Boston at the Paradise Lounge.
For more information, call 978-283-6342; visit www.satchk.com and www.myspace.com/satchkerans.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/danvers/fun/entertainment/x125185695
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 5:52 PM
"Elliot Street" on WAAF "Bay State Rocks
Thanks to Carmelita and the folks at WAAF for playing the title cut to "Elliot Street" on the "Bay State Rocks" show. "Elliot Street" is on the January 28, 2008 playlist.
Saturday, May 19th, 2007 7:27 PM
PREVIEW of "RIVERBOYS" and "BIG LOVE" on Myspace
Two songs from my new CD, "Riverboys", are being previewed on my Myspace page. The songs include the title cut as well as "Big Love". The Musicians are: Satch Kerans -vocals, guitars, Hammond organ Kevin Levesque- bass Lenny Dunn- drums Dana Colley-sax ("Riverboys") and Tom Janovitz (high Harmony "Big Love") Recorded at Hi-N-Dry by Billy Conway and Jabe Beyer Mixed by Paul Kolderie at Camp St. Studio There is a chance I will be selling the CD in a digital format only. I'm curious as to what your feelings are. If you could merely download it from myspace, CD Baby or this site, would you? Or, would you rather have an actual CD in your hand? Feel free to e-mail me or leave an entry in the Guestbook. At any rate, here is the link for Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/satchkerans
Saturday, March 31st, 2007 10:36 AM
Gloucester Times-Songwriters in the Round Article
Here's a link to a nice article about the three nights of local songwriters at the West End Theatre in Gloucester: http://www.gloucestertimes.com/pulife/local_story_088093926
Saturday, March 10th, 2007 6:13 PM
BRAD DELP 1951-2007
Brad and I both grew up in Danvers. My dad was his little league coach, Brad and my brother Bernie graduated together (DHS class of 1969), and my brother Steve was in a band with him. I was lucky enough to sing a Beatles song with Brad one night a few years ago, what a thrill. He was the nicest guy I ever met in all my years playing in bands. May he rest in peace. http://www.myspace.com/satchkerans S
Saturday, February 24th, 2007 11:39 AM
Thanks to Everyone in NYC!!
Hey New Yorkers- Thanks for coming to see me play at Arlene's Grocery and the Sidewalk cafe. It was a blast and I appreciate people venturing out on a Tuesday night. Special thanks to Michael Whouley and friends-I hope I can see you all when I come back, probably in July or August. Thanks to Julia at Arlene's for the gig and for inviting me back ! Also, thanks to Lach and everyone at the Sidewalk Cafe for their support and positive feedback. We had a blast! Satch
Monday, January 8th, 2007 4:31 PM
"Viva la Revolucion" #742 on Neil Young's Website "Living With War Today"
I am proud to have "Viva la Revolucion!" added to Neil Young's website. Neil has created a forum for artists to submit protests songs regarding the war in Iraq and other topical issues. Songwriters include the famous-Kris Kristofferson, Ben Harper, Robbie Robertson- and the unknown (me).The link on the website is called "Living With War Today". Thanks to your help it is still holding tough at at #525 out of 1,500. UPDATE: AS OF AUGUST 6, 2008 "ViVA" is still hanging in there at # 1950! Thank you my fellow left wingers!!Here is the link to Neil Young and LWWT: http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/lwwsongspage.html
Saturday, January 6th, 2007 10:38 AM
NEW CD UPDATE!!
A lot of people have been asking me about the next CD. Here is what I can tell you. I have been recording at Hi-N-Dry Studio in Cambridge. Hi-N-Dry is the studio founded by Mark Sandman of Morphine fame. He died suddenly while onstage in Italy in 1999. A real talent. Morphine recorded there as have Bill Morrissey, Asa Brebner, the Downbeat 5, Session Americana and many others. Right now I'm working on 9 songs and I'm happy with the results. Billy Conway (Morphine, Twineman, Treat Her Right) has been engineering and co-producing. Lenny played drums and Kevin Levesque played bass. I am playing guiars, harp and Hammond organ. There may be some surprise guests.The tentative title is "Riverboys" and I am hoping for a late spring/early summer release. I may put some of the songs on my Myspace site for a preview. Anyway here are the song titles: Just a Life, Holyman, Riverboys, Psychedelic World, Sign Says, Harrison Avenue, Little Black Dog, Big Love and I Coulda Used a Little Help. I thank you for your interest in my music. Satch
Wednesday, December 27th, 2006 10:18 AM
"IDIOT'S DELIGHT" Best Albums of 2006 compiled by Richard Gordon
1. Willie Nile– Streets of New York
2. Neil Young – Living With War
3. VA – Five Way Street – A Tribute to the Buffalo Springfield
(including bonus disc for "early orders" from Not Lame...)
