Musician of the Year, that is saying a lot. Not only could you have been a part of an album that make a splash, or write songs that are great, you command the ever living sh*t out of your instrument (or in most of these cases instrumentS…plural) and entertain, smile, and infect audiences with a feelings of warmth and happiness while doing so. To you, my friends, I salute you. Now, lets meet the nominees for Musician of the Year in this year’s BIG REDS!…

Eric Lichter – One man, one hundred instruments. That statement isn’t too far off when describing this songwriter-producer-engineer-studio musician-multi-instrumentalist-and all around great human being. Lichter has produced and played an impossible to count number of instruments on countless recordings over the years. His taste is impeccable and his ear even more so. Always adding the right vibe to a recording. Oh, and I did mention he is an incredible songwriter and performer in his own right? Yeah, and how about that voice?

Andy Santospago– The guy who plays with everyone. His personality may be understated and he comes across as a quiet guy, but his playing is HUGE.  Seen with a slew of folks from The Bean Pickers Union to Miriam to popping up ad hoc with friends, Andy is a staple in the music community here in town.  His Boston Singer’s Project was one of the cooler projects I have seen in recent years and just shows the respect this guy commands from his peers around town.

Lyle Brewer– Brewer is constantly evolving and challenging himself as a songwriting…being an instrumentalist makes that “THAT” much harder, and he never fails to impress. His latest release ‘ Juno’ was awe inspiring, with “the power to make each note speak as if he was using words” and  “I mean it when I say that Brewer’s music is beauty in it’s most pure form. It is intense and passionate and thoughtful.” I hate to be lazy in my review here and re-use things I have said, but I have a hard time describing it better than that.

Eva Walsh – I once referred to Eva Walsh as “the most tasteful musician I have had the pleasure of playing with. She knows exactly what to play, when to play it and never overdoes it”…I still believe that in many ways. Eva has since picked up a gig with the folk rock outfit Kingsley Flood and lends her talents to the relentlessly touring group of Americana rockers. On full display is how adaptable her playing in across genres, whether she is reading a classical sonata from a music stand, accompanying sad songs in minor keys, rocking with a full electric band, or picking a guitar or uke solo, she always locks in and knows the right sound and feel for the occasion.

Zach Hickman– Perhaps the most fun musician to watch on stage is this gent. Animated, and he moves when he plays, really moves. So much so that he will get YOU moving with him. He plays his instrument, not the other way around, as is the case with a lot of folks I see out and about town. The man is in control and aware of everything around him when he plays and able to adapt to pretty much anything throw at him. A truly brilliant player and entertainer.

Isa Burke – Isa is a great singer and songwriter in her own right, she shines in her band Lula Wiles on fiddle duties and playing some pretty mean flatpicking solos on guitar as well. Hell, last show I show them play even had her jumping on the upright bass for a number. As versatile a musician as they come and a true showwoman who commands the stage and the audience’s attention, whether with her voice or her talents on her instruments.

Greg Toro- Another guy who you can see in any number of bands on any night of the week. Versatility is the name of the game folks and Toro has that in spades. Whether it be with Dan Blakeslee on stage at Tweed River, traveling about with Amy Kucharik, or with Strange Changes this guy seems to be all over the place in who he plays with, but able to hone in the rhythm section and give folks a firm base (get it, cause he plays  bass?) to lay their music over.

Matt Lorenz (aka The Suitcase Junket) – What’s a bit different about Lorenz compared to our other nominees is that while many of them play instruments alongside other musicians and make them sound great,  Matt plays multiple instruments himself…at the same time…and sounds great. When he takes on the form of The Suitcase Junket, he can be seen playing percussion (with both feet), guitar, harmonica, and throat singing all at once to create a HUGE one man show that is always a sight to behold and sounds to make your whole body quake.

VOTE NOW!!!