Headphone Heroes

From the click and clack of the fingers on the keyboard to that ringing in your ear, it is the debut of Headphone Heroes. Every issue features three musical artists who stand out. "Ah, for just one time I would take the Northwest Passage, to find the hand of Franklin reaching for the Beaufort Sea." Any nautical historians would recognize what the Northwest Passage is. The Northwest Passage is a sea route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the Arctic Ocean. Stan Rogers was the artist who penned those lyrics for the song "Northwest Passage." Stan Rogers was a Canadian folk musician and songwriter. What set Rogers apart from other folk singer songwriters was his rich baritone voice and his intricate songs. Canadian history is a common subject for many of his songs. Rogers also sung about the daily lives of common people as well as the fishing villages of the Canadian Maritime Provinces. He has released five studio albums. His last "From Fresh Water" was released posthumously in 1984. Rogers died on June 2, 1983 of smoke inhalation while traveling on Air Canada Flight 797.

Key Songs • "Bluenose" • "Northwest Passage" • "Barrett's Privateers" http://www.stanrogers.net

In the styling of Roots of Creation emerges another band from Franklin Pierce. The aptly named Trailer 4 House Band is surf/reggae/acoustic trio comprised of Skye Perry (vocalist, percussionist, guitarist), Russ Viola (lead guitarist, backing vocals) and Jeff Anderson (guitarist, vocalist, percussionist, and harmonica.) The band formed by jamming together at Trailer 4 in the fall of 2007. When I asked the band about their musical influences the band explained where their songs come from. "Too many musical influences to list. We write our songs from our own life experiences. I guess you could say we are greatly influenced by roots reggae, acoustic sounds, and mostly nature." The band's future plans include heading to New York City this summer to begin recording new tracks. The guys are playing a few local shows around the region including the Invisible Children benefit on 5/6 and The Sunflower Café in Fitzwilliam, NH on 5/7. The Trailer 4 House Band Live CD is now available for five dollars. According to the band, "Won't break your bank, but will expand your mind." For more information about the live CD please contact Eric Schoner. Key Songs • "Smoke My Mind" • "Winter In New England" • "Officer Pat" http://www.myspace.com/trailer4houseband

I bet hearing the lyrics, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby," brings of Judy Garland in black and white in the Wizard of Oz. Think again! "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was a cover by 758 pound Israel Kamakawiwo`ole in a medley that included "What a Wonderful World." His version has been featured in countless movies, television shows, and commercials. Kamakawiwo`ole was a native Hawaiian musician. His instrument of choice was the ukulele. To date, Kamakawiwo`ole has released three studio album. He released Facing Future in 1993 which debuted at #25 on Billboard Magazine's Top Pop chart. In 2005, Facing Future became Hawaii's first certified platinum album according the Recording Industry Association of America. Sadly, Israel Kamakawiwo`ole died in weight-related respiratory illness in 1997.

Key Songs • "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" • "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" • "White Sandy Beach Of Hawaii" http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/IZ.aspx