4. K.T. Tunstall – Eye to the Telescope
5. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - All the Road Running
6. Satch Kerans – Elliot Street
7. Bruce – The Seeger Sessions
8. Al Kooper & The ReKooperators – Live in Performance
9. The Essex Green – Cannibal Sea
10. Matisyahu – Youth
11. Sweet & Hoffs - Under the Covers Vol. 1.
Reissue
1. Small Faces – Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake – 3CD Tin
Monday, December 18th, 2006 6:34 PM
REVIEW from "POPISM" Radio Show
SATCH KERANS - Elliot street (Self released; 2004)
Seeing in the press release that the first rockn'roll record this guy remembers hearing is Gary Lewis & The Playboys "This diamond ring", and then the first one he actually bought was The Beatles VI, I figured there must be at least something to like about the album. And there is quite a few things indeed. The overall impression is of a contemporary sounding folk rock record, clearly influenced by the classics of the genre, mostly delivered through a kind of a Dylan-ish croon. After the opening title tune, which finds him somewhere between mid-60s garage and 70s pub rock, he gets straight to the point with the electrified folky Americana of "Hey, don?t quit on me, babe". By the time of the next three songs, "Raven haired girl", "When push comes to shove and "Don't you even try", things get much more melodic, heading towards the Byrdsian perspective of it, which actually might be closer to McGuinn's solo works, while the pair of "The last lullabye and "Vagabond takes it back to the punk-ish garage sound, though not in a particularly raw way.
After all, most of the above comes as no surprise really, thanks to the suggestive-enough, shiny sunburnst Rickenbacker in Satch's hands on the cover.
Sunday, November 19th, 2006 5:50 PM
NEW SONG "DARFUR"
I've written a new song, "Darfur" which I have added to the songs I have on myspace. There are numerous organizations speaking out against the atrocities happening daily in Darfur. Amnesty International, and Unicef are seeking donations in order to provide relief and promote awareness about this tragic situation. Here are some links if you would like to get involved: http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/sudan/index.do http://www.unicefusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=duLRI8O0H&b=50755 http://www.savedarfur.org/content Here is the link to my songs on myspace. http://www.myspace.com/satchkerans
Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 7:05 PM
"VIVA LA REVOLUCION!" and "DARFUR" added to playlist on RADIO K ONLINE
"Viva La Revolucion!" and "Darfur have both been added to the playlist at RADIO K an internet station based out of London. You can rate these songs by going to: http://www.live365.com/stations/radiokonline where you can listen 24/7. Thanks to Kelli at Radio K on Line for adding these songs to the rotation.
Saturday, August 12th, 2006 11:40 AM
SATCH KERANS LINK TO APPLE iTUNES
Here is the link that will bring you directly to "Elliot St." on Apple i Tunes: Satch Kerans: Elliot Street
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=62978716
I'm not sure if "Ringtones" are possible. Satch
Wednesday, June 7th, 2006 3:01 PM
New Satch Kerans Music Available
I have contributed a brand new song to the new "International Pop Overthrow" compilation disc (vol. 9) The track is called "Darkside of Dawn". July 28 is the targeted release date. Here is the link that will bring you to NOT LAME and the International Pop Overthrow Compilation Vol. 9: http://www.notlame.com/V/A/Page_1/NLIPO9.html
Saturday, May 27th, 2006 11:01 AM
THANKS TO KWVA IN EUGENE, OREGON
A BIG THANKS TO CRAIG LEVE HOST OF SNAP, CRACKLE, POP FOR PLAYING "DON'T YOU EVEN TRY". HERE IS THE INFO ON THIS COOL SHOW: Snap, Crackle, POP is aired on KWVA, Eugene, OR @ 88.1 FM
10am-12 Noon PDT EVERY Friday!
