I am a big advocate for the use of a community to elevate members within that community and let their voices be heard to say “hey, these folks are great, they should be recognized”. Yesterday, we announced the folks who had an overwhelming amount of support from all of you reading this. The Songwriter, Band/Act, Album, and Musician that, in 2015, you said deserved some form of recognition.

Well, I don’t suppose that I would be too far off in hypothesizing that I likely listen to a far more diverse amount of music contained within the genres of roots/folk/rock than the vast majority of people who listen to music. My inbox is constantly filled with new stuff from people I have heard of from around town to artists from around the globe that I never have heard of. I try and listen to everything I can and share what I think is something special I think other folks really should take a bite out of. Hopefully in some way that leads to a new artist gracing your ears or an old favorite getting some good words spouted about their latest project. But, I digress. In initiating the Big Reds last year I felt it fruitful to elect two of my own recognitions. Two different categories in which I select a band or artist or act that I personally felt was impactful in how I listen to music or experience it.  Artists who struck me in such a way that made me feel or do a double take and think “wow, that is incredible”. Music that has stuck with me long after listening and I still repeatedly spin to this day. These are the Red’s Choice: Artist of the Year and Red’s Favorite Find of 2015…

Favorite Find of 2015: There is something in the water at the Berklee School of Music that the rest of Back Bay isn’t allowed to taste. Somehow incredible bands keep coming out of that place. I suppose its not a surprise given it is a music school and highly regarded, but nonetheless I am always impressed with what comes across from the Roots program in particular. Last year’s Favorite Find would become one of my all time favorite bands…period. And this year’s Favorite Find is looking to follow in that same pattern. If you have not heard of the folky trio Honeysuckle, well you should and will over the next year. With a slot at this past summer’s historic Newport Folk Festival and nominations in this year’s Boston Music Awards, the band may be young in their years but have souls and heart that span a lifetime rich in the ways of how to kick ass at your instruments, craft a great song, and pour yourself into your music. Plus, Holly McGarry’s voice is UNBELIEVEABLE.

Artist of the Year: To be a complete package when it comes to music it takes a lot. Talent, skill, dedication, perseverance, and most importantly a good sense of humor about it all and taking things in stride. 2015’s Red’s Choice for Artist of the Year has all those things in spades. Vocal harmonies that will melt your heart into mush, guitar runs that will set your hair on fire, and a versatility and challenging of their sound that is enviable at least and super human at it’s peak. The Meadows Brothers is a group that has it all. Their latest release “Won’t Be Troubled” was one of my favorite records of the year and the many times I saw the fellas live this year were each special in their own right. Funny on stage and two of the most impressive musicians I have come across, they blend their two separate personalities into one mindblowing sound that I have trouble putting into words…but man, do they have “it”.