This Friday (February 3) night at Chan’s you’ll be able to catch Thom Enright and his band the Night Drinkers, with Marty Ballou on bass, Marty Richards on drums, Steve Burke on keys, and Tom Ferraro on guitar. That may not sound like a huge deal, especially if you’ve been around here long enough to know that Enright’s nothing less than an institution on the local music scene. But this Friday is different. The grizzled guitarist, with a mile-long musical resume that lists stints with Roomful, Robillard, Cafferty, Montgomery, and Lyon, will be releasing his first album in 15 years. And while we can’t say it’s been worth the wait — anything that takes 15 years to come along is hardly that — it’s an excellent record and without question a great cause for your huzzahs.
“You know, it was a pretty enjoyable experience as far as getting it made,” says Enright, who recorded the all-analog disc with Jack Gauthier at Lakewest on two-inch tape to 24-track. “It took about a year to make it, but it wasn’t one of those ugly, hair-pulling situations.”
And why would it be? Over the years, Enright has worked with some of the best musicians in the area and he called on them to help with this record. “I had access to some wonderful talent,” he says. “The guys were so inspirational to me, especially Dave Mattacks and Marty Ballou, who were so solid and helpful.”
Intoxicated is a combination of Enright originals and a handful of souped-up covers. Of the former, the lead title track stands out, with some wicked riffs and an edgy arrangement. Of the covers, Enright’s stab at Brian Wilson’s “Don’t Worry Baby” pays the biggest dividends, while Percy Mayfield’s “Never Say Naw” is a sultry piano blues straight outta New Orleans, and his version of Mose Allison’s “Fool’s Paradise” closes the disc with some of his strongest vocals. Enright, already a savvy bass player and accomplished guitarist, pushed himself as a singer here, ranging from cool and quiet to rough and growling. “I don’t consider myself a singer at all,” he admits. “I did it out of necessity. But vocally, making this record helped me quite a bit. I just went for vibe. It could have been done more perfectly, but I really wanted it to have the right feel.”
Surely, after 15 years, it’s gotta feel great to get another album out. Enright laughs, “It’s been a long time coming. The way I see it, you gotta please yourself every once in a while.”
Thom Enright | Chan’s, 267 Main Street, Woonsocket | Feb 3 | 401.765.1900