On the internet, as well @ http://www.kwvaradio.org (mp3 & RealAudio)
Friday, November 11th, 2005 4:11 PM
THANKS TO THE BOSTON GLOBE; "ELLIOT STREET" AVAILABLE AT TOWER RECORDS AND BESTBUY
Thanks to Steve Morse at The Boston Globe for plugging my show at The Paradise Lounge in Friday's (11/11/05) edition of The Boston Globe. Thanks also to Christopher Muther who wrote about my participation in the International Pop Overthrow festival at the Paradise, in Thursday's (11/10/05) Calendar section of the Globe.
"Elliot Street" can now be purchased online from Bestbuy and Tower Records. Simply go to bestbuy.com or tower.com
S.K.
Saturday, September 17th, 2005 4:54 PM
Title Track to Elliot Street Featured on NPR's All Songs Considered - Open Mike.
Elliot Street was selected as one of five songs on the Open Mike portion of All Songs Considered. Click here to go to NPR's Open Mike page and give my song a ranking from 1-5. Thanks.
Friday, September 16th, 2005 5:02 PM
Shindig Magazine Review - Elliot Street
At first I thought Elliot Street was the name of the artist, not the title, as it is in much larger and bolder type. Satch is holding a
shiny red Rickenbacker 6 string in all the liner photos, which gave me a good initial feeling which was confirmed on playing the CD. In short, this is a little gem. Kerans doesn't push any new buttons but he pushes some of the old ones really well.
The title track is a little misleading as an opener, as it kicks off at pace in rocking style. For the first couple of minutes I thought
it was a promising intro that wasn't going to lead anywhere, but, like many of the other songs, it has an unfussy, understated and catchy guitar figure that really does the trick. 'Heartbreak Road', with its big Bo Diddley, beat, is the only other rocker. Most of Kerans' tunes are less frenetic, with folk-rock style Dylanesque vocals and guitars that shine, chime and jangle. Sometimes, as on the excellent 'Hey, Don't Quit On Me, Babe' and 'Raven Haired Girl' Kerans' sound is slightly reminiscent of the vagabond rock troubadour style of Willie Nile, with elements of Petty and McGuinn -- which is high praise not criticism.
The tasteful use of harmonica in a folk-rock, rather than R&B style adds to the overall effect.
Kerans' backing band are tight and the songs appear to be thoroughly road-tested. The Hammond organ of Mike Maciver deserves special mention, as it is crucial to the overall sound.
The first four songs are great, but all eleven are consistently good. This CD appears to be self released but is well worth the trouble of tracking down.
Phil Suggitt
Friday, September 16th, 2005 4:57 PM
Satch on Wicked Hawt #6 with Bronson Arroyo
The song Elliot Street has been chosen for the 6th edition of the "Wicked Hawt Spectacular". Wicked Hawt is a compilation disc enclosed in a cool little rock fanzine. The fanzine will also run a story on me. In addition, Bronson Arroyo has a track from his record and there will be a story on him as well. The target date for this is October 2. There will be a showcase for all the bands
with a track on the compilation. I will let you know the date and venue when it is announced.
Wednesday, September 7th, 2005 12:25 PM
Night Times - Review of Elliot Street, September 2005
There are not many rock musicians who can assimilate the sounds of the late 60s, a time when pop music was slowly evolving into rock. One of the best known is probably Tom Petty. Kerans‚ Elliot Street has the same Byrds-meets-the-Stones vibe as songs like "Don't You Even Try," "Heartbreak Road" and the title track testify.
Kevin Mathews
Sunday, May 15th, 2005 5:25 PM
Boston Sunday Globe
Calendar
People/North
by Wendy Killeen
HARD-LUCK TUNES -- Tom ''Satch" Kerans of Rockport has released his first solo CD, ''Elliot Street."
