An inspiring Hot Stove Cool Music

MUSIC REVIEW

January 16, 2012|By Scott McLennan

Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks at the Paradise on Saturday. (Kayana Szymczak for the Boston Globe)

Hot Stove Cool Music brought out the best in people Saturday at the Paradise. Inspired musical moments occurred on the stage, while donations flowed from the audience to the event’s beneficiary, Foundation to be Named Later, which funds several youth programs.

Baseball writer Peter Gammons and former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein helm the event, which began in 2000. This installment included rookies the Remains, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Deer Tick alongside seasoned vets Kay Hanley and Bill Janovitz. Epstein, who is now with the Chicago Cubs, enjoyed a warm return.

After Robin Lane and singers from the Home for Little Wanderers performed an original piece by the kids, the Sprained Ankles delivered a rollicking set of pub rock.

Hanley and her band followed, and the former Letters to Cleo singer has not lost her edge. The Remains likewise seemed to be in an eternal prime. The Remains rarely convene since their 1966 breakup, yet the band sounded impassioned blasting through garage-rock staples “Don’t Look Back’’ and “I’m Talking About You.’’ The band also premiered its Red Sox-themed “Monbo Time’’ with the tune’s inspiration, 75-year-old Bill Monbouquette, cheering on from the balcony.

The HSCM All-Stars - a revolving cast with Janovitz and Mike Gent generally keeping an eye on things - produced several riveting moments. Tanya Donnelly reprised Belly’s “Feed the Tree’’ and ripped it up on “Cry One More Time,’’ with J. Geils Band’s Seth Justman, the song’s co-author, on keys.

Actor Mike O’Malley, who served as emcee, belted out the Who’s “The Seeker,’’ and Lane crafted a thoughtful version of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.’’

Tedeschi (who grew up in Norwell) and Trucks pushed the show over the top. “Angel From Montgomery’’ showcased Tedeschi’s superb vocals, while “Key to the Highway’’ let Trucks deploy his explosive guitar work. Tedeschi and Trucks marshaled the all-stars through lively versions of Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight’’ and the Beatles’ “I’ve Got a Feeling.’’

After the all-stars, HSCM recast itself as a powerful indie-rock show with Mean Creek and Deer Tick.

For a finale, Janovitz led a crew of the local talent through a punched-up jam session of Rolling Stones tunes.