Having said that, perhaps my own form of "caveat emptor," I can tell you that this release, self produced and containing the best CD booklet I have ever seen from a local artist-imagine, a lyric sheet on hard gloss paper-the first from the shoreline based October Moon is absolutely stunning debut.
The fault, many times, with local releases is that a combination of lackluster songwriting, production and peformance makes for a less than scintillating record. Not so with these guys. October Moon, now a performing quartet throughout Connecticut, began as a duet between Mark Mirando of Hamden and Jim Paradis of Madison. Together, and separately, they have written and performed the eight beautiful songs on this debut release, and the only negative that can be said is that the album is just too short.
Individually, the songs are quite moving. Paradis’ "Juniper Knoll," about his childhood near Branford, has hit qualities written over it, from the writing to the performance in Paradis’ wonderful delivery, to the musicianship and production. Likewise, Mirando’s "Autumn Skies" and "The Mirror" take an adult look at the wistfulness of loss.
This is a gem of a debut record. Find it where you can and catch October Moon live. You will not be disappointed.
(Note: this record may be purchased by contacting either artist at
jpparadis@snet.netor mmirando@snet.net)- Mark T. Gould