Founder and front man for the Boston-based band The Catalinas, Kerans has opened for many national acts, including Roy Orbison four days before his death. ''Elliot Street," recorded at Witch Doctor Recording Studios in Salem, is Kerans's first solo effort. He says the songs are about characters who are ''down on their luck, just barely hanging on to jobs, relationships and society, yet somehow finding hope." Some of the songs have been staples of his live show for nearly a decade, while others were written as recently as August. Kerans, who grew up in Danvers, produced the recording, sings, and plays guitar and harmonica. His longtime band mate, Lenny Dunn, plays drums. Additional musicians include Russ Lawton, percussion; Mike Maciver, organ; Ron Chane, bass; and Steve Kerans, tambourine. Kerans is a special needs teacher at Swampscott High School.
Saturday, May 14th, 2005 6:51 PM
The Noise - review June 2005
Elliot Street
11 songs
Chances are Satch Kerans has been hanging around the local music scene much longer than you have. His former band, the Catalinas played the WBCN Rumble in 1987. He has shared stages with the likes of Little Steven Van Zandt, NRBQ, and Roy Orbison. He's earned a certain amount of clout, if not cache, in the Boston rock community. Satch's new record, Elliot Street, may not be the trendiest thing going -- heck, it might not even sound all that different from the classic rock that you would hear if you were to flip on WZLX right now. Thing is, this album is strong enough to stand up to just about anything you might hear there. The material and recording quality is just that good. Elliot Street opens with the title track, a barn-rattling rocker that evokes the Exile on Main Street era Stones. This album packs grade-A licks and double espresso energy to match Kerans' provocative lyrics and that's just on the fast songs. Satch flashes his sensitive side on songs like "The Last Lullaby" and "I'm Gone." He shows superb versatility on "Hey, Don't Quit On Me, Babe," a great pop tune heavy with Tom Petty-esque pop hooks. Elliot Street probably is not what the hipster crowd is looking for, but you really can't argue with his great songs and old-fashioned chops. (Jeff May)
Saturday, May 14th, 2005 5:53 PM
Americana-uk.com review of Elliot Street June 2005Strong collection of songs with a Petty/Byrds jangle. With a drawled “awwllriite”, Satch Kerens, a Boston based music veteran opens this fine collection of self penned songs, launching into the title track with a swagger befitting vintage Jagger. Toting a Rickenbacker, he veers towards Tom Petty territory for much of the album (particularly on “Hey, Don’t Quit On Me Today”) with echoes of the Byrds (Raven Haired Girl) and 60s garage bands to boot. The aforementioned Raven Haired Girl could serve the same purpose that Petty’s American Girl served all those years ago if McGuinn decided to give it a go. “When Push Comes To Shove” maintains the once removed Byrdsian connection as one can imagine it nestling within the grooves of the first Long Ryders album. There are some sublime jingle jangle moments here, the opening of “Don’t You Even Try” captures them perfectly but Kerans can also get down and dirty. “The Last Lullaby” snakes like a bitter twisted offspring of the bands that made Nuggets what it was. Having said that there’s nothing retro here and his songwriting manages to take these influences onboard without losing his own distinctive voice. There are some neat lyrical touches, “Well Travelled Man” is about the spells cast on the singer by his lover whose touch transports him “ Where she gonna take me I never can tell, She moves like a cobra, She’s quicker than sin, She brings me places that no one has ever been.” “You’ve Got Your Mind Made Up (About Me)” is a slow burner with smouldering guitar fills where he sings “ Baby, I could have solved your mysteries, Instead I’m history, Yeah, you’ve got your mind made up about me”, a song described by Kerans as “that moment when you know nothing you say or do is going to get you back in the door (or the bed).” It isn’t all unrequited love, the title track is about an indigents hostel that burned down in 1984 with 14 deaths and there is a dig at Bush and his interpretation of U.N. resolutions on “When Push Comes To Shove”.
Saturday, May 14th, 2005 5:00 PM
Fufkin.com - review
Elliot Street - by Satch Kerans. Kerans is pictured on the cover of this CD with a Rickenbacker 6-string guitar (ala Monte Warden), and this instrument of choice is easy to recognize on many of the disc's tracks. "Raven Haired Girl" is a strong contender for my "Song of the Month" honors. "Don't You Even Try," "Well Traveled Man," "When Push Comes To Shove" and "Hey, Don't Quit On Me Babe" are other chiming treats. The title track reminds me of the great power pop released by the Canadian band, the Kings; but it is hard for Kerans to escape comparisons with Tom Petty, Pete Droge and Comanche Moon. There's even a bit of a Turtles/60s garage-rock sound on several tracks. Long may you run, Sir Satch!
Saturday, May 14th, 2005 4:35 PM
notlame.com review
About Satch Kerans - Elliot Street
A really good find for fans of root-driven pop that is spirited by the muse of Tom Petty, The Jayhawks, Peter Case, Graham Parker, Southside Johnny and Marshall Crenshaw all wrapped up with the Westerbergy graveled, bar-chiseled voice of Kerans. These songs last. Stick around. Become new friends. Color us impressed with this striking, confident debut. "Elliot Street opens with the title track, a barn rattling rocker that evokes Exile on Main Street era Stones. This album packs grade A licks and double espresso energy to match Kerans` provocative lyrics-and that`s just on the fast songs."- The Noise."Kerans has a flair for jangling pop rock numbers that stick with you like a good home cooked meal. Whirring keyboards, vibrato laden guitars, four on the floor rhythymns and Kerans` emotionally charged vocals accent these finely written songs."- Metronome Magazine. Give "Elliot Street" a drive-thru and be rewarded with a music meal that fill enrich the spirit, empower the body and stimulate the mind. Flawless as this type of release goes. Extremely Highly Recommended!
Friday, May 13th, 2005 10:01 AM
Elliot Street review. (in german!)
http://www.rocktip.de Satch Kerans - Elliot Street
Klassischer amerikanischer Songwriter mit leichtem Country-Touch der sich mit seinen Songs überwiegend im Midtempo-Bereich bewegt. Keine grossen Höhepunkte. Anpieltips sind der Opener und Titelsong "Elliot Street" und die Ballade "I´m gone" zum Ausklang, die es auch als MP3-Download auf der Homepage von Satch Kerans gibt. http://satchk.com/
Weitere Hörproben: http://cdbaby.com/cd/satchkerans
Monday, April 25th, 2005 9:00 AM
Metronome, May 2005 issue
Page 8 Hearings, by Douglas Sloan
Satch Kerans is a Rockport MA based singer-songwriter-guitarist that has paid more than his fair share of our dues "playing for hookers, Hell's Angels and Mafia club owners as well as every VFW hail from the North Short to New Hampshire." Any serious working musician can identify with Kerans. On Satch's debut album, "Elliot Street", the eleven songs represent his musical travels to this point.
Sounding like a cross between Tom Petty and Marshall Crenshaw, Kerans displays a flair for jangling pop rock numbers that stick with you like a good home cooked meal. Whirring keyboards, vibrato laden guitars, 4-on-the-floor-rhythms and Kerans emotionally packed vocals accent these finely written songs. He also employed a who's who of local North
Shore players like bassist Ron Chane, drummer Lenny Dunn, percussionist Russ Lawton, keyboardist Mike
Maciver, pianist Doug Major and Stevie "Wah" Kerans on tambourine. Each one of their contributions bolsters
Kerans upbeat compositions and makes this a solid project worth spinning in your disc player.
Thursday, April 7th, 2005 9:50 AM
The Salem Evening News
Satch Kerans celebrates release
of new CD tonight in Salem
By Rebecca Schoonmaker
Correspondent
SALEM — The deadly fire that destroyed the Elliot Chambers rooming house in Beverly 21 years ago left many local residents devastated.
But Tom "Satch" Kerans was inspired. So inspired, he not only wrote a song about the tragedy, but he named his latest CD after it.
Tonight, Kerans will celebrate the official release of "Elliot Street" with a performance at the Dodge Street Bar and Grill.
The release party will mark the completion of the first solo project from the Danvers-born singer, songwriter and guitarist, who is the lead singer of the popular Boston band The Catalinas. After heading up the band since 1981 and touring with such musicians as Roy Orbison and Little Steven Van Zandt, Kerans, 47, decided it was time to go solo.
"I had songs I definitely wanted to do, and I didn't want to negotiate anymore," Kerans said. "I needed the freedom."
One of those songs was title track to his new album. The song recounts the disastrous 1984 fire that left 15 people dead. It's an incident that Kerans has not been able to shake from his memory since it happened.
"What struck me was that it was the last stop for a lot of indigents, a lot of homeless people," he said. "That whole series of circumstances was something that stuck with me."
This song, as well as the album's closing song, "I'm Gone," a tribute to his late parents, are the two that stand out most to Kerans himself.
He selected "Elliot Street" as the title of the CD as well after finding a common theme throughout the record.
"I felt like all the characters in the songs were kind of down on their luck and looking for a break, but still kind of finding hope," Kerans explains.
One of the CD's biggest fans is Kerans's longtime friend, fellow musician and owner of the Dodge Street Bar and Grill, Frank Presutti Jr., who already has a favorite song on the CD.
"'When Push Comes to Shove' is excellent," Presutti said. "He's got some interesting stuff going on."
Kerans spent two years working on the CD, which he recorded at Witch Doctor Recording in Salem. He says he sticks to his traditional rock sound, influenced by artists like John Lennon, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan, but fans of The Catalinas can also expect something new and different; "I'm Gone" is a ballad in which Kerans is accompanied by only a piano.
Kerans will be appearing at Dodge Street as part of Salem State College's WMWM concert series. He says he enjoys playing at the venue, which he calls "one of the best clubs on the North Shore." His performance will be backed by a full band with a short acoustic set at the beginning.
Presutti urges people to "get off the couch" and come see some live music.
"This is quality, free entertainment," Presutti said. "(Satch) has worked hard. He's done it all."
Kerans — who was given the nickname "Satch" by his older brothers after former Boston Celtic Tom "Satch" Sanders — says he has plans to continue his solo work in the future.
"I'm anticipating doing more acoustic, coffeehouse-type work," he said.
He also has plans to get back together with The Catalinas.
When he's not on stage or in the studio, Kerans teaches special education at Swampscott High School. He and his wife, Michelle Alekson Kerans, live in Rockport.
Thursday, February 3rd, 2005 3:51 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SATCH KERANS RELEASES SOLO CD
North Shore based musician Tom "Satch" Kerans has released his first solo CD entitled "Elliot St." Kerans is a singer, songwriter and guitarist drawing on such influences as Graham Parker, Peter Case, The Smithereens, and Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers.
The founder and front man of the Boston based band The Catalinas, Kerans has opened shows for national acts including Little Steven Van Zandt, The Outlaws, NRBQ, Charlie Sexton, and South Side Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Kerans opened a show for Roy Orbison four days before the legendary singer´s untimely death. In the 1980´s The Catalinas developed a strong local following and garnered extensive airplay on Boston radio powehouse WBCN as well as as numerous college stations throughout the country.
Recorded at Witch Doctor Recording in Salem, "Elliot Street" marks the first solo effort by Kerans who, in addition to handling all of the vocals, guitars and playing harmonica, served as producer. His longtime bandmate Lenny Dunn joins him on drums. Additional musicians include Russ Lawton, coming off of a Trey Anasstasio tour, on percussion; Mike Maciver on Hammond B-3 organ; Ron Chane on bass; and Steve Kerans on tambourine. In addition, Doug Major, former music director of The National Cathedral in Washington D.C., plays piano on the ballad "I´m Gone". Kerans describes the songs on "Elliot Street" as being about characters that are, "Down on their luck; just barely hanging on to jobs, relationships and society, yet somehow finding hope." Some of the songs have been staples in his live set for nearly a decade while others were written as recently as August of 2004. The CD will be available at live shows, local record outlets, CD Baby.com as well as Kerans´own website: www.satchk.com. A CD release party will be announced. Satch lives on Cape Ann with his wife Michelle Alekson Kerans.
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